When I read the results of a recent study on the effectiveness of probiotics on mild and moderate forms of depression, I was both relieved and excited. Relieved that finally there are studies being done to back up what we in many fields of Complimentary Therapy have known for decades. Excited that science is finally catching up and perhaps this will encourage many others to seek more natural ways to help them rebalance their stress related issues like mild to moderate depression and anxiety. One of the biggest pluses with using good, organically and naturally sourced probiotics is there are no negative side effects from probiotics compared to many anti-depressants.

It’s All About The Gut Brain Connection

The study highlights the very important gut-brain connection as the probably reason as to why probiotics are being so effective. In this study the two main probiotics used were: Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175. The reason the researchers used these two probiotics is because of they are known to specifically act on the gut-brain axis.

While all involved do recognise that there is much more testing to be done, this is so encouraging for kinesiologists, like myself, because yet again, it is an example of science finally catching up on what we have known for a very long time. I wouldn’t stop at just using two probiotics mentioned in this study. There are lots of strains when it comes to probiotics. That is why I always encourage you to go find a Kinesiologist near you – to see what exactly you need and also to have a really good balancing of your whole energy system.

In My Kinesiology Practice

In my Kinesiology Practice, I am constantly finding that pretty much everyone needs a good probiotic support of one kind or another. There are so many challenges to a healthy gut in our modern fast food and over-stressed world.

Many Things Trigger a Stress Response

Depression, anxiety, overwhelm, worry, fear and phobias are all indications that you are triggering a stress response and you have hit the ‘Over-Stressed’ button.

What is causing you to be in that stressed state? Pretty much anything that your energy perceives to be a threat. Negative Critical Thinking, Processed Sugar, Fears, Trauma, over exercising, under exercising, lack of water or too much water – all these things and much more will lead to a constant triggering of the stress response. A thought, just like a food can be a medicine to your energy or a poison. Every thought, action, interaction, you have is causing a chemical reaction in your body and your whole energy system. As I keep saying – ‘you reap what you sow’ when it comes to health, wellness and success.

3 Key Habits You Can Start Now

While I know of many other nutrients, tools and techniques that can help with anxiety and depression, in this post I am going to mention just 3 key things for you to do – starting today.

1. Get a good probiotic.
2. Each day practice at least one technique that will help you reduce your stress – like Tapping
3. Cut out processed sugar foods from your diet and your household.

Getting a Good Probiotic

There are many probiotics on the market. I would suggest you look for one that is live and naturally sourced. Buying a synthetic or medically produced probiotic tablet will not be as effective as getting a natural and organic live probiotic. Try also to make sure the probiotic does not include dairy or wheat products – most don’t anymore.

Not every probiotic will contain both of the strains mentioned above, but, they will have at least one of them. The probiotic I use is called Super 12 probiotic and also contains inulin and vitamin C. You can learn more about it by clicking here. (if you are a new customer they may ask you to fill in who your practitioner is – you can find my name in the drop down menu)

Probiotics Are also A Great Support for Women Over 40

Given the added stress the menopause can bring on women, probiotics can enhance a better gut brain connection which can only benefit the menopause transition. But did you know that probiotics are also really great for helping control Genito-Urinary issues like: recurring Urinary Tract Infections, Thrush, Bacterial Vaginosis, etc.

The Lactobacilli in some of the probiotics work along side heathy microorganisms to help maintain vaginal and urinary tract health which will then overcome unhealthy bacteria, fungi and viral overloads.

When is the Best Time to Take a Probiotic

I take my probiotic last thing at night before bed, on an empty stomach, so that the probiotic isn’t absorbed in the stomach, but gets to the Small Intestine during the night, so when I wake and eat the next day, it is absorbed and used where it is needed most. When you take a probiotic during the day you will still get some benefit, but I don’t think you are getting the most benefit unless it is in a slow release capsule.

Tools and Techniques for Stress Management

Tools and techniques for Stress Management are always a key ingredient when dealing with over-stressed states like depression or anxiety. Daily wellness habits like walking briskly, rebounding, cycling, yoga, Tai Chi, Tapping, using positive affirmations, meditation and mindfulness are all really great things to be doing. but don’t leave it to chance when it comes to including these habits in your daily life.

Plan Your Wellness Time Each Day

Make sure you set yourself up for success by setting aside your time for daily wellness. Generally I feel that early morning is best for me. I’m up out of the bed and sitting in a chair tapping nearly before I have fully wakened, while also sipping on my pint of water. Then I will head for the rebounder before I hit the shower. I will also take a good Colon Cleanse at this time, before breakfast. I do this because I know I am taking in many foods that perhaps have been sprayed with chemicals and I know the Colon Cleanse I use helps take the toxins from my colon. but most of all I believe that a healthy colon is a happy person – more of the gut brain connection.

Getting Rid of Processed False Energy Foods

In my book you don’t get to being depressed or anxious over night. You get there from a build up of toxins from your thoughts, beliefs, actions and habits. One of those habits is the eating and drinking of unnatural and processed sugars. This will be the most difficult habit for you to change, but it is very manageable.

I know this sounds hard. I believe that if its not in your shopping trolly, there is less chance of you eating it! The difficulty here is that there has been a lot of work done to teach you that process sugar gives you an energy boost. It actually gives you a sugar spike that is too stressful for your pancreas to manage so a lot of insulin is sent off into your body to balance that spike causing you to go the opposite way leading your whole system to feel very stressed and in need of more energy and what do we do, take more hit sugar foods.

Sugar Has Been My Default Since Childhood

I get this process so well. It is my biggest failing when stressed. Tapping helps me to stay calmer. This prevents me from getting so stressed and so I don’t go for the high sugar foods. I also tap In my craving for high sugar foods, and of course, don’t buy them, so they aren’t in the house and I can’t eat what’s not there.

My Natural Sugar Snacking Alternative

I do however have apples, pineapple, grapes and pears – natural sugar and natural energy foods I can eat. I throw in some nuts and seeds while eating my fruits as this protein source helps to regulate and balance the natural sugars so I get a balanced energy intake that lasts for longer.

To Conclude

Probiotics are really good for helping not just your mental state but also for boosting your overall wellness and aiding your journey through the menopause. Cutting out processed sugary foods and having some good wellness practices each day will also help you to manage your stress well and be less inclined to end up with depression and anxiety in the first place.

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To read the Research Study on Probiotic and depression click here.