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Prebiotics help uplift the mood

Worldwide, people are affected by an ever-more-demanding fast-pace of life. Feeling such pressure has a significant impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. As such, a large group of consumers is starting to feel the importance of their gut on their mood state. In their experience, their digestive health, mental wellbeing and stress levels influence each other. This is not just a consumer belief but has been discovered by scientists as well: the gut-brain-axis.

The gut-brain axis represents a two-way line of communication

With a small intervention in the diet you can influence the gut microbiota and your overall health

The nerve cells in the gut and the brain are the same as are their messaging or signalling molecules. The gut is sometimes referred to as our ‘second brain’. Communication between the gut and the brain runs directly through a nerve connection and the systemic circulation. Microorganisms in the gut produce metabolites that act as signalling substances to stimulate nerve, immune and hormone cells which eventually reach the brain. So, in fact, there is an interaction called the gut-brain-axis.

Want to learn more about how chicory root fibres can support the healthy gut microbiota and more? Read this paper

Prebiotics can influence a person’s mood

Chicory root fibres are prebiotics that selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut microbiota, particularly bifidobacteria. The activities of these beneficial bacteria and their metabolites have a far-reaching impact, like influencing the brain and one’s mood state.

Exciting science shows that Orafti_^® Oligofructose enhances mood

Thanks to the gut-brain axis, important mood parameters such as feelings of anxiety and depression, can be influenced via microbiota modulation – as demonstrated in a randomized, controlled trial. Volunteers involved represented a normal working population that experience stress which influences the overall well-being.

The adults who consumed chicory oligofructose had significantly greater numbers of beneficial gut microbiota, including bifidobacteria. Additionally, they had better mood states with lower anxiety and depression scores. They also had reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Scientists did deeper analyses and found a correlation within the gut-brain axis – the higher the levels of beneficial bifidobacteria in the gut, the lower the scores of anxieties, depression, negative feelings, and the lower the levels of cortisol.

Benefits for gut microbiota and mood with prebiotics

Other clinical studies have also shown that prebiotic chicory root fibres help improve mood. These prebiotics were also found to improve digestive well-being and quality of life in people with mild constipation, which has been linked to positive changes in the gut microbiota. These studies add to the growing body of evidence that prebiotic chicory root fibres influence well-being.

Incorporating BENEO’s chicory root fibres into one’s diet can lead to improved mood by enhancing emotional well-being, lowering feelings of anxiety and depression, reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol, supporting overall better digestive health and quality of life.