If you feel totally awks in social situations, then you need to eat more fermented foods, says science.
Possible side-effects: people will think you’re a bit of a foodie d***head.
A study by the University of Maryland found a link between fermented foods which contain probiotics – such as kimchi, miso soup, pickles and sauerkraut – and social anxiety.
‘It is likely that the probiotics in the fermented foods are favorably changing the environment in the gut, and changes in the gut in turn influence social anxiety,’ said professor of psychology Matthew Hilimire, who led the research.
He added: ‘I think that it is absolutely fascinating that the microorganisms in your gut can influence your mind.’
Around 700 students were asked to complete a questionnaire about their eating habits, alongside a wider study on social anxiety and neuroticism.
Participants answered questions about their consumption of fermented… Read the full story