“...understanding the gut-brain axis and its relationship to the microbiome can open a whole new world of therapeutic options for different kinds of diseases.”

“Now, we’re really interested in psilocybin because of its ability to potentially ameliorate mood disorders that are so comorbid with gut disease”

“During the ceremony, the extraordinary contribution of women in science was celebrated among a distinguished audience of scientists, academics, opinion leaders, politicians, public authorities and organizations promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.”

“People think, well, of course, you’re anxious or depressed because you have these chronic illnesses, but it’s actually not just the psychological burden of disease,” Matisz said. “But rather changes in your brain resulting from the gut inflammation that can drive these mood disorders.”

“But when you have chronic gut inflammation (caused by Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, such Crohn’s disease and colitis), you also have chronic inflammation in your brain, and that can actually change the brain structure and function. So instead of having these sickness behaviours which go away once your body has dealt with the gut infection, you actually have chronic changes in your brain, and that can manifest as depression and anxiety.”