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From Epoch Health & Wellness Corner In Partnership With Ora Organics
A growing body of research highlights the critical role the gut plays in overall health—not just in digestion and immunity but also in mental well-being. This emerging understanding of the gut-brain axis reveals that the gut and brain are intricately connected, communicating via the vagus nerve, hormones, and microbiota-produced neurotransmitters. Your gut health may directly influence your mood, stress levels, and even cognitive function.
Why the Gut-Brain Axis Matters
Scientists have found that the microbiome, the community of microorganisms in your gut, plays a pivotal role in regulating brain function. Beneficial bacteria in the gut can produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), all of which are critical for mood and mental health.
In today’s society, the prevalence of ultra-processed foods and certain lifestyle choices have depleted our gut microbiome, adversely affecting the gut-brain axis and, consequently, our mental well-being. This depletion is now recognized as one of the leading contributors to rising rates of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and neurodivergent conditions like autism.
Studies also suggest that an imbalanced gut microbiome—often referred to as dysbiosis—can contribute to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and brain fog. For example, a 2022 review published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found strong evidence that probiotics can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by modulating gut microbiota (1).
How Probiotics Support the Gut-Brain Axis
Probiotics are uniquely positioned to restore gut balance, influencing physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability. However, as with other health benefits, the effectiveness of probiotics on the gut-brain axis depends on the quality of the supplement.
Here’s how probiotics like Ora’s Trust Your Gut Probiotic & Prebiotic support the gut-brain connection:
- Clinically Proven Strains for Mental Wellness
Certain strains of probiotics have been specifically studied for their effects on the gut-brain axis. For instance:- Lactobacillus reuteri UALre-16™: Produces beneficial organic acids like butyrate, reduces inflammation, and supports the synthesis of B12 and folate, essential for mood-regulating neurotransmitters.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS®-1: Reduces gut inflammation linked to anxiety and depression while promoting a balanced microbiome.
- Bifidobacterium longum UABI-14™: Known as a “psychobiotic,” this strain reduces cortisol levels, supports GABA production, and helps alleviate stress.
- Bifidobacterium lactis UABla-12™: Enhances gut barrier integrity, reducing inflammatory compounds that impact mental health.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus UALr-18™: Modulates GABA receptors in the brain, improving mood and reducing anxiety.
- Acid-Resistant Strains for Full Delivery
To influence the gut-brain axis, probiotics must survive harsh stomach acid and arrive intact in the intestines. Ora’s probiotics use acid-resistant strains, maximizing their effectiveness. - Prebiotics to Fuel the Connection
Prebiotics are critical for nourishing beneficial bacteria. Ora’s Trust Your Gut delivers up to six times more organic prebiotics than leading brands, sourced from potent organic inulin from Jerusalem artichoke. This fuel ensures that gut bacteria can flourish and support neurotransmitter production. Read more