Probiotics are beneficial flora that have numerous benefits, such as improving digestive symptoms and boosting the immune system. A new study published in the journal, Brain, Behavior and Immunity suggests that taking a probiotic supplement may improve mood.

Researchers conducted a trial with 40 healthy adults who did not have a mood disorder. Half took a probiotic supplement nightly for four weeks and the other half received a placebo. Participants were tested on a depression sensitivity scale before and after the study. After four weeks, individuals who took the probiotic reported significantly less reactivity to sad mood than the control group, suggesting that when they were in a sad mood, they had fewer recurrent distressing or suggestive thoughts.

The body’s gut flora can become easily unbalanced. Stress, poor nutrition and antibiotic and steroid use can all deplete the beneficial flora that keeps us healthy. Supplementing with a multi-strain probiotic can help with these issues and may boost the mood.

Source: Melissa Josselson, naturopathic doctor. For more information, call 856-472-9495 or visit MyNaturalDoctor.com.