bowl of sauerkraut
Mayukh Saha
Mayukh Saha
February 16, 2024 ·  2 min read

Eating fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt may help your mental health

In addition to the alleged positive effects that fermented foods like sourdough, kimchi, and kombucha have on one’s physical health, researchers have found that these foods can also have positive effects on one’s mental health. For the purpose of extending the shelf life of goods, fermentation is a process that converts carbohydrates such as sugars and starches into alcohol and acids. Research has shown that consuming fermented foods can improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and lower the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.

Two Sides of the Mental Coin: Support vs. Risk, Guts vs. Brains

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A study reveals that young adults who have strong parental support have a lower risk of developing depression. According to the findings of a study, children who sustain mild concussions are at an increased risk of developing melancholy, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Study About Fermented Foods

preparation for making sauerkraut or fermented white cabbage: white cabbage, caraway seeds, black pepper, salt, bay leaves. Food fermentation. Fermented preserved vegetarian food.
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In light of the fact that there is a relationship between the digestive system and the brain, a recent study that was published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews demonstrates that over 200 fermented foods can also be beneficial regarding mental health. The term “gut-brain axis” refers to the connection that connects the cognitive and affective centers of the brain to the functions of the peripheral intestinal tract. The foods that people consume have the potential to increase the levels of particular hormones and neurotransmitters in their bodies, which in turn can have an effect on their emotions. 

Microbiome Magic: Gut Bacteria Influence Brain Function

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It is possible for compounds that are created by gut bacteria to convey messages to the brain through the gut-brain axis. These signals can drive processes in the brain that have an effect on mood, behavior, cognition, and memory. Further, the brain is able to transmit signals to the stomach that have an effect on the bacteria that live there. 

Gut-Brain Axis

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To quote Dr. Nicole Avena, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, “We know from previous studies that there is a proven gut-brain axis and that this, therefore, links diet directly to the brain and its behavior based on the health of our microbiota,” she said in an interview with Medical News Today.

Contains Probiotics

Doctor recommends probiotics. Microbiota cells on e-tablet. Molecules lactobacilli. Cropped doctor shows probiotic substance. Studying microbiota through electronic gadget. Probiotics for intestinal
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A wide variety of fermented foods, such as miso, yogurt, kombucha, kefir, kimchi, tempeh, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, pickles, and certain cheeses, naturally contain probiotics, which stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Prebiotics, which are beneficial to the health of the bacteria in the stomach, may also be present in certain fermented foods.

Final Thoughts: The Fermented Food Fix for Mental Wellness 

Homemade fermented cabbage or sauerkraut on a fork, top view
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There is a correlation between having an aberrant composition of gut bacteria and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. People who took probiotics on a daily basis had lower levels of anxiety and significantly fewer signs of depression, according to a study that was published in the previous year.

Sources

  1. Eating fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt may help your mental health.” Philly Voice. Michaela Althouse. February 6, 2024.