Effectiveness of probiotics in beating anxiety is more than 52%. Various strains of bacteria are present in the probiotics, among which one particular type called the Lactobacillus rhamnosus can efficiently fight against anxiety. Several types of researches that concentrate mainly on the “microbiota-gut-brain axis” are still being carried to understand probiotics usage and its effectiveness.
Surprisingly, the results are phenomenal as probiotics can act as mood lifters too. They safeguard the body from a lot of infections. They also save the body from the dangerous effects of stress and anxiety. Yes, you read that right. Probiotics help treat anxiety.
How to Use Probiotics Effectively for Treating Anxiety?
Probiotics supplements can be ingested daily, depending on your requirement. You can also add the powdered form available in the market to your food or beverage. Our gut health is critical, so it is necessary to take good care of it. There are many beneficial bacteria present in the gut.
These can help us keep anxiety, melancholy, depression, etc. away. These good bacteria also help to regulate our bowel movements, helps boost gut health and prevent anxiety(1) or other mental ailments. Having probiotics for anxiety every day is a wholesome approach to solving this problem effectively.
[Also Read: Home Remedies For Anxiety]
How Do Probiotics for Anxiety Work?
Apart from just making the gut healthy and helping fight cholesterol, diabetes, and weight loss, probiotics can help with anxiety and other mental disorders.
The good bacteria present in our gut help produce chemicals like serotonin, melatonin, and acetylcholine. These chemicals are responsible for various functions performed by the brain, and influence our mood; they have an impact on our overall mental health. The wholesome approach to treating anxiety requires the assessment of the health of the gut, the performance of the immune system, the brain is functioning, etc. So probiotics help improve your overall health.
[Also Read: How to Treat Anxiety Using Natural Remedies]
Best Probiotics for Anxiety That You Must Try
Many types of probiotics are available in the market in the form of drinks, supplements, in powdered form, etc. You can choose any from the wide range of probiotics available. A study(2) has shown that probiotics produced small but significant impacts on depression and anxiety.
Foods
Many experts suggest trying whole foods that contain probiotics instead of having over-the-counter supplements.
- Yogurt: It is made from milk which is fermented by good bacteria, mainly lactic and acid bacteria.
- Sauerkraut: It is made with finely chopped cabbage that is fermented by lactic acid bacteria.
- Miso: It is a fermented food that contains active bacteria that are good for the gut. Miso soup is tasty and healthy.
- Pickled cucumbers: Cucumbers are left to ferment in a solution of salt and water. Live, active cultures of good bacteria grow on pickled cucumbers and make them suitable for the gut and overall health.
- Cheese: (Gouda, mozzarella, cheddar, and cottage cheese)
[Also Read: Herbal Remedies to reduce Anxiety]
Possible Side Effects/ Warnings?
There are no known harmful side effects of probiotics. Instead, probiotics are good for overall health.
But, in some cases, probiotics might cause gastrointestinal discomfort. It can cause excessive bloating. Some people take yeast-based probiotics supplements. For people taking such supplements, the most common problem can be constipation. Also, they could be often dehydrated. So, if you face any such problem, consult your doctor immediately.
[Also Read: Benefits of Chamomile For Anxiety]
Evidence to Prove its Effectiveness
Many comprehensive studies conducted have suggested that probiotics have some effect on anxiety. Specifically, those probiotics supplements that had Lactobacillus (L.) rhamnosus helped people keep the levels of stress and anxiety under control.
Other studies indicate that the gut and the brain are interconnected. Enhancing one could nurture the other to a great extent.
Probiotics can be an effective remedy to get rid of the anxiety which can cause intense sadness. Probiotics have high medicinal values that can treat a variety of diseases. Nowadays, doctors prescribe probiotics to help manage stress and anxiety. But it is always recommended to check with the doctor first before consuming probiotics. Talk to your doctor in case if any problem surfaces after using probiotics.
[Also Read: How to Relieve Stress and Anxiety ]
FAQs
1. Can Probiotics Cause Anxiety?
Probiotics act as mood lifters, and they can help in reducing anxiety. Thus, no probiotics do not cause anxiety.
2. Can Pregnant Women Take Probiotics to Control Anxiety?
Yes, if taken in an adequate amount, probiotics not only help reduce anxiety but also good for overall health. However, you can consult your doctor first.
