As we all know, depression is shown as one of the most common diseases of our time, affecting millions of people around the world every year. That’s why new research is constantly being done by scientists to find a cure for depression and develop treatments. For example, in the past weeks, we shared with you that experts recommend taking a break from social media for those seeking solutions to depression and anxiety.
Now, scientists in Switzerland have announced that probiotics, microorganisms that are thought to have a positive effect on health when consumed, can play an important role in the fight against depression. According to experts, intestinal flora (microorganisms in the intestine), which plays an important role in health, can affect depression.
Probiotics appear to reduce symptoms
Previous research has revealed that digestive and intestinal problems are more common in patients with depression. It was observed that the effect of depressive behavior increased in mice when their intestinal flora was implanted in mice. Therefore, researchers began to think that the composition of the bacterial community in the gut is important in depressive symptoms.
This study, published last week by researchers at the University of Basel, revealed that probiotics can support the treatment of depression. In the study, in addition to antidepressants, 21 patients were given probiotics and 26 patients were given placebo drugs for 31 days. When the findings were examined, it was found that the depression symptoms of antidepressant users decreased in general; however, in the probiotic group, this was even more advanced.
In addition, it was reported that a temporary change in the intestinal flora was observed. Accordingly, in the probiotic group, there was an increase in lactic acid bacteria, as well as a decrease in symptoms. The levels of these bacteria, which have positive effects on health, decreased in four weeks after treatment. “This reveals that four weeks of treatment may not be enough and it may take longer for the new composition of the intestinal flora to stabilize,” the authors of the study said.
In short, research has revealed that probiotics may be important in the treatment of depression. However, experts add that although they are useful, probiotics alone will not be a solution to depression.
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