Can probiotics help alleviate nausea associated with anxiety?

From the Guidelines

Probiotic supplementation can have beneficial effects on anxiety-related nausea symptoms, particularly in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychological comorbidity. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2023 in Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1, suggests that the microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating gastrointestinal function and gut-brain communication, influencing endocrine, neural, and immune pathways. Key findings from this study include:

• The microbiome composition differs between people with and without depression, as well as between people with IBS with and without psychological comorbidity 1
• Probiotic supplementation has shown promise in improving mood and gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with IBS 1
• Animal models have demonstrated that the microbiome influences the interaction between the brain and the gut, with transplantation of stool samples from humans with symptoms of depression or anxiety inducing inflammation, anxiety, and gastrointestinal motility abnormalities in mice 1

To manage anxiety-related nausea symptoms using probiotics, consider the following:

• Look for a high-quality probiotic supplement containing strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which have shown potential in managing anxiety and digestive symptoms 1
• Start with a lower dose (1-10 billion CFUs) and gradually increase as needed to minimize potential temporary side effects like gas or bloating
• Take the probiotic supplement daily with food for at least 4-8 weeks to evaluate effectiveness
• Common products include Align, Culturelle, and VSL#3, though specific formulations vary
• Probiotics may complement other anxiety management strategies, but they should not replace conventional treatments for severe anxiety or persistent nausea without medical guidance.

From the Research

Probiotics and Anxiety-Related Nausea Symptom

• There are several studies that have investigated the relationship between probiotics and anxiety-related symptoms, including nausea 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• A study published in 2021 found that probiotic consumption relieved human stress and anxiety symptoms possibly via modulating the neuroactive potential of the gut microbiota 2.
• Another study published in 2020 found that probiotics and prebiotics have been shown to have positive effects on different organs of the host, including the central nervous system, and may have a potential role in alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms 3.
• A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2018 found that probiotics reduced anxiety-like behavior in animals, but did not significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety in humans 4.
• A study published in 2021 found that probiotic therapy improved quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, but had no effects on anxiety and depression 5.
• A review published in 2020 found that probiotics positively affected depressive symptomatology and anxiety symptoms, and decreased inflammatory biomarkers in some studies 6.

Key Findings

• Probiotics may have a positive effect on anxiety-related symptoms, including nausea, by modulating the gut microbiota and reducing inflammation 2, 3, 6.
• The evidence for the use of probiotics in alleviating anxiety symptoms is mixed, with some studies showing a positive effect and others showing no significant effect 4, 5.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between probiotics and anxiety-related symptoms, including nausea, and to determine the potential therapeutic benefits of probiotics in this area 3, 4, 6.