Changing gut bacteria through diet affects brain function, UCLA study shows

UCLA researchers now have the first evidence that bacteria ingested in food can affect brain function in humans. In an early proof-of-concept study of healthy women, they found that women who regularly consumed beneficial bacteria known as probiotics through yogurt showed altered brain function, both while in a resting state and in response to an emotion-recognition task.

Get the full story by Rachel Champeau here

Dr Michael Gregor sheds some of his own brand of light on the subject here. Watch his short film outlining the links between probiotics and mental health.

Kefir: Cheap, Sneaky Nutrition For the Kid in us All.

Kefir is a delicious form of probiotic which can be made on base of water or milk, you can even use a coconut base and they are all just divine.
I use water kefir grains and like to flavour it up with lemon and ginger. The finished product is very much like ginger beer, only extremely good for the gut and well being in general.

The recipe here is for Kefir Lemonade, which is alway a massive hit with the kids.

Here are some great recources on how to make kefir and where to source the grains.

Also, if you're in or around the Sunshine Coast of Australia, look up the fabulous ladies at Fabulous Food Ferments. They run workshops on Kefir, sourdough bread making and so much more. They also offer 'kitchen workshops in your own kitchen. Just invite a group of friends over and they will design  a workshop around your needs. Awesome.

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