Food may cause some health conditions to exacerbate but it can also help to improve them, scientists point out. Recently the use of probiotics and prebiotics was reviewed with the angle of easing mental health issues.

Can food cure depression?

A new research pointed out advantages of probiotics for easing symptoms of depression. Probiotics could be also taken together with prebiotics.

Helping to broaden the range of useful bacteria in the gut, probiotics are a rational object for detailed research. As we know from recent studies, the profile of gut bacteria is linked to health and immunity. Prebiotics help bacteria to thrive.

Over half of people with mental disorders develop anxiety or stress-related issues, while about 1 in 3 has depression, according to data from the UK.

Because of the link between the gut bacteria and mental health, probiotics and prebiotics may assist in treatment of these conditions, researchers proposed, when reviewing relevant recent studies.

To check potential correlations, 7 recent studies were reviewed. All seven studies’ results demonstrated that probiotic supplements taken alone or together with prebiotics may relieve symptoms of depression.

Regarding anxiety, these symptoms also dropped in intensity with the use of probiotics.

As the study wasn’t experimental but only reviewed the data by other researchers, it’s not fair to say that probiotics definitely help in treatment of mental disorders. Scientists pointed out that many patients with mental disorders may have other underlying health issues, which show improvement with the use of probiotics.

In any case, depression can ease off if the gut microbiome is healthier. That’s one thing to remember.

Read also:

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• How 10 trillion gut microbes affect your health
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