Prebiotics to anticipate a stressful event

A diet rich in prebiotics would help manage stress on a daily basis. American researchers 

have published the findings of a study on the subject.

Prebiotics, essential for the proper functioning of the intestinal microbiota

Overcoming a stressful event can have many health consequences, and sometimes it is 

difficult to get back to sleep after having a hard time. When these can be anticipated, there 

are many ways to help his body rebalance and among them, prebiotics could play a very 

beneficial role.

American researchers have investigated the role of gut microbiota bacteria in the 

management of stress and the influence of prebiotics, natural fibers found in certain foods 

such as artichokes, garlic, onions , asparagus or chicory and that contribute to the proper 

functioning of bacteria in the body.

Prebiotics help restore sleep

"Acute stress can disrupt the gut microbiota," says Dr. Agnieszka Mika, co-author of the 

study. "We wanted to test whether a diet rich in prebiotics would increase beneficial 

bacteria while protecting the intestinal flora from stress-induced disturbances. We also 

wanted to examine the effects of prebiotics on the recovery of sleep patterns, which tend to 

be disrupted after stressful events. "

To support their hypothesis, these researchers used two groups of rodents. The first 

benefited from a cure of prebiotics for a few weeks, when the second received a regular 

diet. At the end of this first phase, both groups experienced a stressful event similar to the 

death of a loved one in humans. Conclusion after observing the consequences of this 

episode on the two groups of mice: those who had benefited from prebiotics recovered 

more quickly from this stress and, in particular, found a normal sleep rather quickly, unlike 

the members of the second group.

To get our top stories delivered to your inbox, sign up for the newsletter Health Network