Did you know that the microbes in your gut support a resilient mindset and fermented foods are an easy way to get more microbes! We dive into the benefits that bacteria might have for beating the blues all year long
Because the gut plays a vital role in the production of the neurotransmitters responsible for keeping us happy, healthy, and sane, it’s no surprise that there are many bacterial and yeast strains present in both Kombucha and Kefir that might help you improve your mood so that you can enjoy all of the wonderful things that the warmer seasons have to offer.
Fermented Foods & Depression
Top 5 Takeaways - "Lactobacillus from the Altered Schaedler Flora maintain IFNγ homeostasis to promote behavioral stress resilience"
Here are the top 5 takeaways from the research on Lactobacillus and its impact on mental health:
Role of Lactobacillus in Mental Health: Lactobacillus bacteria, particularly those found in the Altered Schaedler Flora (ASF), help maintain mental health by influencing the body’s response to stress and protecting against depression and anxiety (SciTechDaily) (Neuroscience News).
Interferon Gamma (IFNγ) Connection: These bacteria help regulate levels of interferon gamma (IFNγ), an immune system mediator that plays a crucial role in managing the body’s stress response and maintaining mood stability (Neuroscience News).
Innovative Research Method: The study used a unique approach with gnotobiotic mice (mice with a controlled microbiome) to isolate the effects of Lactobacillus, allowing researchers to observe the specific impact of these bacteria without other microbial interference (SciTechDaily) (Neuroscience News).
Potential for Probiotic Treatments: The findings suggest that specially formulated probiotics containing beneficial Lactobacillus strains could be developed to prevent and treat mood disorders, providing a natural way to support mental health (SciTechDaily).
Foundation for Future Research: This study offers new insights and tools for further research into how maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria can influence brain function and behavior, potentially leading to novel therapies for mental health conditions (Neuroscience News).
As we continue our exploration in this series on the functional benefits of bacteria, it becomes evident that Kombucha, Kefir, and all fermented foods may play a significant role in jumpstarting your return to a sunny outlook and a happier life!
Shop our selection of starter cultures, as well as our continuous brew kits, and turn your kitchen into your home’s FARMacy!
