health

Eating fermented foods can help to tackle social anxiety.

Bring on the kimchi.

Researchers in America have found that fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and yoghurt can help to alleviate chronic shyness.

The research, carried out by the University of Maryland and the College of William & Mary in Virginia, shows that the stomach plays a key role in anxiety levels.

In fact, the probiotics (good bacteria) found in fermented food increases the production of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which produces similar effects to anti-anxiety medications.

“It is likely that the probiotics in the fermented foods are favourably changing the environment in the gut, and changes in the gut in turn influence social anxiety,” said Professors Matthew Hilimire, assistant professor of psychology at the College of William & Mary.

“In fact, the probiotics (good bacteria) found in fermented food increases the production of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which produces similar effects to anti-anxiety medications.”

“I think that it is absolutely fascinating that the microorganisms in your gut can influence your mind.”

The researchers found that young adults who eat more fermented foods have fewer social anxiety symptoms, with the effect being greatest among those at genetic risk for social anxiety disorder as measured by neuroticism.

The study analysed 700 participants’ consumption of fermented foods over 30 days. Foods such as yoghurt, kefir, fermented soy milk, miso soup, sauerkraut, some dark chocolates, microalgae juices, pickles, tempeh and kimchi were recorded.

The questionnaire also asked about exercise frequency and the average consumption of fruits and vegetables so that the researchers could control for healthy habits outside of fermented food intake.

“The questionnaire also asked about exercise frequency and the average consumption of fruits and vegetables so that the researchers could control for healthy habits outside of fermented food intake.”

“The main finding was that individuals who had consumed more fermented foods had reduced social anxiety but that was qualified by an interaction by neuroticism. What that means is that that relationship was strongest amongst people that were high in neuroticism,” Hilimire said.

“The people that benefited the most from fermented foods were high in neuroticism. And the secondary finding was that more exercise was related to reduced social anxiety, as well.”

The journal Psychiatry Research accepted the study in April for publication in August.

 

Are you a fan of fermented food?

 

Some fermented food you might be into…