Which probiotics are effective against depression? Effectiveness, benefits & selection [2022] ✔️
Probiotics can influence health. A healthy gut flora, for example, affects the immune system, digestion, and overall well-being. Due to the gut-brain axis, could probiotics also play a role in depression? This article provides information on which probiotics can help with depression, as well as other relevant details.
What is depression?
Depression is a serious illness with many faces. Even today, depression is still underestimated – despite the fact that statistically, about one in five or six adults will suffer from depression at least once in their lifetime.
When discussing depression, there isn't just one type of depression, but rather several different forms. These include, for example, depressive episodes, recurrent episodes, or bipolar disorder. Depression – regardless of its form – is not something to be taken lightly and absolutely requires medical evaluation.
General information about depression
- It is a serious illness.
- The condition needs to be medically investigated.
- There are several forms of depression.
- Statistically, unfortunately, every fifth or sixth adult will suffer from depression at some point.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms. Over time, it has been shown that they can have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are among the best-known probiotics. Regular intake can have positive effects on health.
There are some foods that naturally contain probiotics. These include, for example, some milk and yogurt products, sauerkraut, kimchi, and products made from fermented soybeans. In addition, dietary supplements such as Lacto Lux Forte, which also contain probiotics, are available.
Do probiotics affect the psyche?
Probiotics can indirectly influence mental health. An imbalanced gut flora can contribute to the development of certain illnesses, including stress and inner restlessness. Since depression is also linked to mental health, probiotics may influence its course.
An imbalanced gut flora is also suspected of at least contributing to other illnesses. These include gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. Increased susceptibility to infections can also be associated with a disturbed gut flora.
Can probiotics help with depression?
Yes, probiotics can definitely be used to support treatment for depression. The crucial factor here is the so-called "gut-brain axis." The arm not only receives signals from the brain, but can also send signals back to it. The nerve pathways responsible for this communication are called the gut-brain axis.
If this gut-brain axis is intact and the gut flora is balanced, then appropriate signals can be sent from the gut to the brain. Maintaining this healthy gut flora is also important in this context.
Which probiotics are effective against depression?
It's important to know which probiotics can help with depression. Not every probiotic is suitable for supporting treatment of this condition, just as not every probiotic is suitable for treating other illnesses. Among the probiotics that can help with depression are lactobacilli such as acidophilus, casei, helveticus, bulgaricus, plantari, and paracasei.
One product with a particularly high concentration of probiotics is Lacto Lux Forte. This product contains more than 40 billion active bacterial strains per capsule. These are highly concentrated probiotics, carefully selected to help restore balance to a potentially damaged gut flora.
Conclusion
Probiotics play an important role in promoting overall well-being. The question of whether and which probiotics can be used to treat depression is also very interesting. There are indeed some lactobacilli that have a positive influence on the gut flora. And a balanced gut flora, in conjunction with the gut-brain axis and conventional treatment methods, can have a positive effect.