There are quite a few so called “axes” where the brain is involved. The most studied is hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dealing mostly with stress and the sleep/wake cycle and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis reproduction, life cycle, and sexual dimorphism & behavior. Recently, emerging evidence supports the existence of communication axes between other organs as well, with the central role of the brain remaining. The gut-brain-skin axis is thought to be responsible also for the stress challenge that, if not managed, can cause skin inflammation and the hair growth inhibition. The good news is, there are ways to deal with the challenge by improving of the microflora of the guts by probiotics (Exp Dermatol. 2010 Jan 25).

For example, myocardial infarction (heart attack) causes the release of pro-inflammatory substances that may affect the function of other organs including various structures brain where they result in an increase in cell death (J Psychopharmacol 2009, 23, 451–459; Biol Psychiatry 2006, 59, 430–433) while the friendly probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum taken in combination reduced these adverse effects (British Journal of Nutrition (2009), 102:1420-1425).

A spectacular result proving the gut-brain axis influence on the quality of life has been presented in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2007, 61, 355–361). Those participants of the double blind controlled trial who reported themselves to be constipated infrequently were more clearheaded, confident and elated. When the participants prone to be depressed at the onset of the trial where treated with probiotics, they responded by reporting themselves as happy rather than depressed while these changes were not observed in the control group taking milk drinks containing no probiotics.