In a new study of the mind-gut connection, eating fermented foods, which contain probiotics, were associated with reduced symptoms of social anxiety for student participants.
Giving new meaning to the old cliché of "you are what you eat," the research team says this is the first in a series of studies they are planning, hypothesizing that the right food could complement the efforts of psychologists when it comes to mental health.
"It is likely that the probiotics in the fermented foods are favorably changing the environment in the gut, and changes in the gut in turn influence social anxiety," said Dr. Matthew Hilimire of Willian & Mary University in the US. "I think that it is absolutely fascinating that the microorganisms in your gut can influence your mind."
The researchers constructed a questionnaire that asked students about their consumption of fermented foods over the past month, and around 700 students responded.
It also questioned students about their exercise frequency and consumption of fruits and vegetables in the interest of controlling for other healthy habits that are reputed as mood boosters.
"The main finding was that individuals who had consumed more fermented foods had reduced social anxiety but that was qualified by an interaction by neuroticism," says Hilimire. "What that means is that that relationship was strongest amongst people that were high in neuroticism."
The questionnaire was incorporated in a mass test administered in the university's Introduction to Psychology class in the fall semester of 2014.
A secondary finding of the study, published in Psychiatry Research, revealed exercise could potentially reduce social anxiety.
The researchers say an experimental version of their study is in the works to investigate a causative mind-gut connection.
Looking at pre-existing animal models and human experiments of the past, Hilimire says he believes a causative mechanism exists.
"Assuming similar findings in the experimental follow-up, what it would suggest is that you could augment more traditional therapies -- like medications, psychotherapy or a combination of the two -- with fermented foods, dietary changes and exercise," he says.
In January, an international collaboration on the topic was published in The Lancet Psychiatry, stating that mounting evidence indicates vital relationships between diet quality and mental health.
Evidence is so compelling, they say, that psychiatry and public health should recognize and embrace nutrition as a key component of mental health.
Studies have demonstrated that omega-3s, B vitamins -- especially folate and B12 -- choline, iron, zinc, magnesium, S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), vitamin D and amino acids are linked to brain health, the researchers remarked.
"While we advocate for these to be consumed in the diet where possible, additional select prescription of these as nutraceuticals -- nutrient supplements -- may also be justified," said lead author Dr. Jerome Sarris.
AFP RELAXNEWS
Sat Jun 13 2015
Could eating certain types of food put you at ease in social situations? - Photo Monkey Business Images/shutterstock.com
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.