Listen To Your Gut

Are you the type of person that makes decisions based on how they feel? Well, there may be more to the old saying, "Listen to your gut." New research by Drs. Javier Bravo and Jonathan Cryan at the University College Cork, Ireland, seems to show that there is a link between the brain and intestines, in particular, that our guts can alter our mood.

We've long known that the brain was able to send messages to the various organs, but in this case, the organs are talking back. Scientists are finding that the bacteria that is naturally found in our gastrointestinal tract, and yogurt (Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1), has a significant impact on the mood of mice and even humans. In the study, mice were fed either broth alone, or broth plus bacteria. The mice with the bacteria-filled diet, tended to be less stressed, exhibit less panic and more hopeful than their counterparts. They also released less cortisol, a stress-related hormone. Scientists attribute this difference to the bacteria in the stomach and intestines that send signals to the brain to reduce anxiety and improve mood.

There is certainly more research that needs to be conducted, and a cup of yogurt won't be enough to fend off depression, but it is an interesting start to understanding the connection between our brain and intestines. So next time, you have a strange feeling about something, you may want to "listen to your gut."

Find the press release here:
http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=111437&CultureCode=en