When the word “probiotics” is mentioned, the first thing that pops into most individuals’ minds is gut health. They’re not wrong for thinking along these lines. After all, probiotics are the live microorganisms that help maintain a proper balance of the good bacteria in the digestive system.
But, did you know that probiotics also improve one’s mental health? That’s right. Several studies carried throughout history show the potential benefits of probiotics for mental wellbeing. Read on to learn more about the connection between the gut and the brain.
The Link Between Probiotics and Mental Health
To determine the role of probiotics in mental health, you first need to familiarize yourself with the gut and brain connection.
Now, experts discovered that the brain and gut are linked in several ways- a connection that’s usually referred to as the gut-brain axis (GBA).
The primary thing connecting these two parts is a biochemical signaling that joins the nervous system in the gut to the central nervous system (CNS)- which encompasses the brain and spinal cord. The nerve responsible for this biochemical signaling is known as the vagus nerve, and it provides a direct connection between the brain and gut.
Another way in which the brain and gut are connected is that they produce similar neurotransmitters.
To be a little more specific, this digestive tract has been found to produce several mood-regulating hormones like dopamine, serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid. As a matter of fact, a whopping 90% of serotonin is produced solely by the gut.
Given these similarities, it’s no wonder the gut is sometimes referred to as the “second brain.” In fact, there’s a ton of neural activity happening in the digestive tract. And as such, gut bacteria affects the performance of certain neurotransmitters.
This explains why external factors affecting the digestive tract also trigger response from the CNS. Similarly, issues affecting your mental health sometimes lead to gut problems.
Anytime your brain detects a problem, it relays a warning to the gut. This explains why you might experience a stomach upset when you’re stressed, traumatized or anxious. On the other hand, severe gastrointestinal problems – like Chron’s disease, acute constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – have been associated with mental health illnesses like depression and anxiety.
Benefits of Probiotics for Mental Health
Considering how the gut and brain are intertwined, it’s safe to say that whatever benefits the gut benefits the brain too.
In one study, researchers set out to investigate the impact of probiotics on mental health using mice. They divided the mice into two groups and administered probiotics – the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus – to one. The results showed that the mice given probiotics had lower stress and anxiety levels than those that weren’t.
Some might argue that the study isn’t entirely accurate as it used mice as subjects as opposed to human participants. However, there are other studies showcasing the potential benefits in humans.
A good example is this recent study conducted by the Translational Psychiatry. Based on the results, people with depressive symptoms were found to benefit from taking a high-dose of a probiotic supplement for a period of 31 days.
In a different study, a group of researchers compiled and analyzed ten clinical experiments relating to mental health and probiotics. They found a positive correlation between probiotics and a significant decrease in depressive symptoms.
Wrap Up
Although research is still ongoing, there’s enough evidence to prove that probiotics are good for your mental health. However, they should always be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
Furthermore, you should be mindful of the specific probiotic foods and supplements you choose to consume. This is particularly because probiotics supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
1 Corinthians 6:19 – 20 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” Part of honoring your body entails watching what you eat.
