The intricate relationship between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, has captivated scientists and health enthusiasts alike. Who would have ever thought microbes living in the gut have the ability to influence mental health and well-being?
In this article, we are going to look at the role probiotics can play in regulating anxiety, stress, and depression. We are also going to introduce you to three of the best probiotic supplements for addressing anxiety, stress, depression and similar mental health issues. If you want to improve your mind by improving your gut, congratulations, you have come to the right place.
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Probiotics for Anxiety - Quick Look
- Yourbiology Gut - Editors Recommended Choice
- Biotics 8
- Health Nutrition Probiotic 40 Billion
All three of the above supplements stand out from many other options on the market due to their probiotic content, excellent customer reviews, and ability to provide good value for money. Furthermore, all three options are manufactured by reputable companies that provide money-back guarantees.
#1 - YouBiology Gut+ - Best Probiotic for Anxiety and Mental Health
YourBilogy Gut+ is a potent probiotic supplement that provides four of the most versatile species of probiotic bacteria. There's been no scrimping on the doses, each serving provides 40 billion culture-forming units (CFU) - that's 10 billion of each of the species that make up this ground-breaking formulation.
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With consistent use, one dose of YourBiology Gut+ can change your life for the better by providing the following key benefits:
- Improved digestion and gut health
- Reductions in anxiety, stress, and depression
- Stronger immunity
- Greater levels of energy and mental focus
- Healthier-looking skin
In addition to doing these things, YourBiology Gut+ can also provide weight management benefits. It's the ideal choice for any man or woman seeking a safe and effective probiotic supplement that's capable of improving mental well-being and enhancing their overall health.
What Makes This Probiotic Supplement the Best for Anxiety Symptoms
Several things help YourBiology Gut+ effective for mental health. The quality of the formulation is only one of them.
For one thing, the capsules have a special coating that's impervious to stomach acid and slows their disintegration. This gives the probiotics a 250 times greater survival rate than if they were housed inside standard probiotic pills.
The capsules also provide a generous dose of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). FOS is one of the most respected forms of prebiotic fiber. Its presence in the capsules, nourishes the probiotics, helping them to thrive and multiply after their release into the gut.
As far as mental health goes, Lactobacillus Plantarum (L. Plantarum) and Lactobacillus Paracasei (L. Paracasei) are the two probiotics species most worthy of mention.
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Research shows L. Plantarum can be very effective for reducing stress and anxiety in adults, while also enhancing cognitive function and learning ability. [1]
This appears to be partly due to the way the probiotic influences cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can cause a variety of unwanted issues in the body. One of them is weight gain.
In addition to controlling cortisol, L. Plantarum also increases serotonin. You may have heard of serotonin, it's famous for being a "feel good hormone."
The researchers in charge of one study even put L. Plantarum up against the antidepressant, Citalopram. The probiotic came out on top. However, instead of recommending L. Plantarum as an alternative to Citalopram, they suggested using it as a complementary treatment. [2]
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When it comes to reducing stress and anxiety, L. Plantarum could easily go it alone. However, it doesn't have to. Research shows L. Paracasei also offers much value in this area. [3]
Where to Buy YourBiology Gut+
You can only buy YourBiology Gut from the official website . However, the manufacturer offers rapid free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee. The site also allows you to buy more to save more by providing the option to get 3 bottles for the price of 2 or 5 bottles for the price of 3.
#2- Biotics 8 - Probiotic Supplement for Anxiety Symptoms
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Biotics 8 is another high-quality supplement that provides daily top-ups of gut bacteria that can reduce anxiety symptoms and support good mental health.
Like YourBiology Gut+, Biotics 8 provides a generous dose of FOS, however, in this case, the capsules lack the special coating. The other big difference between the top 2 products is Biotics 8 is not intended for women. It's specially formulated for men.
However, although some of the probiotic strains in Biotics 8 can support improvements in testosterone and deliver other benefits men will appreciate, they offer additional values that can benefit women too.
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The contents are more important and some of the bacteria in Biotics 8 can work wonders for people suffering from stress, anxiety, or depression.
What Makes Biotics 8 Probiotics for Anxiety a Top Choice
Although it's not as powerful as YourBiology Gut+, with a CFU of 20 billion, Biotics 8 has greater potency than many alternative gut health products. It also boasts superior value as a prebiotic because, in addition to FOS, the formula also provides inulin. It's a chicory extract that is on a similar level to FOS as a provider of probiotic-nourishing fiber.
