“Psychobiotics” To Naturally Improve Stress And Memory

Again more evidence supporting the tremendous role of the gut biome in maintaing physical as well as mental health. “The emerging concept of the gut microbiome as a key regulator of brain and behavior represents a paradigm shift in neuroscience. Precise targeting of the microbiome-gut-brain axis with psychobiotics — live microorganisms with a potential mental health benefit — is a novel approach for the management of stress-related conditions,” the authors of the study repot.

In this small study, 22 participants took a probiotic strain of Bifidobacterium longum daily for 4 weeks versus a placebo pill. Participants taking the probiotic lead to a decrease in anxiety, cortisol levels (a known stress hormone), improved performance on a visual memory task, as well as notable changes measured in brain activity on EEG.