Your body interacts with microorganisms in multiple locations in the body symbiotically, and this relationship is particularly important in the intestinal tract. Microorganisms residing in the intestinal tract are collectively called the gut microbiota. They provide us with numerous benefits, including helping to break down nutrients you otherwise would not be able to obtain. It has also been found that the gut microbiome may be involved in regulating functions normally associated with the brain through the gut-brain axis. This has been supported by studies that have found evidence linking the gut microbiota to disorders such as autism and depression. A recent study also suggests that anxiety may be affected by the bacteria living in our guts.
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Researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine have found that both probiotic and non-probiotic interventions targeting the microbiome may help reduce symptoms associated with anxiety. Probiotics refer to products, such as yogurt or pills, containing microorganisms that are commonly found living within us. Probiotics have been shown to have many benefits, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions that affect their gut microbiome, such as lactose intolerance. Non-probiotic interventions refer to other strategies such as changing one’s diet. Both are capable of altering our body’s microbiome, but the degree to which they do so is arguable. Nevertheless, the researchers found that over half of their 21 studies showed a measurable reduction in participants’ anxiety after the usage of probiotic interventions, and even more so after non-probiotic interventions.
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These findings suggest that anxiety may be regulated by our gut microbiome. The researchers recognize, however, that potential implications are limited due to this being an observational study. Further studies, especially ones that could uncover the underlying mechanisms behind how bacteria in our intestines can cause anxiety symptoms, will need to be performed before one can expect providers to prescribe probiotics for anxiety.
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