Apparently fermented foods are fermenting a revolution in how we treat mental health through the lens of our gut bacteria.
A recently published study in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews; where they studied some types of fermented foods and fermented techniques in correlation to their ability in interacting with the microbiota-gut-brain axis, affecting cognitive and mental health. Some examples of fermented foods tackled in the study were: yogurt, cheese, sourdough and vinegar.
The study emphasized that fermented foods hold immense potential as part of the next generation of therapies that leverage our gut bacteria to improve mental wellbeing. This is because they directly alter the enteroendocrine system, affecting specific hormones such as ghrelin, leptin, neuropeptide-Y, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and serotonin. Consequently, regulating fullness and mood. The study also shed some light on how fermented food have a role in boosting the immune system.
So don’t forget to dig into delicious fermented foods! They might just be the key to unlocking a healthier gut and happier mood.
Reference:
Balasubramanian, R., Schneider, E., Gunnigle, E., Cotter, P. & Cryan, J. (2024). Fermented foods:
Harnessing their potential to modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis for mental health.
Neuroscience & biobehavioral reviews; 158, 105562.
Very interesting. This area of research is fascinating. A number of studies are now focusing on the gut-brain axis to find novel treatments for behavioural conditions.