The journal BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health has a new study of studies with some pretty promising results.
Out of seven studies, conducted from 2003 to 2019, researchers found that 11 out of 12 strains (!) of probiotics helped ease symptoms of depression.
Theoretically, it makes sense, too.
Our gut bacteria affects our central nervous system, and this relationship is frequently referred to as the gut-brain axis.
In other words, what happens in your gut has a big effect on what happens in your brain.
Probiotics target the gut, so there you have it.
Interestingly, research showed probiotics didn’t have any effect on anxiety, so if you’re looking for help with your anxiety from these nifty probiotics, you won’t get help there.
Also, prebiotics alone didn’t do anything for depression or anxiety.
Personally, I take a soil-based probiotic every day because, outside of its effect on depression, probiotics are just good for you. I haven’t noticed the slightest effect on my depression or anxiety, but I’m me and these study participants are them.
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