The Efficacy Safety And Tolerability Of Probiotics On Depression: Clinical Results From An Open
- 1Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queenâs University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- 2Department of Psychiatry, Queenâs University, Kingston, ON, Canada
Background: A growing body of research has shown that consumption of probiotics can improve symptoms associated with mood and anxiety disorders through activity of the gut-brain axis. However, the effects of probiotics have yet to be tested in a clinical sample of treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder . The aim of this 8-week, open-label pilot study is to examine changes in depressive symptoms before and after the introduction of a probiotic supplement in 10 treatment-naïve MDD patients and to provide data on the feasibility of conducting a larger double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in the same patient population. Here we report on the clinical outcome measures of the study.
Methods: Participants recruited from the community in Kingston, Ontario, Canada consumed a probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 at a dose of 3 Ã 109 CFU once per day for 8 weeks. Clinical symptoms of depression were measured using a validated battery of clinical scales and self-report questionnaires . Data was collected at baseline, week 4, and week 8.
Healing Your Digestive System Can Also Heal Your Mind
Probiotics that can alter the mind, also known as psychobiotics, can play an important role in promoting a healthy gut and a healthy mind. Probiotics are good bacteria that are similar to the bacteria already in your body. However, if you have too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria in your system, it could throw off your bodys functions and lead to health problems including weight gain, constipation and various skin conditions. These problems can add stress to daily life and increase symptoms of depression and unhappiness. Probiotics are beneficial because they heal you from the inside, and enhance a healthier and happiergut-brain connection.
Some Strains Can Increase Histamine Levels
Some bacterial strains used in probiotic supplements can produce histamine inside the digestive tract of humans .
Histamine is a molecule that is normally produced by your immune system when it detects a threat.
When histamine levels rise, blood vessels dilate to bring more blood to the affected area. The vessels also become more permeable so that immune cells can easily get into the relevant tissue to combat any pathogens .
This process creates redness and swelling in the affected area, and can also trigger allergy symptoms such as itching, watery eyes, runny nose or trouble breathing.
Normally, histamine that is produced in your digestive tract is naturally degraded by an enzyme called diamine oxidase . This enzyme inhibits histamine levels from rising enough to cause symptoms .
However, some people with histamine intolerance have trouble properly breaking down the histamine in their bodies, seeing as they do not produce enough DAO .
The excess histamine is then absorbed through the lining of the intestinal tract and into the bloodstream, causing symptoms similar to an allergic reaction (
Theoretically, they may want to select probiotic supplements that do not contain histamine-producing bacteria, but to date, there has been no research on this specific area.
Some histamine-producing probiotic strains include Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus hilgardii and Streptococcus thermophilus .
Recommended Reading: Can I Give Dog Probiotics
How Do You Know Probiotics Are Working
Hannah Kleinfeld
Probiotics are the good bacteria in the gut which help support a healthy gut microbiome. Some positive effects of probiotics include fighting off bad bacteria, improving digestion and regulating bowel movements, supporting the immune system, and helping with weight loss.
Your gut contains billions of good bacteria that support many critical functions in your body, including digestion, nutrient absorption and the immune system. This world of good bacteria is referred to as your gut microbiome.
Environmental factors such as a diet of overly processed foods, certain medications and stress can disrupt this ecosystem of good bacteria living in your gut. When the ecosystem of gut bacteria gets disrupted, ailments such as digestive discomfort, irregular bowel movements, more frequent illness and allergies can develop.
Over the past few years, probiotics have become one of the most popular supplements. Probiotics are dietary supplements that consist of some of these many good bacteria that live in a healthy gut and that can help rebalance and strengthen your gut microbiome.
Probiotics can help with improving digestion, gut health and overall wellbeing. So, lets say you were to start taking a probiotic supplement which in our opinion, almost everyone should how do you know that your probiotic is working?
Who Should Use Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotics
Anyone looking to generally improve their gut health and immune system or trying to promote a good balance of helpful bacteria in their system could try any of the Renew Life Probiotics supplements. Additionally, people who suffer from stomach issues such as diarrhea, IBS, or inflammatory bowel disease may want to consider using probiotics.
Read Also: What Is A Probiotic Pill
How Do You Ensure The Probiotics Are Working
Probiotic supplements have become one of the most popular supplements in recent years. Probiotics are food products that include some of the numerous good bacteria found in a healthy gut and can help rebalance and improve your gut flora.
Probiotics can aid with digestion, intestinal health, and general well-being. So, lets suppose you start taking a probiotic pill which we believe virtually everyone should how do you know its working?
The Goods On Gut Health With Renew Life Probiotics
This post is sponsored by Renew Life Probiotics. As always, Im keeping it real and all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting brands that support Whole Living Lauren!
Ive got a fun post for you today all about one of my favorite nutrition nerd topics..gut health! But to be honest, you dont need to be a nutrition nerd to have an interest in gut health. I think everyone should care a little about gut health. Even if its just a teeny tiny bit.
Why?
