How kefir supports the gut-brain connection

Are you struggling with digestive issues, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), low mood, inability to cope with stress, or other troubling mental health symptoms? If you are thinking, yes I am!.. Don’t worry, supporting your gut-brain connection can help!

If you’ve ever felt anxious or stressed alongside unwanted digestive symptoms, this is your gut-brain connection at work! It’s a complex two-way communication network linking your gut to your brain.

Let’s explore how kefir can support your gut-brain connection for better health –

Firstly, what is the gut-brain connection?

The gut-brain connection is a term used to describe the interaction between your gut and your brain. These two organs are connected in a number of ways, including via the vagus nerve, immune system, neurotransmitters, gut microbes, and postbiotics.¹²

The vagus nerve

The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body, extending from the brain stem to the large intestine. It has various important functions, including mood and inflammation regulation.³ Research shows recovery from depression can be supported by activating the vagus nerve.⁴ Various molecules can stimulate the vagus nerve via receptors, including neurotransmitters and postbiotics.⁵

Neurotransmitters

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, with the majority produced in your gut.⁶ Serotonin has various vital functions, including mood regulation, sleep support, and digestive support.⁷ Did you know that your gut bacteria play a role in producing and maintaining the balance of serotonin?⁸ Your microbes also produce other neurotransmitters like dopamine and GABA.⁹ Altered levels of GABA have been associated with various conditions, including anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s Disease.¹⁰ Supporting the balance of your neurotransmitters is key for your wellbeing.

Postbiotics

It’s not just your gut bacteria influencing the gut-brain axis, but the crucial by-products they produce. These by-products are called postbiotics and are produced when the gut bacteria break down fibres. Research shows postbiotics have anti-inflammatory effects on the central nervous system,¹¹ positively impacting the gut-brain connection!

Gut dysbiosis

An imbalance within the gut microbiome is known as gut dysbiosis, and this has been linked to various conditions, including anxiety, depression, and autoimmune diseases. Research shows, that in the presence of gut dysbiosis, the gut-brain pathways are dysregulated which is “associated with altered permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neuroinflammation“.¹² This highlights the importance of a balanced gut microbiome and why probiotics are vital.

Enter kefir!

Why kefir can help

The science is clear – your gut interacts closely with your brain, so supporting your gut health is key. Kefir is a type of fermented food that naturally contains probiotics. Our kefir is traditionally fermented using real kefir grains. Real kefir is a no-brainer because kefir found on supermarket shelves is often made using powdered starters, typically contains sugars, sweeteners, and flavourings.

Our kefir is packed with 27 beneficial bacteria strains, helping to rebuild and replenish the gut microbiome and restore balance. It is a powerful natural antimicrobial, helping to suppress various pathogenic bacteria while boosting the good bugs, allowing your gut microbiome to thrive!

Alongside our kefir, we recommend our Complete Prebiotic powder, this is called a synbiotic approach. Not only are you adding in the good bacteria, but you are also supporting their growth and activity. Remember – prebiotics feed probiotics!

Blurred image of Ceris, Chuckling Goat Director, holding a Chuckling Goat Gut Health Smoothie.

Research shows probiotics can lower anxiety, supporting your mental wellness.¹³ Further research has found certain probiotics like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus can help with symptoms associated with depression.¹⁴ These same probiotics can also boost GABA in the gut and the brain.¹⁵ By including our kefir and Complete Prebiotic, you will boost both of these crucial probiotics.

Research found that the consumption of the Chuckling Goat synbiotic resulted in “profound effects on emotional health” in just 6 weeks! This makes kefir the ultimate mood booster! Read more about the science here.

Last but by no means least, our kefir is a natural source of butyric acid, a well-studied postbiotic, known for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Interestingly, it’s the butyric acid that gives our kefir its sharp and tangy flavour!

How to incorporate kefir into your diet

Here at Chuckling Goat, we don’t like to complicate things! For optimal results, we recommend a daily dose of 170ml of kefir on an empty stomach in the morning or add it to a delicious gut health smoothie.

Are you looking to take your gut health to the next level? Our gut health protocol has been expertly designed to improve the condition of the gut microbiome. It consists of three key products that will support your gut and overall health – kefir, Complete Prebiotic, and Pure Fish Collagen.

Check out How is your mental wellness connected to your gut?!

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm.