Adieu Anxiety, Hello Happiness
“Let food be thy medicine”, said Hippocrates, who is considered as the father of medicine.
What we eat dictates how we feel, physically and mentally, and has the potential to heal us in several ways. Healthy food make us feel good inside out by interacting with our gut microbes.
Regulation of gut microbiota by prebiotics or probiotics has been shown to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A recent extensive systematic review of the studies evaluating the effects of probiotics on depression and anxiety reveals significant effect of probiotics on major depression in adults. Although further research is needed to decipher the complex network and relationship between the gut bacteria and brain health, the studies so far have revealed a great potential of probiotics to contribute to improved mental health.
Advances in research have shown that gut microbiota are actively involved in regulating brain function via the gut-brain axis. Gut-brain axis is the communication network between the gut and the brain via several tissues, nerves, and chemicals. Stress or anxiety prompts the brain to transmit signals to the gut which can lead to an upset stomach. Likewise, gut health disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease can trigger anxiety or depression.
Gut microbes release neurotransmitters which connect gut to brain. A neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is produced by gut microbes and helps regulate fear and anxiety. Serotonin, another neurotransmitter, is the happy chemical in our bodies, and is mainly produced in the gut. Improving brain health can be possible by modifying the type of microbes in your gut.
Such interdependence provides an opportunity to improve brain health by improving gut health.
A cup of GoodGuts probiotic tea or coffee ensures that more than a billion CFU (colony forming units) of the probiotic, Bacillus coagulans, are administered to your gut.
A daily dose of happiness through the probiotics is an easy way to maintain healthy gut microbiome and good mental health.
** addition by Claire from goodguts. Bacillus coagulans is a soil-based lactic-acid bacteria. Its effect on the gut is like a “housekeeper” – it kills off any bacteria that is causing your gut bacteria related health issues. The longer you take it – the better the balance of good vs bad gut bacteria. There are multiple studies on the improvement of anxiety & depressive symptoms taking just Bacillus coagulans. This includes IBS related depression.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Akanksha Gandhi, has a Ph.D. in food microbiology with a focus on probiotics and their responses in food products. She has published several book chapters and research articles on this subject. Akanksha is passionate about writing articles, healthy food and lifestyle, and a nice cup of tea. In her free time, she loves going for walks and exploring new places with her family.