The connection between the gut and the brain is vital for brain health.
Stress is overwhelming society, and improving your gut may be a great way to alleviate your stress. Probiotics are live bacteria that brings beneficial effects to your body, including the brain. It works by working locally in the gastrointestinal tract and takes advantage of the wonderful direct connection between the gut and the brain.
In a clinical trial of one hundred and three individuals, the administration of lactobacillus plantarum 8 reduced significantly stress, anxiety, and inflammation with an increased in cognition/memory when compared to placebo (1).
Without a doubt, fixing your gut can help the brain. If you have mood issues, remember your gastrointestinal tract!
Other more rigorous research demonstrates the beneficial effects of probiotics on patients with psychiatric disorders and inflammation (2).
Clear your mind by taking care of the gut!
David Rivas, RPh, MSc, CCN
Pharmacist and Nutrition Coach
References:
(1): Lew, L. C., Hor, Y. Y., Yusoff, N. A. A., Choi, S. B., Yusoff, M. S., Roslan, N. S., ... & Liong, M. T. (2019). Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum P8 alleviated stress and anxiety while enhancing memory and cognition in stressed adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Clinical Nutrition, 38(5), 2053-2064.
(2): Amirani, E., Milajerdi, A., Mirzaei, H., Jamilian, H., Mansournia, M. A., Hallajzadeh, J., & Ghaderi, A. (2020). The effects of probiotic supplementation on mental health, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 49, 102361.
Disclaimer: The information is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnosed or treat any disease. Always consult with your primary care physician before initiating any supplements.