Life can get hectic—which means everyday stress is something most of us can relate to. But here’s something you may not know: Scientists studying probiotics believe the friendly bacteria may help our bodies respond better to stress. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help support your health, often by adding to the existing good bacteria in and on your body called the “microbiome” (the majority of which are found in your gut). ⁺

In one study, researchers discovered that a common strain of good bacteria called Lactobacillus plantarum (often found in yogurt and probiotic supplements) was linked to lower stress levels, leading them to believe that a healthy, balanced gut may help us keep our cool in stressful situations. ⁺

Another study found that taking a Bifidobacterium supplement helped animals stay calmer when faced with a series of tests designed to induce stress. How? By lowering hormone levels in the body—particularly those hormones associated with stress and anxiety. ⁺

WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help support your health, often by adding to the existing good bacteria in and on your body called the “microbiome” (the majority of which are found in your gut). The human microbiome is the vast collection of microorganisms in and on the body, primarily in the digestive tract, that is known to support internal balance and health.

And let’s not forget Prebiotics
It turns out that prebiotics may also help your body cope with stress. In a nutshell, stress can alter the healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, but prebiotic fiber sources like (dandelion greens, garlic, leeks, onions and asparagus) act as a food source for your good bacteria, helping to boost their numbers in your gut. In studies, a prebiotic-rich diet has been linked to a better stress response and better sleep after stressful events. It’s important to consume plenty of prebiotics to provide nourishment for your beneficial gut microbes.

LADIES, ARE YOU TAKING A PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENT?

Nowadays, more and more women are beginning to take their digestive health seriously. Study after study is telling us that a well-balanced gut impacts everything from immune function to sleep, energy levels, mood, memory, and more.*^1-5  Which means we can no longer afford to keep quiet about digestive issues and what they may be telling us about our bodies.

As an example, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal examined the role of gut microbes in health and found that “lower bacterial diversity” was linked to a number of adverse conditions. But on a positive note, study authors also pointed out that, “Probiotic supplementation has several beneficial effects on human health.”*⁶   And, because more women experience gut issues than men^*7, taking a daily digestive probiotic supplement may be extra important for women as a way to support our digestive balance and overall wellness.*

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

Sources:+
http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2016/1121-common-probiotics-can-reduce-stress-levels-lessen-anxiety/
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/gut-bacteria-on-the-brain/395918/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170210130951.htm
http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00240/full
https://psychcentral.com/news/2017/02/13/rat-study-suggests-prebiotics-may-protect-from-stress/116394.html

* Wu H, Wu E. (2012, January). Gut Microbes. 3(1): 4–14.

*² Li Y, Hao Y, Fan F, Zhang B. (2018, December). Front Psychiatry. 9: 669.

*³ Krajmalnik-Brown R, Ilhan Z, Kang D, DiBaise J. (2012, February). Nutr Clin Pract. 27(2): 201–214.

*⁴ Carpenter S. (2012, September). Monitor on Psychology. 43(8): 50.

*⁵ Wanucha G. (2018, October). Dimensions. Fall 2018 Issue: 6-7, 15.

*⁶ Valdes A, Walter J, Segal E, Spector T. (2018, June). British Medical Journal. 361:k2179.

^*7 Amino, Inc. (2016). Amino.com. March 2016.