Kefir
There is a growing body of research that connects a healthy gut with our brain and good mental health. So much so, that the gut has now been dubbed the “second brain”. Much of this research centres on the role of probiotics – the good bacteria and viruses that live in the gut, collectively known as the microbiome.
A thriving microbiome leads to a healthy gut and supports mental wellbeing. But how do we help our microbiome thrive and help prevent a low mood and depression? Our diet of course!
One way is to eat probiotic foods, that is, food that’s full of probiotic, good bacteria. Fermented foods such as kefir, a fermented yoghurt drink (made using cow’s milk or non-dairy alternatives) are a simple way of increasing our intake of probiotics. Other probiotic foods include sauerkraut, kimchi and miso. Kombucha is another probiotic-rich fermented drink, similar to a lightly carbonated cold tea that some people prefer to kefir.
