Psychobiotics: The Next Generation Probiotics?
I am sure many of you recall Seann's communications over the years about probiotics and their healthy effect on the gut - brain connection.
Researchers Dinan et al. coined the term Psychobiotics in 2013 to explain this connection and the positive health effects of live organism in patients suffering from psychiatric illness. As the gut - brain connection is enhanced so are the positive benefits, such as lowered anxiety, easing of depression, better cognition, and a host of other neurological conditions (Sharma et al., 2021).
But are they the next generation probiotics? As you enter into the world of Pychobiotics you will notice that the scientific literature in fact emphasizes the foundational probiotics, lactobacillus and bifido organisms, such as Bifidobacterium longum , Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and others. As with other conditions, it is a matter of establishing a good microbiota community in the gut.
The abilities of probiotics and fiber to lower inflammation in the gut and hence the body and brain, to strengthen the GI mucosal barrier, and support the immune system are the same mechanisms studied for improving mood and well-being. It is also part of the longevity studies and neurological/brain research in the past several decades.
Some researchers like Sarkar et al. (2016) have expanded the term Psychobiotics to include other dietary supplements, exercise, antibiotics and antipsychotics that indirectly alter the gut environment in support of psychobiotics bacteria. This is where research gets more political and complicated.
Abstract
Psychobiotics are a special class of probiotics, which deliver mental health benefits to individuals. They differ from conventional probiotics in their ability to produce or stimulate the production of neurotransmitters, short-chain fatty acids, enteroendocrine hormones and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Owing to this potential, psychobiotics have a broad spectrum of applications ranging from mood and stress alleviation to being an adjuvant in therapeutic treatment for various neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders. The common psychobiotic bacteria belong to the family Lactobacilli, Streptococci, Bifidobacteria, Escherichia and Enterococci. The two-way crosstalk between the brain and the gastrointestinal system is influenced by these bacteria. The neurons present in the enteric nervous system interact directly with the neurochemicals produced by microbiota of the gut, thereby influencing the signaling to central nervous system. The present review highlights the scope and advancements made in the field, enlisting numerous commercial psychobiotic products that have flooded the market. In the latter part we discuss the potential concerns with respect to psychobiotics, such as the effects due to withdrawal, compatibility with immunocompromised patients, and the relatively unregulated probiotic market. Article
Suggested use: One teaspoon by mouth (very tasty) or mixed in a little water.
References:
- Dinas, T. G., Stanton, C., & Cryan, J. F. (2013). Psychobiotics: a novel class of psychotropic. Biological psychiatry, 74(10), 720-726. Abstract
- Sarkar, A., Lehto, S. M., Harty, S., Dinan, T. G., Cryan, J. F., & Burnet, P. W. (2016). Psychobiotics and the manipulation of bacteria–gut–brain signals. Trends in neurosciences, 39(11), 763-781. Article
- Sharma, R., Gupta, D., Mehrotra, R., & Mago, P. (2021). Psychobiotics: The next-generation probiotics for the brain. Current microbiology, 78(2), 449-463. Article
Sincerely yours,
Dohrea
We have developed our products based on scientific research and/or the practical experience of many healthcare practitioners. There is a growing body of literature on food based nutrition and supplements and their application in support of our health. Please use our products under the advisement of your doctor.
Green Facts:
And more Psychobiotics: Sharma, H., & Bajwa, J. (2022). Approach of probiotics in mental health as a psychobiotics. Archives of Microbiology, 204(1), 1-7. Article |
|
©2005 - 2022 BioImmersion Inc. All Rights Reserved. |