Stress is a part of our daily lives. It is an inevitable response to the demands and pressures of life.

However, excessive and chronic stress can lead to a range of physical and mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, digestive issues, and many more.

The good news is that research suggests we can manage stress levels with the help of psychobiotics. Psychobiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that provide mental health benefits by positively impacting the gut-brain axis.

Two popular psychobiotics are sauerkraut and kefir.

What are Psychobiotics?

Psychobiotics are live microorganisms, such as bacteria and yeasts, that are ingested to improve mental health and well-being.

They work by positively impacting the gut-brain axis, which is the bidirectional communication between the brain and the digestive system. In simple terms, the gut and the brain are connected and influence each other.

Psychobiotics, such as certain probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods, can help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can lead to improved mental health outcomes.

How Do Psychobiotics Help with Stress?

Stress can negatively impact the gut microbiome, leading to a range of digestive and mental health problems.

Psychobiotics can help by improving the balance of gut bacteria, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and behavior.

In particular, sauerkraut and kefir have been found to be beneficial for managing stress levels and improving mental health outcomes.

Sauerkraut for Stress Management

Sauerkraut is a type of fermented cabbage that is rich in probiotics and prebiotics. It has been found to be beneficial for managing stress levels and improving mental health outcomes.

A study published in the Journal of Advances in Microbiology found that the probiotic strains found in sauerkraut can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.

Another study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that sauerkraut can help improve brain function and reduce inflammation in the body.

When shopping for sauerkraut, it is important to choose a variety that is raw and unpasteurized, as this will contain the highest levels of probiotics and prebiotics.

Kefir for Stress Management

Kefir is a type of fermented milk that is rich in probiotics and has been found to be beneficial for managing stress levels and improving mental health outcomes.

A study published in the journal Nutrients found that kefir can help improve mood and reduce stress levels in adults.

Another study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that kefir can help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in adults with chronic stress.

When shopping for kefir, it is important to choose a variety that is low in sugar and contains live cultures.

Conclusion

Psychobiotics are a natural and effective way to manage stress levels and improve mental health outcomes. Two popular psychobiotics are sauerkraut and kefir.

Both have been found to be beneficial for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, improving brain function, and reducing inflammation in the body.

If you are interested in incorporating psychobiotics into your diet, be sure to choose raw and unpasteurized sauerkraut and a low-sugar variety of kefir that contains live cultures.