A common microbe, found in yogurt, could improve mothers' moods after birth, research suggests—potentially helping ward off postpartum depression.
In animal and human studies, consumption of this microbe improves postpartum mood in new mothers.found that a specific species of bacteria can improve maternal behavior in stressed rat mothers. The researchers stressed the rats by putting them in the rat equivalent of a crowded subway car.
. If so, it suggests a simple and cheap way to improve a devastating condition, one that doesn’t just depress mothers; PPD may have residual effects on children, too.works by battling gut pathogens and generally improving gut health. That takes a load off the immune system, helping to boost oxytocin and reduce cortisol. That makes Psychobiotics use the machinery of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The hypothalamus is like the brain’s tongue: It “tastes” our blood to detect hunger and stress, among other flavors. When our gut is sour—even if you’re not aware of it—the hypothalamus can taste it. That causes it to trigger the pituitary and then the adrenal glands to produce cortisol—which is how a sour stomach can trigger If the stress continues, a low level of inflammation sets in. Over time, the inflammation can become systemic, involving all the organs, including the brain. If you’re a new mom, that can contribute to PPD.. PPD is also associated with weight gain, which can push people toward metabolic complications, exacerbating depression and anxiety. However, the rats onSo, how relevant are these rat studies to humans? Rats and mice are fairly good proxies for psychobiotic effects, although the specific microbial species are often different. In this case,is known to be beneficial in humans as well. It successfully colonizes the guts of both adults and children. It balances the gut and can reduce episodes and duration of diarrhea., improved mood in mothers in the first three months after birth. So, it would not be a stretch to think thatBeneficial microbes in the mother’s gut can be captured by dendritic cells, which then hitch a ride in the lymphatic system to the milk ducts. From there, this bacterial starter kit is incorporated into breast milk and passed on to the baby. That improves the baby’s mood, which makes everyone happier.changes, sleep deprivation, and general stress all play a part. These studies show that microbes also play a role, but whether it is a bit part or a starring turn is yet to be determined.More studies are needed to pin down all the specific microbes that could further improve the moods of both mother and baby, but most of the studies so far point in the general direction ofAlmost everyone can benefit from yogurt or kefir. If you’re a new mom, talk to your doctor about these simple foods. Diet is a potent lever over your mental health, and where you have some control, take it.Benlakehal, Ryma, Alessandra Gaetano, Rogatien Charlet, Hammou Bouwalerh, Virginie Cogez, Anne Harduin-Lepers, Boualem Sendid, Ferdinando Nicoletti, Stefania Maccari, and Sara Morley-Fletcher. “Probiotic L. Reuteri Treatment in Stressed Rats Improves Maternal Care and Corrects Corticosterone-BDNF-Oxytocin Balance Offering Insights for Maternal Postpartum Distress Treatment.”Vicariotto, Franco, Patrizia Malfa, Michela Torricelli, Lisa Lungaro, Giacomo Caio, and Vincenzo De Leo. “Beneficial Effects of Limosilactobacillus Reuteri PBS072 and Bifidobacterium Breve BB077 on Mood Imbalance, Self-Confidence, and Breastfeeding in Women during the First Trimester Postpartum.”30 Mental Health Tune-ups Life never gets easier. Fortunately, psychology is keeping up, uncovering new ways to maintain mental and physical health, and positivity and confidence, through manageable daily habits like these. How many are you ready to try?Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.
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