Psychobiotics: Probiotics That May Impact Mood
What are pychobiotics? They're mind-altering probiotics that researchers say can enhance the gut-brain connection, boosting mood, decreasing anxiety, and easing depression, among other benefits.
In this research paper from University of Health News, the connection between probiotics and mental health has been covered in some depth.
It’s hard to believe that by altering the bacteria in your gut, you can better handle stress, improve your mood, and even treat your anxiety or depression. But an explosion of research into the fascinating world of the gut-brain connection is showing just that. We now know that you can alter your gut bacteria in a way that positively affects your mood and brain function. One of the primary ways you can do this is by taking psychobiotics.
So What Are Psychobiotics?
Psychobiotics are live organisms that, when ingested in adequate amounts, produce a health benefit in patients suffering from psychiatric illness.[1]
But this definition, coined in 2013, is too limiting based on the latest research showing that you don’t need to have clinical depression, an anxiety disorder, or some other psychiatric disorder in order for psychobiotics to positively affect your brain.[2]
Anyone suffering from chronic stress, low mood, or anxiety-like symptoms has the potential to benefit from this class of probiotics.
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