A recent scientific study conducted by researchers in Singapore has revealed that gut bacteria may be responsible for anxiety and mental health disorders, suggesting that probiotics could be a potential solution to these issues.
اضافة اعلان
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in certain foods and supplements that play a crucial role in supporting gut health and maintaining microbial balance.
Yogurt and fermented milk are natural sources rich in probiotics, containing beneficial bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which aid digestion, improve nutrient absorption, reduce inflammation, and may also help lower anxiety and stress levels, according to Al Jazeera Net.
The Link Between Gut Microbes and Anxiety
According to researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School and the National Neuroscience Institute in Singapore, tests conducted on mice demonstrated a significant link between gut microbes and anxiety-related behavior. Their findings, published in the EMBO Journal of Molecular Medicine, revealed that microbial metabolites called indoles, produced by gut bacteria, play a direct role in regulating brain activity related to anxiety.
The research team emphasized that these findings open new possibilities for probiotic-based treatments to improve mental health, stating that they are already conducting clinical trials to test the effectiveness of such treatments.
Dr. Patrick Tan, Senior Vice Dean for Research at Duke-NUS Medical School, explained that this study highlights the connection between microbiota, nutrition, and brain function. He noted that the findings hold tremendous potential for individuals struggling with stress-related conditions, such as sleep disorders or those unable to tolerate traditional psychiatric medications.
Global Scientific Interest in the Gut-Brain Connection
This study follows groundbreaking research from Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, which identified a link between a specific type of gut bacteria and depression.
Additionally, in January, a team of French and Italian scientists announced a major scientific breakthrough, using X-ray imaging to uncover processes that connect gut nerves to the brain—mechanisms that could potentially play a role in triggering Alzheimer’s disease.
These discoveries reinforce the growing body of evidence that gut health is intricately linked to mental and neurological well-being, making probiotic-rich foods like yogurt an essential component in maintaining a healthy mind and body.
