Scientists discover new, unknown superpower of yogurt

There are billions of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, but also viruses, fungi, and protozoa, that exist throughout the world. human gastrointestinal tract. They are all named the intestinal microbiome, the which plays a crucial role in various physiological and metabolic functions, contributing significantly to the maintenance of health.

It’s estimated that there are 39 trillion microorganisms inside each of us, which may sound alarming, but it’s actually positive. Increasingly, scientists are realizing that These tiny organisms and their infinite interactions are essential to the health of our immune systems, our mental health and many other facets of our well-being.

Studies have suggested that Microbiome imbalance, whether due to disease, poor diet, or other causes, contributes to many diseases. and even help cancer spread.

This is why, in recent years, researchers have become extremely excited about the possibility of fighting disease by targeting the microbiome.

Now, researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine have discovered how Lactobacillusa bacteria found in fermented foods and yogurt, helps the body control stress and can help prevent the Depression And anxiety.

“Our discovery highlights how Lactobacilli reside in the gut influences mood disorders by adjusting the immune system,” he said in a statement. release Alban Gaultier, of the UVA Department of Neuroscience, the Brain and Glial Immunology Center (BIG Center) and the TransUniversity Microbiome Initiative. “Our research could pave the way to discovering much-needed therapies for anxiety and depression. »

THE Lactobacilli This is a group of bacteria commonly used in the fermentation of foods and beverages. These bacteria are known for their ability to produce lactic acid as the main fermentation product. They are a fundamental part of the gut microbiome and are also found in various fermented dairy products, such as yogurt, kefir and certain types of cheese.

The new research from Gaultier and his team took an innovative approach to focus specifically on Lactobacilli. Previous research from Gaultier’s lab had already found that the bacteria could reverse depression in mice, but it needed to be understood how.

“Through our previous research, we knew that Lactobacilli was beneficial in improving mood disorders and was lost following psychological stress, but the underlying reasons were unclear, mainly due to the technical challenges of studying the microbiome,” notes the researcher.

In this sense, they decided to continue the research using a collection of bacteria, known as Altered Schaedler Flora, which includes two strains of Lactobacilli and six other bacterial strains. Thus, they were able to create mice with and without the bacteria, obtaining exciting results.

The conclusions were that the Lactobacilli of the family Lactobacillaceae They maintain levels of an immune mediator called interferon gamma which regulates the body’s response to stress and helps prevent depression. They thus explain exactly how lactobacilli influence behavior and how the lack of bacteria can worsen depression and anxiety.

The study, published in the Brain Behavior and Immunity Magazine , opens the door to new therapies to treat anxiety, depression and other mental health problems. The discovery is remarkable because it highlights the role of Lactobacilli, separating them from all other microorganisms that naturally live in and on our bodies, Gaultier said.

With this information, researchers could develop new ways to prevent mental health disorders, For example, patients suffering from (or at risk of) depression might one day take specially formulated probiotic supplements to optimize their blood sugar levels. Lactobacilli.

“With these results in hand, we have new tools to optimize the development of probiotics, which should accelerate the discovery of new therapies. » said researcher Andrea R. Merchak, Ph.D. “Most importantly, we can now explore how maintaining a healthy level of Lactobacilli and/or interferon gamma to prevent and treat anxiety and depression.

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is perhaps the best-known source of Lactobacillus. During the yogurt fermentation process, different strains of Lactobacillus, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, are commonly used.

In addition, this fermented milk product is rich in probiotics which are beneficial bacteria for the intestine. Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut microbiota, essential for digestion and immune function.

2. Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is fermented cabbage, and during the fermentation process various strains of bacteria grow, including some from the Lactobacillus family. Fermented esters help colonize the gut with beneficial bacteria, which is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Additionally, it can increase the diversity of bacteria in the gut, which is an indicator of a healthy gut microbiota. A diverse microbiota is associated with better digestion and stronger immune function.

3. Kefir

Kefir is a fermented beverage made from kefir granules, which are colonies of beneficial bacteria and yeast. These granules are added to milk and left to ferment for a while.

Lactobacillus is one of the bacteria present in kefir. This superfood is an excellent source of probiotics and nutrients such as protein, calcium, magnesium and vitamin B12.

4. Kimchi

Kimchi is a Korean dish made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbage and radishes, seasoned with spices. Contains various strains of Lactobacillus.

5. Cheese

Some cheeses, particularly those that have been naturally fermented, may contain Lactobacillus. The type and amount of Lactobacillus varies depending on the type of cheese and the fermentation process.