Probiotics are microogranisms, often called ‘good bacteria.’ They are found in various fresh and fermented foods. Probiotics are believed to be essential to digestive and gut health because they maintain and balance essential bacteria in the digestive tract. The most common forms of probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They can also be found in supplement form.
The digestive, immune support, weight loss, and skin health benefits of probiotics are well known.
Now, new research shows that probiotics help treat social anxiety, when consumed in fermented foods. The study from the College of William and Mary included over 700 participants, who were in a psychology class. The participants filled out surveys gauging the amount of fermented foods they consumed. They also answered questions based on common traits of social anxiety and other psychological disorders.
The researchers found that those who had neurotic personalities were more likely to develop social anxiety. They also found that those who ate more fermented foods had a lower risk of symptoms.
This research adds to the growing body of work suggesting that probiotics may aid in mental and psychological health and well-being. A study from UCLA showed that probiotics helped change brain activity and emotional responses.
Some good sources of dietary probiotics are green peas, dark chocolate, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut.
The study showing that probiotics help treat social anxiety was published in the journal Psychiatry Research.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Fermented Foods, Neuroticism, and Social Anxiety: An Interaction Model.” Psychiatry Research. Psychiatry Research, 23 May 2014. Web. 06 July 2015.
2. “Consumption of Fermented Milk Product With Probiotic Modulates Brain Activity.” Gastroenterology. Gastroenterology, 7 Mar. 2013. Web. 06 Jul. 2015.
3. “How Probiotics May Help Ease Social Anxiety.” Health. Health, 26 June 2015. Web. 06 July 2015.
4. “What Are Probiotics? What Are the Health Benefits of Probiotics?” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 06 July 2015.
