Wednesday, January 29, 2014

How gut bacteria messes with your mind: Psychobiotics


Microbes in your gut!
http://www.rescuepost.com
       Did you know that the bacteria in your gut actually affects your mood. A fairly new discovery has been made, that many neurobehavioral problems such as depression, OCD and possibly autism can be cured by adding certain bacteria to your gut. We all have bacteria in our gut and have had it since we where born and they live in a symbiotic relationship with us. In fact we have more bacteria in our gut then cells in our body. These bacteria can produce different chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which influence our brain.
For example anxiety is a very common problem in today's world and a bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus which is found in dairy products has a very potent anti-anxiety effect. This natural alternative can cure anxiety with out so many side affects, like the ones that our modern medicine have. Lactobacillus rhamnosus has also shown to alleviate OCD behaviors.
In today's world we have reached an all time high in prescriptions for antidepressants, but these pills have very serious side affects. So should we start turning more to Psychobiotics rather then antidepressants? After all psychobiotics really have no side affects like antidepressants do and there have been a lot of questions about whether or not antidepressants work. I do believe that if there is a natural way of combating a problem then it should be done, because these pills that are given to people are helping them in a way, but also hurting them.
With this information we can change modern medicine as we know it and turn to a more natural medicine. Perhaps psychobiotics can be a start to new generation of healthier medicine. And with such a high demand of antidepressants it is crucial to find a solution to all these problems. I know for a fact that if I was suffering from depression I would choose a natural alternative over dangerous pills.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg22129530.400-psychobiotics-how-gut-bacteria-mess-with-your-mind.html?page=1#.UuntxHlq9j5

3 comments:

  1. Psychobiotics? Woah. This article really opened my eyes to the mysterious ways of these teeny tiny organisms. Thinking that these microscopic things can swing our moods and lead to certain neurobehavioral problems is insane! If these bacteria can influence our brain enough to the point where we develop OCD or depression, one has to wonder what other crazy things they are capable of. I am definitely one of those people who doesn’t like taking over the counter medicine if I can help it. To think that taking probiotics could possibly become an all-natural safer alternative to these harsh medicines is truly incredible. And much like the author pointed out, many, if not all over the counter medication have a range of side effects, some of which are so bad that it’s better to not even take the medicine in the first place. Having probiotics that could help make us feel better without the chance of icky side effects sounds like a plan to me!

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  2. A natural alternative to easing depression really is the way to go. Unfortunately I don't think enough people are aware of that. Also, medications are all over the media, healthy natural psychobiotics are not. It doesn't surprise me that bacteria in our gut can affect our mood. Since everything in our body is connected, it makes a lot of sense. But still, it's pretty amazing that we can manipulate our mood by changing the bacteria in our gut. And like you mentioned, the side affects wouldn't be so awful and unknown. This could be a major break in the medical field as well. It makes me wonder though, what kind of different foods, or even habits does one need to change in order to change the microbe bacteria in their gut, and start feeling better?

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  3. It does make you wonder who's really in charge in our bodies.....

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