More and more research is showing how diet can impact our brains
More and more of us suffer mental health issues - and more and more research is showing how diet can impact that
The brain-gut connection
So how are these bugs in your belly and your mind connected?
Psychologist on behalf of Healthspan and co-author of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Navigating Your Way To Recovery Dr Megan Arroll explains: ‘The brain-gut axis (BGA) is a bi-directional communication system between your gut microbiome and your brain.
'When we talk about brain-gut interactions the actual brain is often referred to as “the big brain” and the enteric nervous system in the gut as “the small brain”.
'The big brain is the most important for balancing the digestive system, appetite and weight control but research has shown that the trillions of organisms that live in our gut (the microbiota) also have a key role to play in health.
'This is an exciting development as we can actively influence the gut environment offering potential new avenues for a range of treatments.’
Hungry for more
So could the increasing numbers of us experiencing stress, anxiety and possibly depression be helped by investing in probiotic foods and supplements? Possibly.
‘Although research is booming,’ Dr Arroll says, ‘we are still in the early stages. There are numerous studies using animals but still few human research studies. One involving patients with IBS and another with those living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome showed taking probiotics did improve their psychological health.’
In fact, the small 2017 study from McMaster University in Canada involving 44 adults who had IBS and moderate anxiety and depression showed that after six weeks 64 percent of the group taking probiotics revealed reduced anxiety and depression symptoms compared to 32 percent given a placebo.
Another trial from 2016 on 40 patients with major depressive disorder showed those given probiotic supplements over eight weeks showed a significant reduction in their depressive symptoms compared to those given a placebo.
A 2016 systematic review of five randomised controlled trials concluded it ‘supports the role of probiotics in reducing the risk of depression’.
Various studies on healthy adults given probiotics have also shown they can boost mood and help make us better able to handle stress and anxiety.
One theory is that healthy bacteria produces key neurotransmitters, like serotonin, chemicals that regulate mood and which are said to have similar effects to some anti-depressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Serotonin is known to create feelings of optimism, confidence and general well-being.
As Dr Arroll points out additional research and larger trials are needed but what there is, is compelling and making us hungry for more.
Source : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6023703/Could-food-change-mood-psychologist-explains.html
Source : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-6023703/Could-food-change-mood-psychologist-explains.html
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