The bacteria in the gut microbiome may produce the same NEUROTRANSMITTERS that are found in the CNS
Dietary components such as probiotics may directly affect the intestinal epithelium and this may result in altered behaviour independently of changes in microbiota.
Studies have shown that an ANTIOXIDANT rich diet is associated with a lower risk of depression – for example coffee, cocoa, green tea, blueberries and cur cumin.
Furthermore natural products such as HONEY promote the growth of beneficial bacteria such as LACTOBICILLI AND BIFIDIBACTERIA.
THESE BENEFICAIL BACTERIA HAVE THE CAPACITY TO PRODUCE neuromodulators and NEUROTRANSMITTERS, like GABA
Stress , which is a significant contributor to depression , has been shown to alter the composition of the gut microbiome, resulting in decreased numbers of BIFIDOBACTERIU AND LACTOBACILLI. There fore this is a possible are to aim new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of depression.
The probiotic formula containing B. Longum and Lactobacillus Helveticus have been shown reduce both depression and stress.
(I could not find a commercially produced example ) but fermented foods and Swiss and Italian hard cheeses such as Emmentala and Gruyere and pickles and Kombucha have this added as a culture .)
