New research insists on the link between gut bacteria and the brain: encouraging the growth of useful bacteria would help manage anxiety and depression
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerous
probiotics to fight theanxiety. And yes, because it seems that these particular bacteria present in nature in the intestine safeguard our mental health. Therefore, if the close correlation between intestine and brain (that is, the brain uses the intestine to perform its functions and, conversely, a disordered intestine can cause problems even from a distance), so much so that the intestine is also called "second brain“, Now more than ever it is clear that the alteration of intestinal bacteria can also affect stress levels and increase anxiety.
This is demonstrated by researchers from the University of Oxford who, in one study published Psychopharmacology, say that promoting the growth of useful bacteria can help manage anxiety and depression. This is why the ingestion of prebiotics (substances which favor the growth of the intestinal microbiota) would modulate the processing of information linked to those emotional states.
READ also: Intestine second brain: why?
For the research, the researchers involved 45 healthy volunteers who were asked to ingest a prebiotic (or placebo) daily for three weeks. The results showed that, compared to a control group, those taking the prebiotic showed less tendency to pay attention to negative information, considered a key component of disorders such as anxiety and depression.
People who had ingested the prebiotic also had lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, closely linked to anxiety and depression. In short, like the most common (and harmful, antidepressants or anxiolytics.
"Many have yogurt in the refrigerator - says Dr. Kirsten Tillisch, first author of the study - and they think they eat it because they like it, because of the calcium or because they think it could help their health in other ways. Our findings indicate that foods like yogurt can actually change how the brain responds to the environment. When we consider the implications of these studies, the sayings 'you are what you eat' and experiencing 'gut feelings' take on new meaning ”.
Once again, therefore, it is clear how the role of the intestinal microbiota is of fundamental importance for our health. In fact, not only does it regulate the digestion of food, the absorption of fundamental nutrients and defend against pathogens, but it is also always in contact with the central nervous system, affecting our moods. How to take care of our intestines then? Read all the here our advice!
Germana Carillo
READ also:
Probiotic and prebiotic foods: what they are, benefits and where to find them
Anxiety: not only natural remedies but also the right diet
15 natural allies in the prevention and treatment of intestinal parasites