Biotics 8 also provides digestive enzymes and vitamin D, making it somewhat of a more specialist dietary supplement.
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The enzymes increase vitality and support improvements in general health by enhancing the digestive process so the body gets extra nutrients and energy from food.
Vitamin D is an important fat-soluble nutrient that serves many roles in the body including enhancing immunity and supporting testosterone production in men. Vitamin D deficiency is as common in women as it is in men and has the potential to lower bone mineral density causing the bones to become weaker.
Biotics 8 provides L. Plantarum and L. Paracassei. You may recall these two probiotic species have proven to be effective in reducing anxiety and stress. [1, 2, 3]
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However, Biotics 8 only contains 2 CFU of each one. YourBiology Gut+ provides 10 CFU. That's why we rate it so much higher. Biotics 8 also provides Lactobacillus Rhamnosus (L. Rhamnosus), though. That's certainly a point in its favor because research involving healthy, young adults shows L. Rhamnosus can be useful for reducing academic stress. [4]
Where to Buy Biotics 8
If you want to experience the stress-busting abilities of Biotics 8 for yourself, the official website is the only place to go. The manufacturer does not distribute this supplement elsewhere. However, there are no charges for shipping and the manufacturer provides a 60-day money-back guarantee.
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#3 - Health Nutrition Probiotic 40 Billion
In this case, the name is a bit of a giveaway, this popular probiotic supplement produced by Health Nutrition provides 40 Billion CFU of good bacteria per serving.
Of course, it's not just the CFU that matters. To offer any benefits to people who are suffering from anxiety or stress, probiotic products need to contain the right species of bacteria and this one does.
Although this supplement does not rank as highly as the previous two probiotics, it's far superior to any of the other supplements we reviewed for possible inclusion on our list of top probiotics for supporting a healthier state of mind and, in this case, the manufacturer provides a 100-day money-back guarantee.
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What Makes Health Nutrition Probiotics for Anxiety a Top Choice
The main thing this option has going for it is its probiotic content. It provides 10 billion CFU of L. Plantarum along with some FOS. The capsules also have a special protective coating similar to the one utilized by YourBiology Gut+. If the other two options become temporarily unavailable, Health Nutrition Probiotic 40 Billion is a great alternative.
Where to Buy Health Nutrition Probiotic 40 Billion
You can only buy this probiotic from the manufacturer's website.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms, usually bacteria, that offer a variety of health benefits. These beneficial microorganisms reside in the digestive tract and assist with digestion, metabolism, vitamin synthesis, immunity, and many other biological processes.
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The top probiotics support good health and mental well-being by providing daily top-ups of this type of helpful bacteria that are naturally occurring in the digestive tract.
Scientists have been aware of the health benefits associated with probiotics for a long time and, thanks to ongoing research via randomized controlled trials, continue to discover more about these important gut microbes and the things they can do. The gut-brain relationship is one of the newer discoveries.
It's safe to say the days when people thought probiotics were only good for providing a healthier gut are long gone. These days, scientists consider the gut microbiome important enough to classify it as a virtual organ. [5]
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Latest news: What are the best probiotics for bloating and gas
The Role of Probiotics in Mental Health
Mental health is complex and there are a lot of potential causes for anxiety, stress, and depression. Research suggests probiotics can play an important role in helping people who suffer from these conditions to find relief.
Probiotic products can help restore the balance in the gut microflora which can lead to improved mental wellbeing. The bacteria produce chemicals that affect the brain and can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.
The benefits of probiotic supplements don't end there though. They can also decrease inflammation which is an underlying cause of some mental health problems such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
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Probiotics have also been found to improve the effectiveness of antidepressants. They do this by influencing the production and utilization of serotonin - an important neurotransmitter involved in controlling moods. [2]
Related content: What is the best probiotic for women over 50 going through menopause
Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection
The gut-brain connection is the link between the two organs in terms of communication. The brain and gut are constantly communicating via neural pathways, hormones, and chemicals to regulate digestion, immunity, and mental well-being.
When there's an imbalance in the gut microbiome it can lead to changes in moods and behavior. In other words, what happens down below can affect the brain and vice versa.
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In recent years, supplements that provide live probiotics have become increasingly popular because they offer a way to restore balance in the gut-brain connection. Restoring this balance can help people who suffer from anxiety, stress, and depression find relief.
