What are psychobiotics?
Psychobiotics are a group of probiotics that impact the central nervous system (CNS) related functions and behaviors regulated by the gut-brain-axis to improve not only the gastrointestinal (GI) function but also the antidepressant and antianxiety capacity.
Researchers have found psychobiotic strains that inhibit inflammation and decrease stress hormone cortisol levels, resulting in an improvement of symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The microbiota plays critical roles in human health. Specifically, dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) of the gut is correlated to various diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). For example, lower Bifidobacterium and/or Lactobacillus concentration were observed in subjects with major depressive disorder. In addition, it has been observed that patients with Alzheimers have a decreased number of Bifidobacterium . According to a recent study, the relative abundances of anti-inflammatory bacteria, including the genera Blautia, Roseburia and Coprococcus, were significantly lower in fecal samples from patients with Parkinson’s disease.
The brain and the gut microbiota may bidirectionally communicate via neurotransmitters, immunomodulation, the ENS and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
Here are some examples of bacteria strains and the potential impact on neurotransmitter production. GABA and serotonin are produced by Lactobacillus brevis, Bifidobacterium dentium and Lactobacillus plantarum. GABA known as Gamma-aminobutyric acid is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter known to counterbalance the action of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. Serotonin is believed to help regulate mood and social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire and function. Acetylcholine is produced by Lactobacillus plantarum. Acetylcholine is believed to play a role in arousal, attention, memory and motivation.
In conclusion, researchers continue to study microorganisms for their positive impact on mental health and this exciting field continues to grow with hopes of alleviating mental illness via understanding our bacteria,
References:
Lydiard, R. Bruce. “The Role of GABA in Anxiety Disorders.” The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2003. Accessed August 01, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12662130.
“Figure 2f From: Irimia R, Gottschling M (2016) Taxonomic Revision of Rochefortia Sw. (Ehretiaceae, Boraginales). Biodiversity Data Journal 4: E7720. Https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.4.e7720.” doi:10.3897/bdj.4.e7720.figure2f.
