42 Calm-Boosting Foods: Eat Your Way to Less Stress

9. Fermented Foods: Gut Health, Mental Wealth

Fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. The gut-brain axis is a critical pathway in the regulation of mood, and a healthy gut can positively influence mental health. Probiotics help reduce inflammation and promote the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and stress response. Incorporating fermented foods into your diet can improve gut health and, in turn, enhance mental clarity and emotional resilience, providing a natural way to manage stress and anxiety.