Fermented food consumption combats depression

The human animal, like all other animals, evolved with a diverse microbiome. It has become increasingly obvious over the years that our health depends on these little critters. Many people like to believe that we can do without soured and semi-spoiled foods and continue to live off the sterile factory foods they grew up on. Then they wonder why they’re sick and depressed. The first study below just came out (April 2015) and confirms what many other studies have shown, we need a healthy diverse microbiome to prevent depression and keep us healthy.

A randomized controlled trial to test the effect of multispecies probiotics on cognitive reactivity to sad mood

“Results: Compared to participants who received the placebo intervention, participants who received the 4-week multispecies probiotics intervention showed a significantly reduced overall cognitive reactivity to sad mood, which was largely accounted for by reduced rumination and aggressive thoughts. Conclusion: These results provide the first evidence that the intake of probiotics may help reduce negative thoughts associated with sad mood.”

Consumption of Fermented Milk Product With Probiotic Modulates Brain Activity

“Four-week intake of an FMPP (fermented milk product with probiotic) by healthy women affected activity of brain regions that control central processing of emotion and sensation.”

The effect of Lactobacillus helveticus fermented milk on sleep and health perception in elderly subjects

“There was a significant improvement in sleep efficiency (P=0.03) and number of wakening episodes (P=0.007) in actigraph data after intake of fermented milk, whereas no significant changes were observed for the placebo.”

Gut Bacteria May Exacerbate Depression

This Scientific American study outlines how leaky gut and opportunistic bacteria can lead to cognitive decline and depression. “Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum: Healthy human volunteers who consumed a probiotic mix of these bacteria exhibited less anxiety and depression.”

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