Introducing Probiotics
You might have heard of probiotics as being good for your gut. These are live bacteria and yeast that are good for your digestive system. They are like the superheroes of your gut, keeping it healthy by fighting off bad bacteria and improving nutrient absorption. But did you know that probiotics can also improve your mental health?
The Gut-Brain Connection
The gut-brain connection refers to the communication between your gut and brain. Your gut has its own nervous system, known as the enteric nervous system, which is connected to the central nervous system in your brain. This means that what happens in your gut can affect what happens in your brain, and vice versa.
Studies have shown that probiotics can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. This is because your gut produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which affect your mood and behaviour. Probiotics improve the production and regulation of these neurotransmitters, leading to improved mental health.
Probiotics and Depression
Depression affects over 300 million people worldwide, making it the leading cause of disability. Many studies have shown that probiotics can improve symptoms of depression, and even prevent it from developing. A study published in the journal Gut Microbes found that a Lactobacillus strain probiotic effectively reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in participants.
Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that probiotics were effective in improving symptoms of major depressive disorder. Participants received a probiotic supplement consisting of several strains for 8 weeks and had significantly reduced depression symptoms compared to the control group.
Probiotics and Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide, causing feelings of fear, worry and unease. Studies have shown that probiotics can improve symptoms of anxiety, making it a potential treatment for these disorders. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that a Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic reduced symptoms of anxiety and improved overall mood in participants.
Another study published in the journal BMC Gastroenterology found that a multi-strain probiotic supplement reduced anxiety symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. This suggests that probiotics could be beneficial for individuals with anxiety disorders that are associated with gut problems.
Probiotics and Stress
Stress can have numerous negative effects on your mental and physical health, making it important to find ways to manage it. Probiotics have been shown to be effective in reducing stress levels, making them a potential treatment option. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that a multi-strain probiotic supplement reduced stress levels in healthy adults.
Another study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that a probiotic supplement improved stress levels in medical students during their exam period. This suggests that probiotics could be helpful for individuals who experience stress in their daily lives.
The Bottom Line
Probiotics are not just good for your gut, but also your mental health. They can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress by improving neurotransmitter production and regulation. So if you’re looking to improve your mental health, consider adding probiotics to your daily routine. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality supplement and speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
