Page 57 - FoodFocusThailand No.238 January-February 2026

STRATEGIC R&DTEGIC R&D
STRA

PSYCHOBIOTICS

IN FERMENTED VEGETABLES:

HOLISTIC APPROACHES ON EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

In today’s world, people are widely exposed to pollution alongside accumulated stress from work and
daily life, both of which can adversely affect emotional well-being. It would therefore be highly interesting
if everyday dietary choices can play a role in supporting and enhancing emotional health.

Growing evidence suggests that dietary interventions, These bacteria can influence mood, stress, and cognitive
particularly the consumption of fermented foods such as function by interacting with the nervous system, immune
kimchi, sauerkraut, and tempeh, may play a supportive system, and brain chemicals. Through the gut–brain axis,
role in mental health. Fermentation induces biochemical they modulate the gut microbiota by promoting the production
transformations that generate distinctive flavor-active of mood-regulating neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and
compounds, enhancing palatability and stimulating dopamine, and through reducing systemic inflammation.
appetite, while also producing a diverse array of beneficial These mechanisms may contribute to alleviating depressive
microorganisms. These microbes contribute to modulation of symptoms, reducing stress and anxiety, improving sleep
the gut microbiota, neurotransmitter synthesis, inflammation quality, enhancing cognitive function as well as stress
reduction, and regulation of stress-related hormonal responsiveness, and supporting holistic emotional well-being
pathways. Consequently, regular consumption of fermented as a complementary approach.
foods may support mood regulation, cognitive function, and
overall emotional resilience. Mechanisms of Producing Neurotransmitters
The bacteria in fermented foods aren’t just good for digestion;
What Are Psychobiotics? they can also produce important brain chemicals that influence
Psychobiotics are a specific group of probiotic mood and mental well-being. Some of these bacteria produce
microorganisms that are beneficial to neurological functions, serotonin and GABA, key neurotransmitters that help
including mood, cognition, nervous system activity, regulate mood, promote relaxation, and calm the nervous
and anxiety. Most psychobiotics belong to the genera system. When you consuming fermented foods, these
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are capable of beneficial bacteria may boost levels of mood-supporting
producing key substances involved in the bidirectional neurotransmitters in your gut, which can then send signals
communication system that links the brain and the gut. to your brain, helping induce relaxation, emotional balance,
and improved cognitive readiness.

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