Antidepressants and Probiotics: A Potent Pairing

A study took patients with major depressive disorder and split them into two groups: one getting a probiotic and another getting a placebo. All stayed on their current antidepressants. After a month, the group taking probiotics had a significant improvement in their mood, compared to placebo. On a neural level, probiotics alter negative biases and emotional valence additionally to treatment-as-usual for depression.”

Probiotics that can improve mood are called psychobiotics, and the main constituent of the probiotic used in the study was Lactobacillus, a well-known psychobiotic. This study tracks with a meta-analysis done in 2021 that also showed a large improvement when pairing antidepressants with probiotics.

Pathogens can destroy the mucus layer and erode the gossamer gut lining over time. That can allow pathogens and their toxins to enter the bloodstream. If the leakiness persists, chronic systemic inflammation can result. Scientists now realize that most chronic diseases start this way, with bacteria wreaking damage on various organs – including the brain. As Hippocrates noted, “All disease starts in the gut.”

Probiotic microbes produce butyrate, which both nourishes and heals the intestinal lining. That decreases the odds of a leaky gut and stops inflammation.

Psychobiotic microbes produce BDNF, a chemical that encourages the growth of new brain cells. They also produce neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin. These various microbial secretions have major effects on the health of the brain and may explain how they support antidepressants.

The good bacteria:

· Bifidobacterium

· Lactobacillus

· Faecalibacterium

· Akkermansia

· Dialister

Bad bacteria:

· Streptococcus

· Klebsiella

· Oscillibacter

· Allistipes

· Lachnospiraceae

· Turicibacter

· Paraprevotella

If you are depressed, whether or not you are on antidepressants, there is very little downside to taking probiotic or prebiotic supplements. At the very least, they can soothe your gut and protect against dozens of chronic inflammatory diseases. The odds are good that they can also help improve your mood. It’s low risk, inexpensive, easy, and there is no stigma attached.

Things to remember

• Psychobiotics are bacteria that can improve your mood.

• Clinical trials are just starting for psychobiotics as treatment options.

• As adjuncts to antidepressants, psychobiotics are showing value.

Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mood-microbe/202208/antidepressants-and-probiotics-potent-pairing

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#Supplements #MentalHealth #Psychology #Depression