Gut Bacteria Linked to Depression
While on my personal health journey with Endometriosis, I have learned that the gut is linked to a lot of health issues I have experienced. From dealing with bloating, aka the “Endo Belly” to experiencing brain fog, I found solving my gut issues could equal overall better health. More recently, I discovered studies proving certain gut bacteria is linked to depression and it is something we have all probably already suspected. Recent studies suggest that changes in the composition of the gut microbiome can contribute to the development of depression.
Gut Bacteria and Depression Studies
In a study in Nature Communications in 2022, researchers found that individuals with depression had lower levels of beneficial gut bacteria. This includes Faecalibacterium and Roseburia, compared to healthy controls. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which help reduce inflammation and promote the growth of other beneficial bacteria.
Depression Higher with Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis
The study also found that individuals with depression had higher levels of harmful bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis. Also, these bacteria can produce toxins and increase inflammation in the gut. These imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to chronic inflammation, which is known to contribute to depression.
Another study in that journal found that transplanting gut bacteria from individuals with depression into mice led to changes in behavior. The mice also showed increased levels of inflammation and oxidative stress in their brains, further supporting the link between gut bacteria and depression.
Also, these studies suggest that interventions that target the gut microbiome could be a promising approach for treating depression. This could include dietary changes, probiotics, or fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). FMT is a procedure is transplanting healthy gut bacteria from a donor into the gut of a patient.
13 Bacterias Linked to Depressions
In two recent United Kingdom and Netherlands research studies, they found 13 bacteria with links to depression. The following are the 13 bacteria linked to depression:
- Eggerthella
- Subdoligranulum
- Coprococcus
- Sellimonas
- Lachnoclostridium
- Ruminococcaceae UCG002
- Hungatella
- Ruminococcaceae UCG003
- Lachnospiraceae UCG001
- Ruminococcaceae UCG005
- Eubacterium ventriosum
- Ruminococcusgauvreauiigroup
- family Ruminococcaceae123
Natural Ways to Remove Bad Gut Bacteria
These are all steps you can talk through with your doctor. If you are looking to start holistically, taking these easy four steps can be beneficial before exploring procedures and FMT:
- Try an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Exercise Regularly
- Get Quality Sleep
- Use Probiotics
Gut Interventions for Depression
Research has already shown that interventions targeting the gut microbiome can have a positive impact on mental health. For example, a 2019 study in the journal Gastroenterology found that FMT improved both gastrointestinal and psychiatric symptoms. This study includes patients having irritable bowel syndrome and anxiety or depression.
Furthermore, these studies highlight the crucial role of a healthy gut microbiome. That includes both physical and mental health. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, interventions that target the gut microbiome may be worth considering. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before changing your diet or treatment plan.
More Health & Wellness Articles
- 14 Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms & How to Improve It
- How to Increase Progesterone Naturally
- Fruits High in Protein You Need
HELLO
Meet Kyla
Hi Healthy Fam!
I am the creator of Pink Proverb — The Health and Wellness site for women focusing on being proactive about our healthy life and creating a self-care lifestyle that allows us to be our best selves.
I am a Stage IV Endometriosis mom, working hard to stay pain-free. This is my sacred place of inspiration, journaling the things that have helped me along the way.
For more, check out Healthy Kyla on Youtube!
