Some very smart people at King’s College London made an interesting discovery.
They found that a mix of 14 types of good bacteria, which are also called “probiotics,” might help people who are fighting depression. This was a small study, but the results are promising.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are helpful bacteria that are good for our health. They live inside our guts and help us digest our food. They can also boost our immune system, making it stronger to fight off diseases.
What Did The Researchers Do?
In the study, the researchers gave probiotics to people who were already taking medicine to help with their depression.
They compared these people to a group that was only taking the medicine. The group that took probiotics showed better improvement in their mood.
How was the Study Conducted?
The study included 49 adults who had major depressive disorder, which is a serious form of depression.
Some people were given a probiotic supplement with 14 different strains of bacteria. Others were given a placebo, which is like a sugar pill that doesn’t do anything.
The researchers kept track of these people for eight weeks. During that time, the people taking the probiotics showed better improvement in their mood than the others.
They were not just feeling better, but they were also able to handle their anxiety better.
Why is This Important?
Depression is a very common problem. About 5% of all adults have depression, according to the World Health Organization.
Sometimes, the usual treatments for depression, like antidepressants, don’t work very well. This study shows that probiotics might be a new way to help people with depression.
What’s Next?
The scientists are excited about their findings. They hope to do more studies to learn more about how probiotics can help with depression.
They also want to understand more about how our gut health can affect our mood and mental health.
Remember, though it’s always good to eat healthy food and take care of your body, always talk to a doctor or a grown-up if you’re feeling sad or anxious.
And, if a friend tells you they’re feeling this way, let a grown-up know. It’s always okay to ask for help.
If you care about depression, please read studies about the key to depression recovery, and this stuff in your diet may cause depression.
For more information about mental health, please read studies that ultra-processed foods may make you feel depressed, and Vitamin D could help reduce depression symptoms.
The study was published in JAMA Psychiatry.
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