GUT TO MIND: HARNESSING PROBIOTICS TO COMBAT ANXIETY AND INSOMNIA

Anxiety and insomnia are increasingly prevalent conditions that often co-occur, significantly affecting individuals' mental and physical well-being. Both disorders are linked to disruptions in the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in maintaining the gut-brain axis (GBA). The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system connecting the gut and brain, and when disturbed, it can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and insomnia. Probiotics, especially those present in fermented foods like yogurt and curd, have emerged as promising interventions for restoring a healthy microbiome-gut-brain (MGB) axis. These microorganisms support mental health by regulating emotional responses and improving sleep quality. This review discusses the relationship between the gut microbiota and mental health, with an emphasis on the potential of probiotics as a natural, accessible, and low-risk treatment for anxiety and insomnia, offering a safer alternative to pharmacological treatments.