2 Fermented Foods That Could Boost Brain Health and Reduce Brain Fog, Nutritionists Say

Your gut health plays a crucial role in more than just your digestive system and your ability to lose weight. In fact, the health of your gut microbiome is vital to the health of your brain. This connection is known as the gut-brain axis. As it turns out, your gut and brain influence each other through various pathways, including the production of neurotransmitters that impact mood, memory, and cognition.

Nutrition experts Lisa Richards and Trista Best both emphasize the role of fermented foods—like kimchi and yogurt—in enhancing mental health by supporting this gut-brain connection. According to Richards, “The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, key regulators of mood.” When you prioritize a balanced and diverse gut microbiota, fermented foods could potentially alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Best explains that fermented foods like kimchi offer a wealth of probiotics, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that support brain health. Beyond probiotics, fermented foods are packed with anti-inflammatory compounds and vitamins that may protect the brain from oxidative stress, which is one major factor in cognitive decline. Learn more about the specific benefits of kimchi and yogurt below.