Probiotics have long been known to be great for gut health, but did you know that they can also have surprising benefits on mental health? In this blog, we’ll dive into four of the most notable ways probiotics can benefit mental health.
1. Probiotics can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Research has shown that certain strains of probiotics can have a positive effect on mental health. In particular, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been found to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression in both animals and humans.
A study published in the journal Gut Microbes found that a combination of Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with clinical depression.
Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that participants who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium bifidum experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to a placebo group.
2. Probiotics can improve cognitive function
The gut and brain are connected via the gut-brain axis, which means that the health of the gut can impact the health of the brain. Research has found that probiotics can improve cognitive function by positively impacting the gut-brain axis.
One study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility found that a probiotic supplement containing Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus improved cognition and memory in participants with Alzheimer’s disease.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that participants who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis experienced improvements in cognitive processing speed and visual memory.
3. Probiotics can reduce stress
Stress can have a negative impact on mental health, but probiotics may be able to help. Research has found that probiotics can reduce stress and improve resilience to stress.
A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that participants who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum had lower cortisol levels (a hormone associated with stress) compared to a placebo group. The probiotic group also reported feeling less stressed and more relaxed.
4. Probiotics can improve mood
In addition to reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, probiotics may also be able to improve overall mood. Research has found that probiotics can increase levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are often referred to as “feel-good” chemicals.
A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that participants who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus casei experienced an increase in serotonin levels, as well as improvements in mood and cognitive function.
Conclusion
While probiotics are often associated with gut health, they can also have surprising benefits on mental health. Probiotics can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and improve mood. If you’re looking to boost your mental health, consider adding a probiotic supplement or probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi) to your diet.
