Readers Digest UK - December 2021

DECEMBER 2021 • 39

You’re
depressed
We think of mood
disorders as
originating in the
brain, but your gut
may also be a source
of them. A 2019 study
found that people with
depression had fewer
Coprococcus and
Dialister than most
people. Other research
has found that mice
that receive stool
transplants from
depressed humans
get depressed, too.
Could changing
someone’s gut
microbiome improve
their mental health?
The research is still
emerging, but a 2017
Australian study found promising
results. It looked at people with major
depression who were on medication
or in therapy. Half remained on
these treatments and also tried a
Mediterranean diet, which is rich in
whole grains, lean protein, vegetables,
and fruits. That group had a much
greater reduction in their depression
than the others.

You have allergies
A diverse microbiome can help
regulate your immune system,

especially early in life. So if your

immune system is hypersensitive

because of your particular

microbiome, it increases your

chances of having allergies, asthma,

and eczema.

That’s why exposure to a variety of

bacteria from a young age is so

important. Kids who are born

vaginally are less likely to have

allergies than those born by

C-section, as are people who are

raised on farms, have pets, or grow

up with older siblings in the house.

ELEMENTS OF A HAPPY GUT

Breast Milk

It’s essential for

gut and brain

development

in babies

A Pet

Those raised

in homes with

animals have

more complex

microbiomes

The Outdoors

Mingling with

nature exposes

you to healthy

bacteria

Probiotics

There’s evidence

they help relieve

irritable bowel

syndrome

Mediterranean

Diet

Vegetables,

fruits, whole

grains, and lots

of fibre are

important