Incorporating Probiotics into Your Daily Routine
When it comes to incorporating probiotics into your daily routine, the best approach is to maintain realistic expectations. Don't expect dramatic changes to occur overnight.
The probiotics in supplements gradually improve the state of your existing gut microbiome. They do this one day at a time. Although issues such as poor digestion, or constipation may improve within a matter of days, others may take much longer.
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When you begin taking probiotics, it's important to be consistent. You need to take them every day, preferably at a similar time. Skipping days can slow things down.
If you want to get the best results from probiotic products, it's also important to read the manufacturer's guidelines and follow them carefully.
If the manufacturer issues very specific instructions, there will be a reason why they do so. When it comes to their products, they are the experts.
Probiotics for Anxiety - Lifestyle Factors to Consider
Taking probiotic supplements is only part of the equation. To get the best results, you may also need to look at improving your lifestyle.
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It's important to ensure that you are getting enough sleep. Try to get at least seven to nine hours per night. Doing so will benefit your entire central nervous system. People who do not get enough sleep are more prone to anxiety, depression, poor memory, and other forms of poor cognitive function.
Exercise is important too. It's beneficial in so many ways and may even help you to sleep. Exercise can also benefit gut health, support healthy body weight, and, let's not forget it's good for the heart.
The dietary choices you make are equally important. In addition to contributing to weight gain, foods that are high in fat and sugars can play havoc with your gut microbiome.
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Sugary foods can be particularly bad because, just as prebiotic fiber helps your good bacteria to thrive, sugar nourishes the pathogens that are present inside the gut.
It's essential to ensure that you are eating a healthy balanced diet that is rich in dietary fiber and fermented foods. Foods like these encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Just as poor food choices can work against your chosen supplement, healthier food choices can help improve the results.
Probiotics for Anxiety a Top Choice FAQs
Are all probiotic supplements the same?
No. Different supplements may contain varying strains and concentrations of probiotics. It's important to choose a reputable brand and select a supplement that is specifically formulated for your needs.
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How often should I take probiotics?
It is recommended that you take probiotic products every day, preferably at the same time. Skipping days can slow down the positive effects.
How should I choose a probiotic supplement?
When choosing a probiotic supplement, consider factors such as the specific strains included, the dosage and viability of the strains, any additional ingredients, manufacturing practices, quality assurance, and your individual health needs.
Are there any side effects of taking probiotics to treat anxiety?
Side effects are unlikely. However, some people may experience mild digestive symptoms such as bloating or gas when first starting probiotic supplementation. Issues like these usually disappear after the body adjusts to the changes taking place in the gut microbiome.
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Can I get probiotics from food alone?
Although certain foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, contain natural probiotics, it can be challenging to consume enough to get the full therapeutic benefits. Probiotic products offer a convenient and reliable way to ensure an adequate intake of beneficial bacteria without having to overeat and run the risk of weight gain.
Concluding Thoughts on Probiotics and Anxiety
The world of probiotics holds immense promise as a natural and complementary approach for treating stress, anxiety, and depression.
Through extensive research and clinical studies, specific probiotic strains have emerged as powerful allies in our quest for optimal mental health.
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Although probiotic supplements may never replace traditional treatments, they can offer a valuable addition to existing treatment regimens.
Incorporating probiotics into your daily routine may help rebalance the gut microbiome, modulate neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy gut-brain axis, all of which are essential for mental well-being.
However, it's important to remember that individual experiences may vary, and it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement. They will be able to provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and medical history.
Probiotics for Anxiety LATEST REFERENCE SOURCES
- Lactobacillus Plantarum DR7 Alleviates Stress and Anxiety in Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30882244/
- . Clinical Application Value of Lactobacillus Plantarum PS128 in Patients with Anxiety Disorders: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9329101/
- Lacticaseibacillus Paracasei Lpc-37® Improves Psychological and Physiological Markers of Stress and Anxiety in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled and Parallel Clinical Trial (The Sisu Study): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7770962/
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Cncm I-3690 Decreases Subjective Academic Stress in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8824214/
- Role of the Gut Microbiota in Nutrition and Health: https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2179
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients Suffer High Rates of Anxiety and Depression: https://medicine.missouri.edu/news/irritable-bowel-syndrome-patients-suffer-high-rates-anxiety-and-depression
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Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
