Psychobiotics as a novel strategy for alleviating anxiety and depression

This 2021 review provides an overview of recent discoveries on how the gut microbiota influences anxiety and depression. While these mental disorders have become massive health issues in recent decades, there is emerging evidence that suggests that unbalancing the microbial communities in the gut may greatly affect the physiological development of mood disorders. In fact, the gut microbiota is directly involved in nutrient metabolism and has a role in the regulation of the immune system. Furthermore, the gut microbes can influence brain function and behaviors. One of this review’s aims is to confirm the key signalling pathways between the brain and the gut microbiota. Also, this article discusses strategies for treating mood disorders that consider the mental health benefit conferred by live bacteria. These psychobiotic treatments could provide a novel therapeutic approach to treating anxiety and depression. [NPID: depression, anxiety, gut microbiota, probiotics, psychobiotics, gut, mental health, treatments, nutrients, mood]

Year: 2021

Reference: Zou, R., Tian, P., Xu, M., Zhu, H., Zhao, J., Zhang, H., Chen, W., Wang, G. (2021). Psychobiotics as a novel strategy for alleviating anxiety and depression, Journal of Functional Foods, vol 86.