Probiotics - the natural alternative to antidepressants?

Probiotics in the natural treatment of depression

Could probiotics (gut bacteria) really be the answer to treating depression? And if so, are they a safe, inexpensive and effective alternative to antidepressants? 

More than 50 million people worldwide take antidepressants. Unfortunately, however, there is growing evidence that antidepressants are much less effective and potentially more dangerous than people think.

That's why a brand new study from McMasters University in Ontario, Canada, brings good news for anyone struggling with depression. The study showed that there is a strong link between gut health - or the bacteria that are "healthy" for the gut - and certain brain functions, including mood. In other words: Your gut "talks" to your brain, so to speak.

Because of these "conversations", the number of healthy bacteria in your digestive tract has a huge impact on your body's health.

Healthy bacteria obviously contribute to digestive health and thus to the prevention of obesity. But now, according to neuroscientist Jane Foster and her team at McMasters University, we know that healthy gut bacteria are also linked to the prevention of depression and other mental illnesses.

The intake of probiotics 

Probiotics are foods that contain organisms that supplement or replenish the "good" bacteria in the gut ... and probiotic supplements may be the best and safest alternative for beating depression without taking medication. 

The dangers of antidepressants 

Antidepressants are big business in the United States. Since 1994, their use has increased by 400%. In a single year (2010), 255 million prescriptions were written. The annual worldwide turnover is more than 20 billion dollars.  

In the meantime, research results and surveys have revealed that these drugs are hardly more effective than placebo drugs, but that they carry a high risk of side effects.

Possible side effects:

• Visual impairment
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Exhaustion
• Weight gain
• Restlessness, anxiety and emotional agitation
• Sexual disorders
• Increased susceptibility to suicide 

As you can see, some of these side effects are exactly the same as the symptoms that these drugs are supposed to treat.

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How to treat depression naturally with probiotics 

The McMaster study and several other studies suggest that probiotics are much better for treating depression, anxiety, insomnia and other imbalances within the central nervous system. A study at the Center for Pharmabiotic Nutritional Sciences at the University of Cork (Ireland) has shown for the first time that probiotics have a "direct effect on the chemical processes in the brain." The results suggest that probiotic organisms have great potential as an optional treatment for mental disorders caused by stress.

The treatment of depression with probiotics, which have a positive effect on mood, works in two ways: 

• They generate a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
• They improve the function of the corresponding brain receptors. 

Dr. Emily Deans says: "GABA is a nice glass of wine in front of the fire. GABA is restful sleep. GABA is rest and yoga at the same time."

Naturally produced GABA is good for your body, among other things:

• it calms the nervous system,
• promotes peaceful sleep,
• reduces anxiety and
• alleviates depression.

 More GABA means more health benefits.

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Do something about your depression with the natural alternative

Probiotics can be found in many foods such as yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh and even sauerkraut. However, beware of claims that adding these foods to your diet has a therapeutic effect. 

Recent studies support the use of probiotic supplements to increase the number of healthy bacteria in your gut and produce more GABA. Beyond that, however, experts advise sticking to two important guidelines as far as depression is concerned:

• Anyone suffering from serious depression should always seek professional help, even with natural treatments
• Never stop taking antidepressants without medical supervision and advice.

 

Sources (in English):

Wallace, C. J. K. & Milev, R. (2017, February). The effects of probiotics on depressive symptoms in humans: a systematic review. Annals of General Psychiatry, 16: 14, doi: 10.1186/s12991-017-0138-2

Deans, E. (2016, June). Microbiome and mental health in the modern environment. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 36(1):1, doi: 10.1186/s40101-016-0101-y

Slyepchenko, A., Carvalho, A. F., Cha, D. S., Kasper, S. & McIntyre, R. S. (2014).Gut emotions - mechanisms of action of probiotics as novel therapeutic targets for depression and anxiety disorders.  CNS & Neurological Disorder Drug Targets, 13(10):1770-86

Huang, R., Wang, K. & Hu, J. (2016, August). Effect of Probiotics on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 6;8(8), doi: 10.3390/nu8080483