I prefer the term “neurobiotics” to “psychobiotics” because it indicates a relationship between the gut and the brain. Researchers have determined that we have a Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) that connects our brains with our microbiome. So, it makes sense that the health of the microbiome would greatly affect the central nervous system via this GBA.
So, How Do Neurobiotics Work? Neurobiotics regulate the neurotransmitters (chemicals involved with transmission of neurologic information) which play a role in controlling the neural excitatory-inhibitory balance of mood, learning, memory, and executive function.
There are many different types of neurotransmitters involved in this process, but the main ones include:
Serotonin
Dopamine
GABA
Norepinephrine
Acetylcholine
Specific species of bacteria such as Lactobacillus brevis, L. plantarum, Bacteroides spp. and Bifidobacterium dentium all produce GABA and serotonin. Additionally, serotonin synthesis is regulated by spore-forming bacteria from gut enterochromaffin cells.
Many studies are now reporting that these neurotransmitters are synthesized by microbes and is appears that 50% of dopamine and 90% of serotonin are found in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
It also appears that specific organisms/strains matter. There are now products carrying specifically Lactobacillus plantarum PS128, for example, which in one study showed:
Reduced depressive behaviors in mice
Reduced serum corticosterone
Reduced inflammatory cytokine levels
Increased dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and
Increased serotonin
Additionally, beneficial microbes may increase brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a natural antidepressant and can stimulate the formation of new brain cells in animal studies.
So, taking specialized probiotics (neurobiotics) not only heals the gut microbiome, but in turn, supports healthy brain function.
It is time to move away from the constraints of thinking about depression as just a “mental” disorder of the brain and reconsider it in a holistic manner—one that involves the microbiome.
No Magic Cure
It is, of course, overly simplistic to state that there is a magic cure for depression and that happy bugs (probiotics) will turn around this very serious and impactful disorder.
But a good place to start is by rebuilding and balancing neurochemical stores. Here are 4 easy ways to accomplish this:
Dietary changes: What we feed our children, and subsequently their co-inhabitant microbes, makes a big difference in achieving a balanced microbiome.
Add fermented foods to the diet: These are a key component of GI health and slow incorporation into kids’ diets can offset picky palates.
Avoid pesticides: These chemicals destroy healthy microbes and contribute to an unbalanced microbiome.
Take probiotics and/or neurobiotics: These supplements are specifically formulated to increase certain beneficial populations of microbes and are an important therapeutic tool in the treatment of depression.