Im so glad you asked! Well for one thing, theres bacteria living inside you, and thats a good thing. Each person is made up of their own unique microbiome, which houses nearly 100 trillion bacteria. These bacteria help to increase nutrient absorption, ward off pathogens, and can directly affect our mood and brain chemistry according to recent research. Ninety-five percent of your bodys happiness-inducing serotonin is produced in the gut. Having a healthy digestive tract is even strongly linked to our immune system and better sleep. Kinda crazy when you think about it. It really is all about the gut! And research is discovering more and more about it all the time.
There are a lot of probiotics on the market. It can be hard to know which one to choose in the sea of probiotics where the options seem to be growing by the week. Here are a few things you can consider when choosing a probiotic:
Also Check: Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics Reviews
Getting The Good Bacteria
Whether youâre feeling emotionally challenged or not, increasing gut-friendly foods can be a boon for health, including blood sugar regulation and lowered inflammation, according to registered dietitian Michelle Routhenstein, RD, owner of nutritional counseling practice Entirely Nourished. Fermented foods are particularly good for this, including:
Adding Probiotics To Your Life
If you are thinking about trying probiotics for mood support, here is a quick guide:
If you are unsure about adding in probiotics on your own and would like more individualized help from our clinic, please fill out our contact form. We would be happy to help you improve your health and wellness.
I hope this article has helped you learn more about how probiotics can help improve mental health, giving you another tool in your toolbox to better health and mental wellbeing.
References
Also Check: Physicians Choice 60 Billion Probiotic
What Are Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics are not just found in meals. They are also available as capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids. Although these supplements may not give the same nutrients as foods provide, they are simple to use.
Take medical advice if you believe it may be beneficial to you. If youre sick or have immune system issues, you should be cautious about taking probiotics.
Good Bacteria Benefit Women Throughout Life
It is important for women to remember that up to 70 percent of the immune system is in the gutwhich means a healthy and balanced intestinal environment is essential for overall well-being. Because beneficial probiotic bacteria play an important role in supporting ongoing digestive health, vaginal health, mental health, immune function and more, taking a daily probiotic supplement can help women support internal balance throughout life.*
Recommended Reading: Best Probiotic For Restoring Gut Flora
Beyond Yogurt: Eating More Probiotic Foods
When you think of probiotic foods, you probably reach for a container of yogurt. Sure, yogurt contains probiotics, but its just one of the many probiotic foods on grocery shelves. And possibly not even the best one for our health.
Need some ways to get more probiotic foods into your diet? Weve got you. Andrea over at Vibrant Wellness Journal to help you make the most of this fermented food. Here at Eat Drink Better, I put together a list of the five best fermented foods and how to eat them. You can even add probiotics to your skincare routine!
You May Like: Will Taking A Probiotic Help With Constipation
Ultimate Flora Womens Probiotic Review
This is one of the rare probiotics that Ill recommend, simply because it seems to work well, not only as a probiotic, but as a miracle cure for any kind of vaginal infections and we all know how important vaginal health is.
Overall, this is a great product and Im happy to recommend it, it works especially well for conditions like IBS, bloating and gastritis:
Dont Miss: List Of Probiotics For Poultry
Don’t Miss: Are Probiotics Good For Acid Reflux
Get Healthy Bacteria From Food
If you eat a diet rich in plant-based and fermented foods, you will be ingesting a variety of microbes, says Mayer at UCLA. And the more you feed them, the greater their abundance and diversity in the gut. What do they eat? Fiber called prebiotics. Some good sources are artichokes, asparagus, garlic, onions, and whole grains.
But with a supplement, you consume the bacteria in isolation, Cresci says.
If you get your good bacteria in fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut, youll also get their beneficial byproducts, such as acids and enzymes.
Editors Note: This article also appeared in the January 2019 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.
You May Like: Does My Baby Need A Probiotic
Getting Additional Good Bacteria Benefits Women At Every Age
When you consider that at least 70 percent of the immune system is in the gut, its easy to understand why studies like this one have started to focus on the benefits of probiotic supplementation for women throughout the different stages of life. From infancy to adulthood, probiotics provide support for optimal digestive health, immune function, vaginal health, pregnancy and morewhich is why choosing the right probiotic supplement is so important.
From the beginning, Renew Life has been a champion for womens wellness. Our dedication to helping women elevate their health through better digestion has helped us become the #1 Probiotic Brand for Women, and we are continually improving our products to meet your needs. All of our once-daily womens probiotic formulasare made with billions of live cultures and multiple strains to reflect the natural diversity of a womans gut so you can look and feel your best every day.*
Based on IRI unit sales datavs. a leading brand 10B CFU probiotic
You May Like: How Many Probiotics Can You Take A Day
You May Like: Do Probiotics Help With Fertility
Magnolia & Other Mood
Several herbs can help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms related to stress, including passionflower, lemon balm, valerian, and lavender. I am particularly fond of honokiol, a compound from magnolia bark , used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to promote relaxation and healthy digestion. Honokiol has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier for direct effects on the central nervous system.
