The Right Yoghurt Helps Social Anxiety and Depression

The microbiome consists of those populations of bacteria that live in our gut. And scientists have been studying the environment of the human microbiome, to see how it affects our health.

Interestingly, stress-related disorders significantly change our gut bacterial populations and this can affect our immunity, neural function, and behaviour, because of the importance of gut-to-brain signalling, via the vagus nerve. 

A particular strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus rhamnosus appears to modulate GABA receptor expression, and modulate the development of anxiety and depression.

Chronic severe stress is associated with inflammation and the susceptibility to gastrointestinal dysfunction. Also, there appears to be strong evidence for a relationship between gastrointestinal symptoms and psychiatric disorders.

Gut dysbiosis can promote anxiety and cognitive dysfunction like behaviours, which are correlated with increased activation within the brain, including the amygdala, which is the brain's fear centre. Adding Lactobacillus rhamnosus to the diet, however, has reduced anxiety and depression-like behaviours.

As an added bonus, probiotics can also have positive effects on blood sugar and weight loss, because the formation of short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate) by the gut microbiota, have positive effects on hepatic lipid and glucose homoeostasis.

Just remember to avoid the sugar-laden varieties of yoghurt when you are making your selection.




References
 

Fermented Milk Containing Lactobacillus casei Strain Shirota Preserves the Diversity of the Gut Microbiota and Relieves Abdominal Dysfunction in Healthy Medical Students Exposed to Academic Stress Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 2016 82 (12) 3649-3658

Gut Microbiota and Brain Function: An Evolving Field in Neuroscience Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2016 19 (5) pyv114

Gut microbiota, obesity and diabetes Postgrad. Med. J. 2016 92 (1087) 286-300

Systematic review of evidence to support the theory of psychobiotics Nutr Rev 2015 73 (10) 675-693

Bested, A. C., Logan, A. C., & Selhub, E. M. (2013). Intestinal microbiota, probiotics and mental health: from Metchnikoff to modern advances: part III – convergence toward clinical trials. Gut Pathogens, 5, 4. http://doi.org/10.1186/1757-4749-5-4 

 

Luo J, Wang T, Liang S, Hu X, Li W, Jin F (2014) Ingestion of Lactobacillus strain reduces anxiety and improves ... of Lactobacillus strain regulates emotional behavior and central GABA receptor expression in a mouse via the vagus nerve. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 

Morrison, D. J., & Preston, T. (2016). Formation of short chain fatty acids by the gut microbiota and their impact on human metabolism. Gut Microbes, 7(3), 189–200. http://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2015.1134082