Microbes and Mental Health

Most of your body's serotonin is made in the gut — by some estimates around 90% — and gut bacteria help drive that production. They also influence GABA, dopamine, and other signaling chemicals, making your gut a surprisingly powerful chemistry lab.

Psychobiotics are specific bacterial strains studied for mental health. In early clinical trials, some have lowered markers of stress such as cortisol, and certain Lactobacillus strains have eased anxiety-related behavior — a promising but still emerging field.