Summary:

• **What are probiotics?** Probiotics are helpful bacteria that live in your stomach and gut. Scientists are studying whether these good bacteria might help people who have bipolar disorder, which is a condition that affects how people's moods and feelings change.

• **How might probiotics help?** Some research suggests that the bacteria in our stomachs might be connected to our brain and mood. If probiotics keep our gut healthy, they might help our brain work better and make mood swings less severe for people with bipolar disorder.

• **Important to know:** While probiotics seem safe for most people, they are not a replacement for regular bipolar disorder treatments like medicine and therapy. Scientists are still learning about probiotics, so people should always talk to their doctor before trying them.