Can probiotics soothe your anxiety?

Can probiotics soothe your anxiety?

If you’re stressed, eating fermented foods like pickles, yogurt, and kombucha can make you less anxious.

One study found that people who ate more fermented foods had fewer symptoms of social anxiety. To conduct this study, the researchers gave 700 students questionnaires about their consumption of fermented foods in the previous month and asked them to declare their mood. The study also asked them about their exercise and nutrition habits so researchers can monitor them. [1]

Researchers found that students who ate the most fermented foods reduced their social anxiety. And the effect was greater in those who were at genetic risk for social anxiety disorder.

Probiotics in fermented foods are likely to positively affect the intestinal environment, and intestinal changes, in turn, influence social anxiety.

These initial results highlight the possibility that social anxiety can be alleviated by low-risk nutritional interventions.

Researchers are considering examining other mind-gut connections to see if there is a correlation between eating fermented foods and symptoms of autism.

Previous studies show that fermented foods aid digestion. We can use them to treat acne, rosacea and boost the immune system. [2]

Want to add more fermented foods to your diet?

Try these tart and healthy foods:

Sauerkraut
tempeh
Kimchi
Miso (soup)
Yogurt
Umeboshi plums (dry, salty and tangy plums)
Kefir
Pickles (choose the refrigerated type and say “live and active cultures”, not the pasteurized type sold in bottles at room temperature.)
Kombucha
Soft and fermented cheeses
Raw apple cider vinegar
Poi (basic ingredient of traditional Hawaiian cuisine)
Natto (highly flavored soy dish is popular in Japan)