### Decoding the Gut-Brain Axis: How Probiotics Influence Mental Health
Often hailed as the ‘second brain,’ the gut holds significant sway over our mental health. Recent research in neuropsychology points to a complex connection known as the gut-brain axis. By exploring this connection further, we can unravel ways to leverage it for ensuing mental wellness. This article seeks to demystify the gut-brain axis and how probiotics play a critical role.
## Unraveling the Gut-Brain Axis
Firstly, we need to understand this gut-brain axis. It’s a bi-directional communication system that links the nervous systems of the gut and brain, which can influence each other mutually. This connection plays a significant role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis and overall health. Since over 70% of our immune cells reside in the gut, it becomes pivotal in modulating immune responses and optimizing mental health. Disturbances in gut microbiota can influence brain chemistry and impact mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
## Probiotics and Mental Health – Is there a connection?
Probiotics are live microorganism supplements, most often bacteria similar to beneficial varieties found naturally in our guts. Research suggests that these ‘friendly’ bacteria offer myriad health benefits, including improved digestive health and bolstered immune system.
But how does taking probiotics connect to mental health? The gut is in fact saturated with nerve cells that communicate with the brain. It produces many of the same neurotransmitters that the brain does, including serotonin—the key hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness.
Probiotics, when consumed in adequate amounts, help balance the bacteria in your gut, enhancing its ability to communicate with the brain effectively via the gut-brain axis. This neurochemical communication can influence your mood and mental state.
## Probiotics and Research- Backed Evidence
Numerous studies have shed light on the probiotics’ potential benefits on mental health. A research paper published in the “Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility”, conducted a study using a rodent model, which showed that supplementation of certain probiotics reduced anxiety-like behavior and significantly improved cognitive function.
Apart from preclinical trials, clinical trials too are providing positive indicators. A review of 15 human studies found that supplementing with Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains for 1–2 months can improve anxiety, depression, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and memory.
A 2019 review of studies found that taking probiotics may help reduce symptoms of depression however, the authors cautioned that further studies are needed to understand and verify these findings.
## The Way Forward
The gut-brain axis provides a door to a revolutionary way of approaching mental health. Probiotics, due to their potential role in modulating the gut microbiota, are poised to be at the forefront of optimizing mental wellness.
Yet, we stand at the early stages of understanding the intricacies of the gut-brain axis and its potential health applications. It’s essential to note that while probiotics seem promising, they should not replace traditional mental health treatments until we gain a deeper understanding backed by comprehensive scientific evidence.
In conclusion, probiotics can be an additional tool in our arsenal for ensuring mental wellness. A healthy gut contributes to a healthy mind—an updated version of the old adage, ‘you are what you eat,’ perhaps should now be, ‘you feel what you eat.’
> **Disclaimer:** Information in this article aims to provide awareness and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any new supplement regimen.
References:
1. Kim, N., Yun, M., Oh, Y. J., & Choi, H. J. (2018). Mind-altering with the gut: Modulation of the gut-brain axis with probiotics. Journal of neurogastroenterology and motility, 24(2), 197.
2. Huang, R., Wang, K., & Hu, J. (2016). Effect of probiotics on depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients, 8(8), 483.
