In recent years, probiotic bacteria have been touted as an alternative medicine to relieve gastrointestinal issues, like indigestion, bloating and irritable bowel syndrome. Now, researchers believe that the healthy microbes may also be good for the mind.

In a mouse model, scientists from University College Cork and McMaster University found that rodents that consumed probiotic-enriched food displayed fewer symptoms and signs of depression and anxiety when compared to a control group.

“These findings highlight the important role that gut bacteria play in the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain, the gut-brain axis, and opens up the intriguing opportunity of developing unique microbial-based strategies for treatment  Continue reading →