L. reuteri, a psychobiotic bacteria, is shown to improve maternal behavior in stressed rat mothers. In a French study, stressed rat moms exhibited neglectful behavior towards their newborns. Administration of L. reuteri reversed this neglect and restored normal maternal behavior. The study indicates that L. reuteri enhances gut health, boosts oxytocin levels, and reduces stress hormone cortisol. These findings suggest a potential method for alleviating postpartum depression (PPD) in humans since PPD can have adverse effects on both mothers and their children.
A recent French study found that a specific species of bacteria can improve maternal behavior in stressed rat mothers. The researchers stressed the rats by putting them in the rat equivalent of a crowded subway car. The stressed rat moms neglected their newborns. But when the scientists put Lactobacillus reuteri into their water, normal maternal behavior was restored.
The researchers contend that this could be a good animal model for postpartum depression (PPD). If so, it suggests a simple and cheap way to improve a devastating condition, one that doesn't just depress mothers; PPD may have residual effects on children, too.
L. reuteri works by battling gut pathogens and generally improving gut health. That takes a load off the immune system, helping to boost oxytocin and reduce cortisol. That makes L. reuteri what's known as a psychobiotic, acting to balance and calm the gut microbiome, easing stress and improving mood via the gut-brain axis.
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