We have heard the terms good bacteria, bad bacteria and depression. But have we ever thought that all these can be inter related? Depression is the most common ailment affecting youth and it still remains as one of the taboo topics for majority portion in India. The bacteria we know about are more in context of food and gut but what we do not realize is that it all a one big interconnected loop. What we eat has a direct impact on the brain which then impacts our day to day life. Before we discuss about this bacteria and depression connection let’s talk about the depression and why it is important we spread more awareness regarding it.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental disorder suffered by many people worldwide. It is a mood disorder and statistics prove that nearly 5% of the adults suffer from depression. The prevalence of depression has increased three times during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of the symptoms of depression are such as –
Some of the conditions associated with higher rates of depression are stroke, neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease, seizures and chronic pain. Depression is one of the most poorly understood disease. The treatment of depression mostly includes antidepressants and therapies and now there is a huge demand to widen its treatment.
The most common types of treatment for depression are such as –
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Antidepressants
- Brain stimulation therapy like electroconvulsive therapy
Since we have discussed about the depression, its symptoms and treatment lets now add good bacteria and bad bacteria to the mix.
Gut-Brain Axis
Gastrointestinal symptoms have been associated with the people with mental health issues. Weight fluctuations and changes in the appetite are very common in people in depression. Anxiety and stress also increases the chances of getting heartburn, constipation and nausea.
The bad and the good bacteria present in the gut are collectively referred to as Microbiota. The imbalance created in the Microbiota is called as the Dysbiosis. And these disruptions in the levels of good bacteria and bad bacteria due to illness, diet and other reasons can negatively impact the overall health and even increase the risk of getting cancers.
The inclusion of gut bacteria in the depression is still a very novel idea and there is lots of research is happening. Evidence is accumulating that the gut bacteria can influence the mental health. Three major studies which solidifies the relation –
- Transplantation of fecal matter bacteria from stressed animals to control animals showed signs of anxiety.
- In a study by Kelly et al, transferring the gut bacteria from depressed human patients to lab rats which are germ free showed the occurrence of features which resembled depression.
- Studies have shown that including pre and probiotics in the diet elevates the mood and reduces the stress and anxiety.
The research work has shown thirteen taxa which are associated with the symptoms of depression. Bacteria Eggerthella was in abundance is probably the one that causes symptoms of depression. The scientists are now believing that bacteria can impact the levels of neurotransmitters related to depression such as glutamate, serotonin and butyrate. This information can be used by the doctor when diagnosing the depression. They can test for the gut bacteria and form a treatment plan.
Some studies have shown that good bacteria Lactobacilli exacerbates is also involved in the maintaining the mood. These bacteria maintain the levels of immune mediator, interferon gama which helps prevents depression.
Using the Probiotics Supplements which can help with the treatment of depression. The term psychobiotics is coined to describe the probiotics or the good bacteria which can leave a good influence on the mental health. Several foods which have the good bacteria like lactobacillus can be introduces such as – yoghurt, kefir and kimchi. Let’s look at some of the good mood food.
These are the items which are full of the good bacteria or probiotics –
- Yoghurt
- Kefir
- Avocado
- Berries
- Whole grains
Improving the diet to promote the good bacteria and reduce the bad bacteria. People can incorporate pre and probiotics in their diets as a form of proactive measures to manage stress. The scientists should also use all the data available on the bad and good bacteria and form a probiotic mix of bacteria which function as antidepressants.
How Vitagoli can help?
Arechar Nutra presents pre and probiotic gummies which are the amazing solution for the better gut, vaginal and mental health. These gummies have Bacillus coagulans which is het good bacteria which reduces the risk of major digestive issues such as IBS, bloating and constipation. Also it improves the gut health and gut flora. The gummies also have cranberry extract which has antioxidant properties which improves the vaginal health. Omega-3 also improves the eye and brain health. Probiotics have shown to have a good impact on the mood and the cognitive functioning of the brain.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
Q – What are the good bacteria in relation to stress?
Ans – The good bacteria are the bacteria which decrease the symptoms of stress and anxiety such as Lactobacilli exacerbates.
Q – What are the bad bacteria in relation to stress?
Ans – The bad bacteria which makes the person more prone to depression and anxiety are Eggerthella, Hungatella, etc.
Q –What do probiotic gummies do for stress?
Ans – Probiotic gummies are help in the improvement of the gut health and also they improve the mental health because of the gut brain axis formed.
Q – What does chicory extract in Vitagoli do?
Ans – Chicory extract is the prebiotics which acts as the food for the good bacteria called the probiotics. These bacteria can the impact the digestive health and also the chicory extract is itself a fiber which makes the bowel movements easy.
