Stress and anxiety have become very common in today’s world. Everyone from students to working professionals experiences stress at some point in time. In addition, with aging comes a decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory.

Fortunately, new research shows that psychobiotics can be used as a natural remedy for reducing stress and boosting memory.

What are psychobiotics?

Psychobiotics are probiotics that are specifically formulated to support mental wellness. Psychobiotics introduced to the gut through supplements or fortified foods contain specific microorganisms that interact with the gut-brain axis.

This axis is a two-way communication system between your gut and your brain.

The gut-brain axis

The gut-brain axis is an intricate communication system consisting of the central nervous system, enteric nervous system, and endocrine system.

The gut microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms residing in a complex ecosystem called the gut microbiome. The microbiome plays a crucial role in the gut-brain axis. It has a direct connection to the brain via the vagus nerve.

Potential benefits of psychobiotics

Studies show that psychobiotics have many potential benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Psychobiotics have also been linked to improving memory, learning, and overall cognitive performance.

Potential mechanisms of action

Pyschobiotics interact with the human gut microbiota modulating thereby the body’s inflammatory and immune responses.

When psychobiotics are consumed, they promote the production of neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin that are vital in regulating anxiety and mood. It has also been shown that some psychobiotics reduce stress hormone levels in the body like cortisol and regulate brain activity in areas related to mood, attention, and cognition.

These modifications in the central and enteric nervous systems have been manifested indirectly through changes in behaviour.

Psychobiotics for stress reduction

Psychobiotics have been shown to have anxiolytic effects, meaning they reduce anxiety levels in both animals and humans.

Studies have shown that certain psychobiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus can reduce anxiety-like behaviour and alleviate stress-induced colitis in animals. In humans, studies have shown that the regular consumption of Lactobacillus plantarum ps128 can reduce anxiety levels and improve mood.

Psychobiotics for boosting memory and cognitive performance

Psychobiotics have also been shown to improve memory and cognitive performance. Studies reveal that they can influence the central nervous system.

Psychobiotics have been demonstrated to improve mood, working memory, cognitive flexibility and selective attention. A study showed that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 improved working memory, selective attention, verbal learning rate and cognitive flexibility.

Another study conducted on the psychobiotic Lactobacillus plantarum P8 showed that it improved spatial memory in rats.

The mechanism of improvement in cognitive performance is still being researched but in general, it is thought that this improvement may come through reductions in inflammation, a reduction in cortisol, and an increase in neurotrophic factors that support the growth of brain cells.

Other benefits of psychobiotics

Aside from improving stress levels and cognitive performance, psychobiotics has other potential benefits.

The research has shown that psychobiotics may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and support weight loss.