The Gut-Brain Connection: Can Probiotics Improve Your Mood?

Ever felt butterflies in your stomach when worried about something? Or negative thoughts stormed you when your tummy was upset? Well, it is because of the connection between the gut and the brain. Yes, you read it right. Your brain communicates with your gut more than it interacts with any other parts of your body. So, what is the relation between gut health and anxiety? Why is there a growing interest in recent years for finding out how probiotics can help support mental health? Here is the answer.

Keep reading this article to learn about the gut-brain connection, the role of probiotics in supporting mental well-being, and the lifestyle changes that can help optimise gut-brain well-being.

The Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis consists of a communication network through which the Central Nervous System (CNS) connects with the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). ENS or ‘the brain in your gut’ is a network of over 100 million neurons located in the digestive tract that control various digestive tract functions. The vagus nerve works as a communication line between the CNS and ENS in the gut-brain axis. It sends the signals both ways: from the brain to the gut and vice versa. This way, a relationship is established between mental health and gut health.

This is why you face stomach disturbance when you are stressed or anxious and feel depressed when you are coping with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, diarrhoea, or other stomach issues.

Probiotics and Mental Well-Being

The use of probiotics for mood improvement is comparatively a new concept. Probiotics, live bacteria and yeast, are important for maintaining and restoring a healthy gut microbiome. They balance the gut microbiome, which is necessary for maintaining mental health.

Probiotics are believed to improve digestive health and are used to help relieve diarrhoea and bloating. Recent studies suggest that the effects of bacteria in the GI system send signals to the CNS. This may mean that there is some connection between GI conditions and mental disturbances, and better GI health achieved with probiotics may also help improve mental health.

Best Probiotics for Gut-Brain Well-Being

Though more research is needed to determine the impact of probiotics on the gut-brain connection, probiotics supplements like the following may influence the gut-brain axis and help support mental health while improving digestive health:

• Blackmores Probiotics + Daily health: Capsules to help restore good gut flora, relieve digestive discomfort, and support general well-being.
• Qiara Everyday Probiotic Powder: Probiotic powder to help support gastrointestinal system health and daily health and well-being.
• Life-Space Double Strength Probiotic: Capsules to help restore beneficial gut bacteria, support healthy digestive system function, and general health & well-being.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Optimise Gut-Brain Well-Being

You can make the following changes to your lifestyle, along with adding probiotics supplements to your diet to support your digestive health, thus helping your mind stay relaxed:

• Opt for A Balanced Diet: Include fibre-rich foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This helps promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. These gut bacteria are instrumental in producing short-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to support brain health. Addition of salmon, flaxseeds, and fermented foods, like yoghurt, can also help fortify the gut-brain axis by reducing the risk of mood disorders.

A healthy gut is also important for general well-being. Read why gut health matters for a healthy life, to learn more.

• Exercise Regularly: Studies suggest regular physical activity may help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Besides, exercise helps reduce stress. This way, exercise assists in supporting a healthy gut-brain axis. Engage in moderate exercise regularly to make your tummy and brain feel happy.
• Take Quality Sleep: Disrupted sleeping patterns can affect the gut microbiome balance and can increase stress levels, thus worsening mental health. Maintain a consistent sleeping schedule, create a relaxed environment for a peaceful sleep, and try to avoid stimulants before bedtime. It helps support a positive mood and improve both the gut and the brain’s well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some questions you might have regarding probiotics, which are considered important for gut-brain well-being:

Q. How much time does it take for probiotics to improve mood?

A. Research suggests that it takes about two weeks for the probiotics to improve negative feelings. The effects, like overall improved wellness, may take four to six weeks to be visible.

Q. For how long can I take probiotics?

A. You may take probiotics for as long as you want their support. Most probiotics do not stay in your gut indefinitely, and that is why their regular intake is required for maintaining their effects. However, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional when you start using probiotics.

Q. What are the signs that I need probiotics?

A. If you are experiencing digestive issues, like bloating and irregular bowel movements, food intolerances, getting sick frequently, or have developed skin issues, it is good to start taking probiotics. Do not miss checking with your healthcare provider, though.

In a nutshell

The brain’s interaction with the brain in the gut establishes a relation between gut health and mental well-being. Whereas more research is needed to indicate a definitive connection between gut disturbance and its adverse impact on mood and mental health, the use of probiotics may help improve digestive health and, as a result, mental well-being. Explore the vast collection of healthcare products available at healthsupplements.com.au at incredible prices, and order all that you need to relax your tummy and stay happy.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and not medical advice.