How gut bacteria are controlling your brain
How gut bacteria are controlling your brain Getty Images A new way of treating mental health conditions may be possible through the use of 'psychobiotics' Looking after the multitudes of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms living in our guts could help us think better and even offer new ways of treating mental health conditions. Psychobiotics might one day be used to nurture populations of "good" bacteria and treat a variety of mental health conditions "We've coined the term 'psychobiotics' for interventions that have a beneficial effect on the human brain," says Cryan. Nevertheless, he has been exploring how prebiotics and probiotics might one day be used as psychobiotics to nurture populations of "good" bacteria – and treat a variety of mental health conditions. But it's an early indication that "psychobiotics" may one day be a helpful treatment for those with depression – particularly those who are reluctant to seek medical help or take traditional antidepressants, says Burnet. "They won't make everyone happier," says Burnet, but probiotics could one day complement more established mental health treatments.
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