We have made it to February. In Vancouver, this is often the hardest month of the year for mood. The holidays are long gone, the days are still grey, and motivation is at an all-time low.
We call this the “February Slump,” or clinically, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Most people know the standard toolkit for SAD: Vitamin D, light therapy lamps, and exercise. But if you are doing all of that and still feeling a heavy “grey cloud” over your mood, you might be ignoring the most important organ for your mental health.
Your gut.
Meet the "Psychobiotic": Bacteria That Talk to Your Brain
We used to think the gut was just for digestion. Now, we know it is effectively a “Second Brain.”
New research has coined a term for the specific beneficial bacteria that influence our mood, motivation, and cognitive function: Psychobiotics [1].
These aren’t just any probiotics. These are specific strains of bacteria (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species) that have the unique ability to communicate with your brain via the Gut-Brain Axis.
Why Your Happiness is Homemade (In the Gut)
It sounds strange to say that bacteria control your feelings, but the physiology is undeniable.
1. The Serotonin Factory
2. The Vagus Nerve Hotline
Your gut and brain are physically connected by a superhighway called the Vagus Nerve. Psychobiotics can activate this nerve to send calming signals directly to the brain, lowering cortisol and reducing anxiety.
3. The Inflammation Link
Winter often leads to “comfort eating” (sugar and processed carbs). This feeds bad bacteria, causing gut inflammation. This local inflammation sends “cytokines” (distress signals) to the brain, which manifests as brain fog, fatigue, and low mood.
How to "Feed" Your Mood This February
So, how do we prescribe Psychobiotics? It’s not as simple as popping a pill. We need to create an environment where these happy bacteria can thrive.
1. Fermented Foods (The Daily Dose)
To introduce psychobiotics naturally, aim for one serving of fermented food daily.
- Kefir & Yogurt: Rich in Lactobacillus, which has been shown to reverse stress-induced anxiety in clinical studies.
- Sauerkraut & Kimchi: Packed with beneficial microbes that support the gut lining.
2. Feed the "Good Guys" (Prebiotics)
Bacteria need to eat. Their favorite food is Prebiotic Fiber. This includes garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and bananas. When your bacteria eat fiber, they produce Short Chain Fatty Acids (butyrate), which heal the brain.
3. Strain-Specific Supplementation
Not all probiotics are created equal. If you are struggling with significant mood dips, we look for specific evidence-based strains. For example, Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum have been clinically researched for their ability to reduce cortisol and improve mood scores [3].
Trust Your Gut Feeling
If you are feeling the February Gloom, don’t just treat the symptoms. Look at the root cause. By nourishing your microbiome, you are physically building the neurotransmitters you need to feel calm, happy, and resilient—no matter what the weather is doing outside.
Is Your Gut Affecting Your Mood?
If you struggle with anxiety, brain fog, or low mood, the answer might lie in your microbiome. Dr. Jennifer Luis offers comprehensive gut testing to help you find balance.
References:
- Dinan, T. G., Stanton, C., & Cryan, J. F. (2013). Psychobiotics: a novel class of psychotropic. Biological Psychiatry, 74(10), 720–726.
- Carpenter, S. (2012). That gut feeling. Monitor on Psychology, 43(8), 50.
- Messaoudi, M., et al. (2011). Assessment of psychotropic-like properties of a probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175) in rats and human subjects. British Journal of Nutrition.
