Probiotics May Help Treat Depression

Past studies have indicated that the gut microbiome (the population of microorganisms that reside in the digestive system) plays a significant role in mental health. A new animal study suggests that probiotics may someday be an effective alternative to medication in the treatment of depression. In the study, researchers found that beneficial bacteria called Lactobcillus (commonly found in live-cultured yogurt, though it can be taken in supplement form) altered the gut microbiome of mice, which the researchers then linked with a subsequent reversal of symptoms similar to depression in humans. Lead researcher Dr. Alban Gaultier writes, “The big hope for this kind of research is that we won’t need to bother with complex drugs and side effects when we can just play with the microbiome… It would be magical just to change your diet, to change the bacteria you take, and fix your health—and your mood.” Scientific Reports, March 2017