Article: Gut-brain axis and psychobiotics

[Andy]

"Psychobiotics"

Increased amounts of “good bacteria” in our intestines are being associated with the ability to curb inflammation, reduce cortisol levels, lower stress, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve memory, and even lessen social anxiety.

This demonstrates that beneficial intestinal bacteria (even in the form of probiotics) may function as vehicles to deliver neuroactive compounds, forming in turn the gut-brain interaction called the gut-brain axis. This has given rise to the term ‘psychobiotic’, which represents a live organism that, when taken in appropriate amounts, provides certain health benefits for patients with psychiatric illnesses.
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Altering the ratio of anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory cytokines has been proposed to be an effective mechanism of psychobiotics. Bacillus infantis and Lactobacillus casei were shown to possess the most beneficial effects, especially in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Gut-brain-axis-and-psychobiotics.aspx

 

[Solstice]

"Psychobiotics"

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Gut-brain-axis-and-psychobiotics.aspx

Better than having it the other way around, trying to increase the amount of good bacteria through a round of CBT.

 

[Woolie]

Perhaps its that I don't know enough yet, but I always get the feeling that the gut/microbiome is the NEXT BIG THING. And I feel sceptical about the scope of the claims being made.

I had a look at some of the references in that article, and they seemed to be making strong claims on pretty tenuous evidence. The only really empirical one was this one. It reviews a variety of trials (RCTs), which appear to show that probiotics can improve whatever ails you psychologically - be it a mild case of stress or full on depression.

hmmmm

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

Perhaps its that I don't know enough yet, but I always get the feeling that the gut/microbiome is the NEXT BIG THING. And I feel sceptical about the scope of the claims being made.

Indeed and remember that poo has been the NEXT BIG THING for over a century now. It is the reasons why Germans have loos that allow you to carefully inspect your poo every day. Poo was the great big thing early in the twentieth century when everything was treated with fish diets and what not. Poo has always been big. It has just been re-branded as 'microbiome'.

 

[arewenearlythereyet]

This feels like the typical panacea type hype. Bit like gluten free.

I wonder about those German toilets though...must be difficult to keep clean

 

[lansbergen]

Poo has always been big. It has just been re-branded as 'microbiome'.

It certainly was in veterinary medecine.

 

[TrixieStix]

This feels like the typical panacea type hype. Bit like gluten free.

I wonder about those German toilets though...must be difficult to keep clean

Who knew there was such a thing as "shelf toilets".

 

[arewenearlythereyet]

Who knew there was such a thing as "shelf toilets".

Well not so long ago, the Royal family had a person in charge of the royal poo who took it away for careful examination by a doctor each day.

Perhaps people have delusions of grandeur and have taken the term 'throne room' too literally?