Are probiotics the new valium? In mice, yes. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences tells us. Groups of mice were tested; The group given probiotics like the ones found in yogurt and kombucha showed markedly lower signs of anxiety. Beyond their more relaxed behavior, their brains were tested and the chemicals in their brains were actually altered much like a brain on valium. This is just more evidence that the gut is a mini-brain with billions of receptors that can alter the way a mouse, or a person, feels. The study was conclusive and research to test probiotics on the human brain will certainly be next. Until then, enjoy your organic plain yogurt with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of ground chia or flax along with a fizzy kombucha after post HSM-workout.