Shreya Wunnava

How is the gut microbiome composition influenced by the Mediterranean diet in comparison to the Western diet/ How does the gut microbiota & diet affect the HPA axis and symptom severity of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Started Feb. 26, 2025

Abstract or project description

This project explores how the gut microbiome, a diverse community of microbes living primarily in the intestines, affects human health, particularly mental health. A healthy microbiome, supported by diets rich in fiber and nutrients like the Mediterranean diet, promotes strong gut barriers and the growth of beneficial microbes such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which aid digestion, immunity, and mood regulation. In contrast, the Western diet, high in fat, sugar, and artificial additives, disrupts gut microbial balance (dysbiosis), weakens the intestinal lining, and promotes inflammation through harmful bacteria and toxic compounds like LPS. These disruptions are linked to chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Emerging research shows that people with major depressive disorder often have reduced microbial diversity, and treatments like probiotics or microbiota transplants from healthy individuals may alleviate symptoms.