Prebiotics effect on mental health!
Hey Uplifters,
We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy! We understand that times are slightly challenging for everyone and the current situation can have a negative affect on our mental health, which is why we decided to share with you guys a journal article from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information on the effect of prebiotics on mental health!
The study opens with explaining the connection between the central nervous system and gut microbiota which is through the gut-brain-axis. Research has proven that inflammation of the gut has been linked to causing mental illnesses including anxiety and depression. Prebiotics and probiotics have the ability to restore microbial balance and thus reduce symptoms of mental illnesses.
The article then demonstrates how inflammation on your GI tract can place stress on the microbiome. This is due to the release of neurotransmitters and cytokines. Cytokines are a large group of proteins released by the immune system. This elevated level of cytokines causes an increase in the blood-brain barrier which influences the brain function and thus can lead to anxiety, depression and even memory loss. The diagram below illustrates this inflammatory response.
The study then shares how studies have been conducted on animals to demonstrate the positive relationship between probiotics and the immune response. The study elucidated that probiotics provide a neuroprotective role by preventing stress-induced dysfunction in neurons.
Overall, the study concluded the link between the gut, brain and microbiome demonstrates the importance of a healthy microbiome, especially the gut microbiota for patients with anxiety or depression. Further research is needed to conclude the use of probiotics as therapy for anxiety and depression but the there no harm in practicing a healthy diet with lots of prebiotics and probiotics to help improve your gut microbiome and possible help alleviate mental illness symptoms.
You can try one of our many recipes with prebiotic fiber packed ingredients on our website, or try our recently launched Gut Happy Cookies here, packed with prebiotics and other health benefits!
We hope this article was helpful for you all, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
In good gut health,
Team Uplifters!