Prebiotics like Akkermansia help improve the mucin layer in the colon. Lower amounts of these beneficial bacteria actually contribute to gut health. The weird part is Akkermansia actually eats the mucin layer. You would think that would cause a less dense mucous layer, but the presence of Akkermansia actually causes goblet cells in your gut produce more mucin which strengthens the mucous layer. We also know that gut health can and does affect the nervous system.