Probiotic foods can relieve depression. How can?

Even though it may seem trivial, lifestyle changes greatly affect the chances of healing people who experience depression. This is why doctors usually recommend people with depression to exercise regularly, eat a balanced nutritious diet, and get enough rest.

Well, one of the foods that you should increase to treat symptoms of depression are foods that contain probiotics. Why eat lots of probiotic foods when depressed? Here it is the answer.

Depression is not just ordinary confusion

Depression isn't just about mood swings. The reason is, depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Abnormal activity of brain circuits and certain genes can also make you more susceptible to depression. So, depression will not go away if left unchecked.

It is important for you to make a number of changes, for example eating foods that are good for brain health and avoiding stressors. That way, you can restore brain function and get rid of the symptoms of depression.

How can probiotics treat symptoms of depression?

A 2016 study published in the scientific journal Nutrients said probiotics were able to significantly reduce symptoms of depression. Recent research in 2017 in the journal Scientific Reports also supports the findings. Both of these studies prove that probiotics that are good for the gut are also good for the health of your brain that is attacked by depression.

Probiotics can help relieve depression because of the good bacteria called Lactobacillus. In the intestine, Lactobacillus is responsible for expelling bad bacteria. Bad bacteria in the body can spread and cause damage, for example blocking the production of the hormones serotonin and dopamine.

Low levels of these two hormones will make you feel more moody and easily give up. When accompanied by inner pressure from outside, the brain will actually produce a stress hormone called cortisol. Therefore, the chemical reactions in the brain become even more chaotic.

To stop the damage and disturbance caused by bad bacteria, the body needs a strong immune system. Well, Lactobacillus in your intestines can strengthen the body's resistance to fighting damage in the brain.

According to dr. Emily C. Deans, a psychiatric specialist from the United States, the effect of consuming probiotic foods is almost the same as the effect of taking antidepressant drugs. However, this does not mean that probiotics can replace antidepressants. Especially if the doctor has prescribed it for you.

Variety of foods that contain probiotics

To increase the intake of good bacteria in the body, you can try various probiotic foods. Here is a list of foods and drinks that are rich in probiotics.