The gut and brain are more connected than you may think. Find out how probiotics may help reduce stress and support a healthier mind - starting with your gut.

We often think of probiotics as being great for digestion - and they are. But their benefits go far beyond gut health. In fact, research suggests that probiotics may also have a positive impact on your mood, stress levels, and overall mental wellbeing.

In this blog, you’ll find out about the science behind gut-brain connection, and how nurturing your gut microbiome, with the help of probiotics, may be a helpful step in reducing everyday stress.

How are the gut and brain linked? 

Your gut and brain are in constant communication, thanks to something called the gut-brain axis. This is a complex network of signals that travel between your central nervous system (which includes your brain) and your enteric nervous system (which governs digestion). At the center of this relationship is the vagus nerve - the longest nerve in the body - which acts like a superhighway for messages between your brain and gut.

The gut is often referred to as our "second brain" because it produces many of the same neurotransmitters as the brain, including serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid,, all of which help regulate mood and emotions. In fact, up to 90% of serotonin is made in the digestive tract.

Some studies have shown that stress can disrupt the balance of human intestinal microbiota (the community of bacteria in your gut), resulting in certain mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. However, supporting your gut microbiome with probiotics has been shown to be helpful in restoring the balance and subsequently ease some of the mental strain.

How do probiotics help reduce stress?

Probiotics are live, beneficial microorganisms that support the health of your gut. When taken consistently and in the right amounts, certain strains of probiotics have been shown to influence the production of key neurotransmitters and hormones associated with stress and mood.

Studies suggest that probiotics can help:

• Regulate serotonin production, which is key to mood stability and emotional wellbeing.
• Boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein linked to improved brain function and resilience.
• Balance cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone, helping reduce that wired-but-tired feeling.

Take away

So, can probiotics help reduce stress? The studies out there currently would suggest so, but they work best as part of a holistic routine. While a healthy gut can provide a strong foundation for emotional balance, lifestyle habits like good sleep, regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and mindfulness practices also play a huge role in managing stress.

Looking for an effective, natural way to support your wellbeing from the inside out? Explore our range of high-quality probiotics designed to nurture your gut and help you feel your best mentally and physically.