Your Gut & Depression

In light of Robin William's recent passing (and without any direct knowledge of his specific condition), and with the sole desire of bringing some information that may be useful for some readers, have a look at this 2013 article in Scientific American Gut Bacteria May Exacerbate Depression that states "researchers have found evidence of bacterial translocation, or "leaky gut" among people with depression".

It specifically indicates that leaky gut may have a direct link to depression, further stating that the causes of leaky gut are:

• regular use of painkillers and/or antibiotics
• infections (such as HIV)
• autoimmune disorders
• alcohol abuse
• inflammatory bowel disease
• gluten hypersensitivity
• severe food allergies
• radiation therapy
• inflammatory disorders
• psychological stress
• exhaustion

Further, it appears there is a link between gut bacteria and Parkinson's and as you may know, Parkinson's is also frequently correlated with depression. Source

In an article I posted here in May of this year: Improving Gut Health Improves Mood, I had already discussed the fact that scientists have been demonstrating for some time that what lies in our second brain - the gut - may very well influence our mood, indeed, whether we are depressed or not. In other words, healthy bacteria - or the absence thereof - in our gut affects our mood.

Please become proactive with your own health. Not by becoming your own doctor, but by informing yourself, so that you are also able to have a say in it. Believe it or not, this too, is part of loving yourself.

Image: Cenote, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

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