Oxytocin and the Gut Microbiome: A Bidirectional Relationship with Implications for Healthspan Optimization
This review examines the surprising bidirectional relationship between oxytocin and the gut microbiome, revealing how each influences the other to impact key pathways related to healthspan and gut health. While oxytocin is well-known for its role in social bonding and emotional regulation, recent research demonstrates its critical functions in regulating gut motility, enhancing barrier integrity, and modulating inflammation. Conversely, the gut microbiome has been shown to directly affect oxytocin production through complex gut-brain communication, influencing metabolic, immune, and neurological processes. The interplay between these systems has profound implications for managing gastrointestinal disorders, improving metabolic function, and extending healthspan, positioning oxytocin and the gut microbiome as promising therapeutic targets for enhancing longevity and overall well-being.
