Studies suggest that being nude among others without a sexual character can help improve one's perception of their own body. ^[1] A study published in Molecular Psychiatry on 2026-01-01 found that neuroactive potential of bacteria living in the human gut is associated with levels of key chemicals in the brain. ^[2] The researchers stress that the findings show associations rather than cause and effect because the study was cross-sectional. ^[3] A study involving 849 participants showed that those who practiced naturism reported greater life satisfaction due to a more positive self-image and higher self-esteem. ^[4] In the UK, approximately one in eight adults has experienced thoughts of suicide or felt insecure about their appearance. ^[5] Kerem Soylemez, an assistant professor of psychology at Regents University London, stated that naturism encourages a more positive attitude towards appearance and improves self-esteem. ^[6] Professor Kathrin Cohen Kadosh stated that the study shows the gut microbiome and brain chemistry relationship is not uniform across the brain but is regionally specific. ^[7] The research team investigated 61 healthy young women ages 17-25 using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure GABA and glutamate in three brain regions. ^[8]