A groundbreaking wave of research suggests that the trillions of fungi quietly inhabiting our bodies may be doing much more than previously believed, potentially influencing our brains and behavior in ways just starting to be understood. This emerging field, often called “the mycobiome,” is yielding clues that the fungi living throughout our gut, skin, and even brains could have direct links to depression, anxiety, and neurological disorders—a revelation with major implications for health and medicine in Thailand and beyond.
For years, scientific investigations focused mostly on bacteria when mapping the microbiome, the vast ecosystem of microorganisms that coexists with human cells. But recent advances, highlighted by researchers reported in the BBC Future article on fungi and the mind, are pushing fungi into the spotlight. These scientists argue that just as gut bacteria can affect mood and cognition, so too might fungi—shaping everything from our immune response to the risk of developing mental illnesses.
This news is particularly relevant for Thai readers as the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and mood disorders rises nationwide and health authorities seek novel approaches to mental health challenges. Thailand’s climate, cultural practices, and traditional foods create a unique landscape for both fungal exposure and gut health; South East Asia is known for its distinctive fermented cuisine and diverse fungal species, both in the environment and diet. Understanding how these fungi interact with the body could one day inform local prevention and care strategies.
The BBC’s report details how researchers have discovered fungal cells in the bloodstream, sinuses, lungs, and even deep within the brain. In a landmark 2022 study cited by the article, traces of fungi—primarily Candida species—were found in the brains of patients with neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia. While the findings are controversial and require further study, they add weight to the theory that microorganisms, including fungi, may influence inflammation and cognitive function. As one expert in the article notes, “We know bacteria can synthesize neurotransmitters and communicate with the brain. There’s every reason to think fungi might also have an impact.”
Research into this “gut-brain-fungi axis” is still in its infancy, with major questions about cause and effect. Some scientists argue that people with brain disorders may simply have weaker immune systems, making them more prone to infection. Others point to possible “cross-talk” between gut fungi, bacteria, and the immune system, with implications for brain health. According to current hypotheses, fungi could affect the lining of our gut—altering the release of molecules that travel to the brain, modulating mood and cognition through the vagus nerve, a key highway of communication between the digestive tract and central nervous system (Nature Reviews Immunology).
Thai medical researchers are beginning to take note. According to a prominent microbiologist in a leading Bangkok university, “The potential for a fungal influence on mental health is an exciting, unexplored territory. We are already familiar with the impact of gut bacteria, but our fungal co-inhabitants could be equally significant, especially given our diet and environment in Thailand.” Traditional Thai dishes such as fermented fish (pla ra), sticky rice with yeast cultures, and various edible mushrooms not only contribute to nutritional richness but may also alter the composition of internal fungi.
Thailand’s Department of Medical Sciences has also flagged a growing interest in the role of the microbiome in public health and is considering pilot studies to analyze the fungal composition in both healthy individuals and those with mood disorders or cognitive decline. However, some infectious disease experts urge caution, reminding the public that not all fungi in the body are harmless. While some may have beneficial effects, opportunistic species can trigger infections—especially in people with reduced immune function.
The cultural history of fungi in Thailand is rich, as evidenced by the popularity of mushroom foraging and the use of medicinal fungi in traditional remedies. For many Thais, the idea of living side by side with fungi is not surprising. Yet awareness of these organisms as potential actors in mental health is new. In rural areas especially, where traditional food fermentation methods thrive and hygiene practices can be variable, the interplay of fungi, gut health, and wellness may be particularly relevant.
Looking forward, experts believe the next decade could bring an explosion of insights. Ongoing studies in Europe, the US, and East Asia are already mapping how various fungal species interact with the immune system and the nervous system. The eventual goal: novel therapies using targeted “psychobiotics”—probiotics that affect the mind or mood—not only incorporating beneficial bacteria but also potentially “mycobiotics” designed to balance helpful fungi.
For Thai healthcare providers and citizens, this research brings a reminder: Good hygiene, diverse traditional diets, and appropriate medical care remain key to managing both gut and general health. For those with chronic allergies, digestive issues, or unexplained mental health changes, emerging diagnostic tools may soon enable doctors to assess the fungal component of the microbiome.
In summary, scientists worldwide—including those in Thailand—have only just begun to chart the dazzling diversity of fungi living within us. These tiny passengers may well play outsized roles in shaping our thoughts and emotions. For now, attentive eating, regular checkups, and curiosity about your own “inner ecosystem” are the best ways to stay healthy as the science unfolds.
Sources: BBC Future, Nature Reviews Immunology