Gut-Brain Axis

The connection between the gut and the brain is a two-way street. This ‘street’ is referred to as the gut-brain axis. For every 1 message going from the brain to the gut, there are 9 going from the gut to the brain!

Your gut and brain are connected through the central nervous system, immune system, and chemicals called neurotransmitters. In fact, many neurotransmitters are produced by your gut cells and the trillions of microbes living there. Your gut microbes also produce a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps control feelings of fear and anxiety.

What is your gut telling you?

Have you ever had a ‘gut feeling’ or felt butterflies in your stomach when you were anxious? These sensations are the gut-brain axis in action! Over 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, not the brain!

If gut bacteria affect the brain, consistent introduction of living probiotics may actually improve your brain health!

Can probiotics actually help boost your mood?

This is a relatively new discovery in the probiotic world. Recent research is showing new gut-brain connections – a happy gut environment seems to make for a happier brain! In one particular study, anxious mice dosed with probiotics showed lower levels of anxiety, decreased stress hormones, and even increased brain receptors for neurotransmitters vital in curbing worry, anxiety, and fear.1

Is Flourish living probiotic for you?

Flourish is an all-natural probiotic supplement delivered fresh in its natural liquid form. Each Tablespoon dose includes 11 diverse strains of probiotics from 5 genera (and a minimum of 8 billion CFUs!) Our probiotic blend continues to live, thrive, and multiply in the bottle. As a result, the liquid form retains the bacteria metabolites, including short chain fatty acids, bioactive peptides, amino acids, enzymes, and minerals.

Sources:

1. https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/05/meet-psychobiome-gut-bacteria-may-alter-how-you-think-feel-and-act

Written by Lynn Haak