Cinnamon is good for the tummy, soothing discomfort and improving digestion. It also has a positive impact on blood sugar, helping prevent the peaks and valleys that are so bad for our mental state.
For more on the gut-brain connection, read more here:
You May Like: New Rhythm Probiotics Where To Buy
Citations & References Icon
Liu, Te-Hua, Jiachi Chiou, and Tsung-Yu Tsai. âEffects of Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10-fermented soymilk on deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-induced hypertension and associated dementia in rats.âNutrients 8.5 : 260.
Liu, Wei-Hsien, et al. âAlteration of behavior and monoamine levels attributable to Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 in germ-free mice.âBehavioural brain research 298 : 202-209.
Liu, Yen-Wenn, et al. âPsychotropic effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 in early life-stressed and naïve adult mice.âBrain research 1631 : 1-12.
Toshimitsu, T., et al. âIdentification of a Lactobacillus plantarum strain that ameliorates chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders in obese and type 2 diabetic mice.âJournal of dairy science 99.2 : 933-946.
Kassed, Cheryl A., and Miles Herkenham. âNF-B p50-deficient mice show reduced anxiety-like behaviors in tests of exploratory drive and anxiety.âBehavioural brain research154.2 : 577-584.
Coplan, Jeremy D., et al. âThe relationship between intelligence and anxiety: an association with subcortical white matter metabolism.âFrontiers in evolutionary neuroscience 3 : 8.
Jeong, J& dash J., et al. âLactobacillus pentosus var. plantarum C29 ameliorates age& dash dependent memory impairment in Fischer 344 rats.âLetters in applied microbiology 60.4 : 307-314.
Jeong, J-J., et al. âAnti-inflammaging effects of Lactobacillus brevis OW38 in aged mice.âBeneficial microbes 7.5 : 707-718.
You May Like: Can You Drink Probiotics Everyday
How To Get It
TESTED TO BE TRUSTED
We require that all vitamins & supplements are third-party tested to help ensure they contain the listed dietary ingredients. To learn more, please visit cvs.com/tested-trusted.
Make taking probiotics a habit. Try a probiotic for up to 30 days to feel its effects. CVS offers a money-back guarantee on all probiotics.
Money-back guarantee subject to CVS Pharmacy® Return Policy and third-party verification process. Get details here: CVS.com/ReturnPolicy
Study Links Probiotics With Reduced Stress
Everyday stress can take a toll on our health, which is why many experts recommend stress-relieving activities such as yoga, walking outdoors and even coloring. Now, new research shows your daily probiotic may also have a positive impact on how your body reacts to stress.
In a recent study, researchers from the University of Missouri fed a group of zebrafish a common strain of beneficial bacteria called Lactobacillus plantarumoften found in yogurt and probiotic supplements. They then monitored how the fish reacted to situations that would typically trigger feelings of stress and anxiety, such as a change in temperature or a decrease in water level .
When compared with a second group of fish that did not receive probiotics, the L. plantarum fish exhibited fewer signs of stress-related behavior. Essentially, bacteria in the gut altered the gene expression associated with stress- and anxiety-related pathways in the fish, said study co-author Daniel Davis in a university news release.
Based on their findings, MU researchers are optimistic about other benefits that may come from using probiotics to positively alter the gut microbiomeespecially since a growing field of study points to the connection between a healthy, balanced gut and overall well-being.
Also Check: Probiotics For Stomach Weight Loss
How To Reap The Most Out Of A Probiotics Habit
To get the biggest bang for your effort, you gulp down your post-workout protein shake within an hour of putting down weightsand you should treat your daily dose of probiotics the same way. With once-daily, delayed-release probiotic formulas like Renew Lifes Ultimate Flora Probiotics, pop one first in the morning on an empty stomach .
That way, the probiotics have a chance to make it to your gut and do their job without any interference, Rhone says. Plus, with Renew Lifes targeted release capsules, your probiotic is full-on protected against your stomach lining, which means it retains its gut-boosting powers to deliver optimum results. The same just cant be said for foodunless youd like to feel hangry, and thats one emotion we really try to avoid.
Gut renovation, complete.
Also Check: Simple Nature Gut Restore Ultimate Probiotic
Current Treatment For Depression
According to the NIMH, a major depressive episode is defined as:
A period of at least two weeks when a person experienced a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and had a majority of specified symptoms, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, or self-worth.
is often different for each person because the symptoms and severity are different for everyone. Treatment may include a combination of the following:
- Support from groups, friends, and family members
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, which involves learning to change thought patterns and actions to help manage symptoms
- Medications such as the use of antidepressants
Improving other areas of health and supporting overall well-being can also help treat depression. For example, utilizing relaxation techniques and exercise can benefit people with depression.
However, researchers are still working to understand how to best help people with depression, including using supplemental treatments.
Read Also: What Is A Probiotic Pill
Also Check: Stonehenge Health Dynamic Biotics Probiotics Reviews
