The bacteria in your gut weighs more than the mass of your mind, and this bacteria has the
power to affect your brain’s health. For example, we know from research that transplanting the
microbiota of anxious mice into normal mice changes their personalities. In addition, a diet high
in sugar leads to changes in gut bacteria that alters and disrupts cognitive abilities.
John Cyran at University of College in Cork found that mice that were given food with the
bacteria Lactobacillius rhamnosus had reduced indicators or signs of stress and anxiety. This
bacteria aids in the treatment of anxiety because it releases the anti-anxiety neurotransmitter
GABA. This study was then conducted in 22 men who took the probiotic for four weeks. They
found results similar to the mice in regards to reduced stress and anxiety.
In 2013, a study was conducted amongst women who ingested probiotics that were placed in a
milk product. After four weeks there were changes in the brain that processed emotions. These
studies lead one to believe that probiotics could help treat depression and mood disorders.