Probiotics are well-known for their positive impact on digestive and immune health. However, emerging research suggests that these friendly bacteria can also benefit mental health. In this article, we will discuss five surprising ways that probiotics can improve mental health.
1. Reducing Anxiety and Depression
According to a study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, participants who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium for eight weeks experienced significant reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those who took a placebo.
Another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that participants who consumed a probiotic-rich yogurt every day for six weeks had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and reported feeling less stressed compared to those who did not consume the yogurt.
2. Enhancing Cognitive Function
Probiotics may also enhance cognitive function, according to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. The study found that participants who consumed a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, and Bifidobacterium bifidum for 12 weeks had better memory and attention compared to those who took a placebo.
3. Improving Sleep
Research suggests that probiotics may also improve sleep. A study published in the journal Beneficial Microbes found that participants who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum for four weeks had better sleep quality compared to those who took a placebo.
4. Decreasing Inflammation
Inflammation is a contributing factor to many mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Probiotics may help decrease inflammation in the body, according to a study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. The study found that participants who took a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus plantarum for four weeks had lower levels of inflammation compared to those who took a placebo.
5. Regulating Mood
The gut-brain connection is a well-established connection where the gut and brain communicate through the gut microbiome. Probiotics may help regulate mood by influencing the gut microbiome, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients. The study found that participants who took a probiotic supplement containing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus for four weeks had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those who took a placebo.
Conclusion
Probiotic supplementation may be a promising avenue for the treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and dementia. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind the effects of probiotics on mental health, the positive findings thus far suggest that probiotics may hold significant potential in supporting mental health and wellbeing.
References:
- Wallace, C. J. K., Milev, R., & Miskiman, D. (2017). The effects of probiotics on depressive symptoms in humans: a systematic review. Annals of General Psychiatry, 16(1), 14.
- Messaoudi, M., Violle, N., Bisson, J.-F., Desor, D., Javelot, H., & Rougeot, C. (2011). Beneficial Psychological Effects of a Probiotic Formulation ( Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) in Healthy Human Volunteers. Gut Microbes, 2(4), 256–261.
- Li, H., Shen, L., Fang, Z., Yang, L., & Chen, W. (2019). Improving the quality of sleep through probiotic interventions: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Synthesis,
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