Probiotic bacteria might be able to alter brain neurochemistry and treat anxiety and depression-related disorders. At the University College Cork, Ireland, they do some of the most progressive research on probiotics in the world. (Click HERE to visit their website.)

Researchers there found that mice fed Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 showed “significantly fewer stress, anxiety and depression-related behaviours than those fed with just broth. Moreover, ingestion of the bacteria resulted in significantly lower levels of stress-induced hormone, corticosterone.”

Now, while I’d be interested to take a little side journey in this blog about how they determined those mice were less stressed, I’m going to trust that the researchers had a method for determining that.

In medicine, there’s always been an acknowledgement of the connection between your brain and your gut (just think about nerves right before you give a speech – where do you feel it?!). But this study identified a pathway through which gut organisms altered mouse brain chemistry and behavior.

It’s really exciting to see all the research being done and the connections being made. It makes me realize how important it is that I take my supplements – probiotics first, of course! – to get and stay healthy.  (Though always remember to check with YOUR doctor before adding any supplement to your diet.)

Go with your gut,
Dr. Shekhar Challa

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