When we think of bacteria, we think of our biological selves. It is not usually the case that we attribute mood changes and mental states to proliferation of bacteria. More evidence is arising that this is a mistake, however. Gut bacteria can communicate with the brain in various ways. The good news is that there are types of bacteria available to you that can work in beneficial ways with your brain, thus enhancing your moods and cognitive functions.
There is a lot of hype around ‘friendly’ bacteria, but how much of it can we be sure is true? Marketing of such bacteria as health enhancers in the form of probiotic yoghurts and other supermarket items is perhaps a clever PR stunt. The efficacy of these products is not really in question, but at least the upshot is that people are (to varying degrees) concerned with what is going on in their gut...