The Surprising Ways Probiotics Can Improve Your Mood
Probiotics are commonly known for supporting gut health, but what many people don’t know is that the benefits of probiotics go far beyond just digestive health. A growing body of research suggests that probiotics may also have a significant impact on mental health, specifically on mood regulation. In this blog post, we will explore the surprising ways in which probiotics can improve your mood and overall well-being.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial for your health, particularly your digestive system. They are often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria and can be found naturally in many foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso. Probiotics can also be taken as supplements.
How Do Probiotics Affect Mood?
Recent studies have discovered a link between gut health and mental health, and researchers are beginning to explore the role that probiotics play in mood regulation. The theory is that probiotics help to foster healthy gut bacteria, which in turn leads to a healthier gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis is the connection between the gut and the brain that allows the two organs to communicate with one another.
When the gut microbiome is imbalanced or unhealthy, this communication can be disrupted, leading to a range of physical and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. By promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria, probiotics may help to restore this balance and improve mood.
Evidence Supporting the Mood-Boosting Benefits of Probiotics
While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of probiotics on mental health, several studies have already suggested that probiotics may offer mood-boosting benefits:
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression: A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials involving over 1200 participants found that taking probiotics significantly reduced symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
- Improved stress response: A 2016 study found that taking probiotics daily for four weeks led to a significantly lower stress response in participants when compared to those taking a placebo.
- Enhanced resilience: A 2018 study found that taking a particular strain of probiotics called Bifidobacterium longum for four weeks improved resilience to stress and reduced symptoms of anger and hostility in participants.
Choosing the Right Probiotic
If you’re interested in trying probiotics to improve your mood, it’s important to choose the right strain. Different strains of probiotics have different benefits, and not all are created equal when it comes to mental health. Some of the best strains for improving mood include:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: This strain has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall mood.
- Bifidobacterium bifidum: This strain has been linked to improved cognitive function and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Bifidobacterium longum: This strain has been shown to enhance resilience to stress and improve mood in several studies.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus: This strain has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as improved stress response.
- Streptococcus thermophilus: This strain has been shown to improve overall well-being and reduce symptoms of fatigue and stress.
Conclusion
Probiotics have been shown to provide many health benefits, including improved digestive health and a stronger immune system. However, the evidence is also suggesting a positive impact on mental health, specifically on mood regulation. Incorporating probiotics into your diet or taking supplements can be a natural and effective way to boost your overall well-being. If you’re considering taking probiotics for this purpose, be sure to choose the right strain that has the potential to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
