A New Breakfast Tip for Your Brain

By Tom Jordan, MS, RD

We all know that we’re supposed to eat breakfast to kick start our metabolism in the morning, but new research suggests that it can also be used to boost your mental-health as well.

A recently published study showed that two healthy bacteria found in fermented yogurt (Laxctobacillus and Bifidobacterium) can increase the amount of “feel good” neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine.

From Belly to Brain
So how does “good bacteria” in the belly have an impact in the brain. According to this study, healthy flora enhances the production of these chemicals AND improves their circulation. The end result being: improvements in psychological well being.

Added Benefits

In addition to improved mental health, probiotics also have some additional side effects:

· Improves immunity: over 50% of our immunity comes from the balance of flora in our GI tract

· Protects the Heart: probiotics have been shown to exert a heart-protective effect on blood lipoproteins

· Improve Digestion: healthy bacteria in the gut can improve diarrhea

References

Probiotics function mechanistically as delivery vehicles for neuroactive compounds: microbial endocrinology in the design and use of probiotics. Lyte, M., Bioessays 2011 Aug;33(8):574-581.