'Gut feeling' may be linked to mental wellbeing
Posted 10 months ago by Jacob in General Health News
Probiotics may not just benefit gastrointestinal health but also mental wellbeing, new research suggests that probiotic modification of the gut may influence the brain and affect mood. These are the findings of research from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Centre, USA. Their paper suggests how neurochemicals delivered directly to the gut via probiotics could exert beneficial effects to the hosts' psychological wellbeing. Lead researcher, Professor Mark Lyte commented, "There is already evidence to suggest that the connection between gut microbes and the nervous system represents a viable route for influencing neurological function." In his research Lyte considers the selection of neurochemical producing probiotics and how the active uptake of neurochemicals are then circulated around the body via the bloodstream. Dr Gregor Reid from the University of Western Ontario commented, "Lyte's concept is supported by studies showing that microbes can produce and respond to neurochemicals, which can induce neurological and immunological effects on the host...the novelty lies in highlighting the fact that microbial strains are already being widely ingested through fermented foods and dietary supplements, some of which are termed probiotic, can produce neurochemicals."
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Reference: Lyte, M. et al.(2011) Probiotics function mechanistically as delivery of vehicles for neuroactive compounds: Microbial endocrinology in the design and use of probiotics. Bioessays. Published online ahead of print
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