Evidence supporting the use of: Kefir
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Kefir, a fermented dairy product rich in probiotics, has garnered scientific interest regarding its effects on mental health, including anxiety disorders. The rationale for its use is based primarily on the "gut-brain axis," a bidirectional communication pathway between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Probiotics in kefir are thought to modulate gut microbiota, which may influence neurotransmitter production, inflammation, and stress responses, all of which are implicated in anxiety. Several preclinical studies in animals have reported that kefir or its probiotic constituents can reduce anxiety-like behaviors. For example, rodents administered kefir or specific probiotic strains found in kefir exhibited lower anxiety markers in behavioral tests. In humans, the evidence is currently limited but promising; some small-scale clinical trials and observational studies suggest that probiotic supplementation may improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. However, these studies often use mixed probiotic formulations, not kefir specifically, and sample sizes tend to be small. Overall, while there is a scientific basis and some early evidence supporting the use of kefir for anxiety, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. Thus, the current scientific evidence is preliminary, and kefir is not yet an established treatment for anxiety disorders, though its use is biologically plausible and supported by animal research and limited human data.

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Products containing Kefir

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