Probiotic Bacteria Found In Yogurt Kefir May Help Improve Mood

Probiotic Bacteria Found In Yogurt Kefir May Help Improve Mood



Probiotic Bacteria Found In Yogurt, Kefir May Help Improve Mood

  • Researchers at the University of Virginia, School of Medicine have uncovered a new way in which Lactobacillus, a probiotic bacteria in yoghurt and kefir, aids in managing stress.

  • This finding may pave the way for novel approaches to combat mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. The study sets Lactobacillus apart from the larger microbiota and reveals how gut bacteria can influence mood disorders via immune system regulation.

  • This discovery holds promise for innovative treatment options for various diseases and conditions, from mental to physical health concerns. Furthermore, it provides insight into the intricate world of the human microbiome and probiotics.


In a new study published in Brain, Behaviour and Immunity, scientists have figured out how a type of bacteria called Lactobacillus, which you can find in yoghurt and fermented foods, helps our bodies handle stress.


This research is necessary because it tells us precisely what Lactobacillus does, unlike the many other tiny creatures living in our bodies.


These tiny creatures, called microbiota, are getting much attention from scientists because they might help us fight diseases and stay healthy.


This study could lead to new treatments and even cures for various diseases affecting our minds and bodies.



Does The Gut Microbiota Influence Depression And Anxiety?


Researchers have increasingly acknowledged the significant importance of these tiny organisms and their complex interactions in preserving the well-being of our immune systems, our mental health, and various other aspects of our general health.


Changes in the microbiota, whether caused by illness, unhealthy dietary decisions, or other factors, are recognised for their involvement in many diseases and can even support the progression of cancer.


As a result, scientists have become increasingly excited about the possibility of fighting diseases by focusing on the microbiota.



The Absence Of Lactobacilli Exacerbates Mood Disorders.


To study depression more, the scientists used a group of bacteria called Altered Schaedler Flora. This group had two types of Lactobacillus bacteria and six other kinds of bacteria in it.


This particular group of bacteria helped them make mice that had Lactobacillus and mice that didn't, without needing to use antibiotics.


The researchers showed how Lactobacillus bacteria affect the way mice behave and how not having these bacteria can make depression and anxiety worse.


They discovered that Lactobacillus bacteria from the Lactobaccillacea family are essential for keeping a substance called interferon-gamma at the proper levels. This substance helps the body handle stress and prevents depression.



Probiotic Supplements For Depression?


The scientists are ready to create new ways to stop and treat depression and other mental health problems that involve Lactobacillus.


For example, people who have depression or are in danger of getting it might someday get special probiotic pills made to increase the good Lactobacillus bacteria in their bodies.


Gut Health And Stress


Two experts who were not involved in this study shared their thoughts on the research:


One expert noted that previous studies have suggested a connection between the composition of the gut microbiome and stress, but understanding this link has been a challenge in earlier research.


The expert also mentioned that while it has been established that higher levels of Lactobacillus are associated with better mental health, the effects of probiotics on mental well-being have yielded mixed results in research. However, this study illustrates that mice lacking Lactobacillus are more sensitive to environmental stressors due to changes in their adaptive immunity system, which is essential for handling stress.


Moreover, this research emphasises that it's not merely disruptions in microbial communities that lead to stress, but precisely the absence of Lactobacillus that contributes to a decreased ability to tolerate stress in mice and affects the levels of IFNy, an essential immune mediator.


Psychobiotics


Another expert highlighted that the relationship between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis, is an increasingly important area of research in psychological disorders. This connection emphasises how closely linked gut microbiota and brain functions are.


The expert also pointed out that an imbalance in the microbial ecosystem, known as dysbiosis, is often observed in individuals dealing with stress or mood-related disorders. Many studies consistently report a significant decrease in the Lactobacillus family of bacteria in such cases.


Furthermore, it's worth noting that Lactobacillus is considered a "psychobiotic," a term used to describe live organisms that, when consumed in sufficient quantities, can provide mental health benefits to individuals.



Can Probiotics Treat Anxiety And Depression?


These bacteria have shown their potential to enhance mental health through the gut-brain axis, improve stress resilience, reduce behavioural issues in preclinical and clinical studies, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in humans.


The current research demonstrates that when mice lack Lactobacilli from birth, they become more vulnerable to stress. Stress, in turn, can lead to a decrease in Lactobacillus levels. Transferring the microbiome from stressed animals to germ-free animals can trigger anxiety and depression-like behaviours while suppressing a critical immune protein called IFNγ, crucial for stress resilience.


These findings hold promise for the development of therapies and probiotics to address mood disorders, which have been challenging to treat successfully. These therapies may target the Lactobacillus deficiency and specifically regulate the IFNγ balance.


This study opens up new possibilities for exploring therapeutic approaches focusing on gut microbiota to mitigate stress-related disorders. It may lead to developing tailored probiotic solutions that complement existing treatments. Ultimately, this animal study adds valuable insights to our understanding of how gut microbiota can influence neurological functions, especially in the context of mood disorders like anxiety and depression.


Probiotic Foods To Eat To Boost Mood


For individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, or gut-brain issues, consuming foods that are rich in probiotics containing Lactobacillus, such as kefir, kombucha, miso, kimchi, and more, could be a beneficial way to influence gut bacteria positively and support the body's response to stress.


While it may be too early to recommend specific probiotics for people struggling with mood disorders, most adults can consider trying high-quality probiotic supplements, which are unlikely to cause harm and might offer benefits. However, consulting a healthcare provider before starting new supplements is crucial, as they may only suit some.


As the field of psychobiotics continues to advance, healthcare professionals should incorporate this knowledge into their treatment plans for mental health conditions. People might find it helpful to proactively include probiotics and prebiotics in their diets to promote gut health. This could offer a practical approach to managing stress and mood-related disorders. A diet with plenty of fibre, fermented foods, and various fruits and vegetables can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome and potentially support mental well-being.


If you require assistance, you can seek guidance from a healthcare professional, such as a Mobi Doctor.



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