‘Gut feeling’ may reduce stress levels

A gut feeling may have validity. A new study suggests that a particular strain of a probiotic or good bacteria — which could be taken like a vitamin pill — eases stress.

UCC’s Professor Ted Dinan, who has been spearheading research into the link between bacteria in the stomach and mental health, believes the probiotic could be used to ease anxiety and depression.

“I do think that we may very well, in the not-too-distant future, have a situation where mild forms of anxiety and depression could be treated with a probiotic like this,” he said.