Probiotics For Mental Health: Can It Help?

Probiotics are believed to be good organisms that are beneficial to our health. They are beneficial bacteria that exist naturally in foods like yogurt and kimchi. They are also available in pill or powder form. Probiotics are thought to improve digestive health, and they are often used to treat diarrhea or bloating. On the other hand, probiotics are also believed to help improve mental health. 

What is a Probiotic? And How Does it Help with Mental Well-being?

Probiotics combine live beneficial bacteria and yeasts that naturally live in your body. Bacteria is usually viewed negatively as something that makes you ill. But, you constantly have two kinds of bacteria in and on your body: good and bad. Probiotics help keep your body healthy. Probiotics help you in various ways, including fighting off bad bacteria when you have too much of it and helping you feel better.

The main job of a probiotic is to maintain a healthy balance in your body. Think of it as keeping your body neutral. When you are sick, bad bacteria enter your body and increase in number. It knocks your body out of balance. Good bacteria fight off the bad bacteria and restore the balance within your body, making you feel better. Good bacteria keep you healthy by controlling inflammation and supporting your immune function. Certain types of good bacteria can also:

• Help your body digest food
• Create vitamins
• Breakdown and absorb medications

Researchers are finding evidence that the effects of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) system send signals to the central nervous system, linking the gut with the brain. It could account for some known connections between GI conditions and mental illness. For instance, a higher-than-average number of people with irritable bowel syndrome also develop depression and anxiety. 

The link between probiotics and mood needs to be clarified. But experts have observed that certain foods boost mood. Just think of the comfort foods we reach for when we’re low, whether macaroni and cheese or a bowl of ice cream. However, this might be a mental or behavioural association. Rather than something triggered by bacterial responses to the nutrients in that food, it is likely that our brains associate eating that item with comforting or pleasant memories.

Role of Probiotics in Managing Symptoms of Depression

Depression affects an estimated 5% of adults globally, around 1 in 20 people. Even though treatments are available, including medicines and talking therapies, there is no cure.

Scientists are keen to find alternative, safe ways to help treat depression. In searching for better interventions, some researchers are turning to probiotics supplements with live bacteria. If you are considering trying probiotic supplements for depression, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider first. Probiotics are considered safe to use, but getting their advice before trying any new supplement or medication is generally a good idea.

In clinical trials, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus were most helpful for mental well-being. If you decide to take a supplement, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for dosage. Evidence taking at most the recommended amount offers any extra benefits.

Probiotics may be helpful, but they don’t replace therapy, medication, or other depression treatments. You might notice an improvement in your symptoms after you start taking probiotics, but it’s important to keep up with other treatments. It is especially true if you take antidepressants. Abruptly stopping these medications can have potentially serious psychological and physical effects. Instead, work with your healthcare provider to come up with a plan that will allow you to slowly taper off your medication if that’s something you’re interested in doing.

What Are The Benefits Of Probiotics For Cognitive Function And Memory?

Probiotics are the beneficial yeast and bacteria in the gut that keep you healthy. Research shows that probiotics make most of the body’s serotonin that sends messages and chemicals to the brain. So, it is safe to say that you can’t have a keen memory without a thriving gut. 

In a recent study, participants took probiotics and a placebo for four weeks. They scored higher on memory tests and reported less anxiety and stress while taking probiotics than a placebo.