### The Amazing Impact of Probiotics on Mental Health: Bridging the Gap between Gut and Brain
Did you know that your gut can influence your mental disposition? Recent scientific research [suggests a profound connection between the gut and the brain, especially concerning mental health](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/ ). In this post, we will unravel the science behind these claims and explain how probiotics, the ‘good bugs,’ can play a role in optimizing our mental wellbeing.
Our intestine doesn’t only digest and absorb nutrients. It also houses trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi – collectively termed as the gut microbiota. These microbes aren’t just our body’s freeloading tenants. They interact with each other and us to maintain our health or sometimes, serve as the origin of an illness.
Interestingly, the gut microbiota has been linked with the functioning of diverse organs, including our brain. Through the [gastrointestinal tract-brain axis](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/), a two-way street of communication between the gut and the brain, our gut inhabitants can “talk” to our brain, and vice versa.
#### The Gut Microbiota and Mental Health
When the gut microbiota’s balance is disrupted, it can lead to glitches in the gut-brain axis, affecting mental health. [Research](https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection) suggests a correlation between gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiota) and neuropsychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and even autism and schizophrenia.
#### Probiotics: The Gut and Brainpal
This is where probiotics arrive on the scene. Probiotics, which literally means “for life,” are live bacteria and yeasts that confer health benefits. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are common probiotics you might have come across in yogurt and supplements.
By restoring the balance in the gut flora, probiotics [can potentially modulate the gut-brain axis](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00025/full), thereby impacting mental health.
#### The Science Behind the Theory
In [a review](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00025/full) analyzing 10 random clinical trials, seven showed significant benefits for using probiotics in treating mood, anxiety, and depressive disorders compared to placebo.
Furthermore, [a study](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-nutrition/article/gut-to-brain-interaction-of-probiotics-in-antidepressant-induced-rat-model/2616288355A95751F9EB5B0987A596A9) found that rats treated with probiotics were less prone to depressive-like behavior compared to a control group, strengthening the case for probiotics’ mental health benefits.
#### Takeaway
The gut-brain axis is a fascinating and complex topic that we’re only beginning to understand. While more extensive research is required to decipher the exact mechanisms, the potential of probiotics in the realm of mental health is promising. So, next time you reach for a yogurt, remember, you might be doing your mind a favor too!
Under the guidance of a health practitioner, consider integrating probiotics into your diet through foods or supplements. Remember, health is always a holistic journey, encompassing diet, exercise, mindset, and of course, gut health!
Though the word “bacteria” often rings alarm bells, it’s time we learn to befriend and nurture these little bugs for our gut and mental health, truly symbolizing the adage – your body is a temple; treat it like one.
“_Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit._” – B.K.S Iyengar
> **Disclaimer**: This blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek your healthcare provider’s advice before making any dietary changes or starting any nutrition, weight control, or exercise program.
_*Sources used throughout the article have been linked via hyperlinks_.
