A recent study from Leiden University researchers suggests probiotics may help reduce negative emotions, opening doors for new mental health approaches. Published in npj Mental Health Research, the work examines how “good” bacteria interact with the gut-brain axis to influence mood.
Probiotics are commonly found in yogurt, fermented foods, and dietary supplements. While they are celebrated for supporting gut health, the new findings indicate potential benefits for emotional well-being. The study explains gut-brain communication through the vagus nerve, immune signals, and hormonal pathways, showing how intestinal bacteria can shape feelings and behavior.
Researchers followed healthy young adults over a month of probiotic consumption, comparing them with a placebo group. Participants took probiotics containing strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and kept daily mood diaries. Results showed fewer negative emotions, including anxiety, stress, and fatigue, among those taking probiotics.
Lead author Laura Steenbergen remarked that simple daily mood reports helped reveal probiotic benefits on mood, offering insights that standard questionnaires might miss.
The mood improvements emerged after roughly two weeks, paralleling the time course of some antidepressants. However, probiotics appeared to reduce only negative mood, not boost positive emotions, which may present a distinct advantage. Researchers caution that probiotics are not substitutes for antidepressants.
The study also hints at who could benefit most. Individuals with a more risk-averse temperament showed larger mood gains. Additionally, probiotics seemed to improve accuracy in recognizing emotional expressions, suggesting enhanced emotional processing.
While the results are promising, the exact mechanisms and long-term effects require further study. Steenbergen envisions probiotics as targeted early interventions to prevent negative feelings from escalating into clinical depression, but more evidence is needed to confirm such applications.
For Thai audiences, the findings invite reflection on how fermented foods and probiotic-rich choices could influence emotional health. Thailand’s long history with fermented products, including local fish sauces, vegetables, and dairy options, means many households already incorporate probiotic foods into daily life. This research encourages balancing traditional practices with modern science to support mental well-being.
As knowledge grows, individuals might consider including probiotic foods as part of a holistic approach to health—supporting both gut health and emotional resilience. The study also underscores the need for sustainable production and responsible consumption of probiotic products to benefit personal health and the broader environment.