neurological microbiome program
Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition affecting mood, motivation, and physical wellbeing.
Overview
Depression is a common mental health condition affecting mood, motivation, and physical wellbeing. In Australia, 1 in 7 will experience depression in their lifetime (ABS, 2023). It can range from mild, temporary episodes to severe, persistent illness.
Common Misunderstandings
Depression isn’t simply “feeling sad” — it can involve physical symptoms, changes in thinking, and altered sleep or appetite. People may feel guilty for not being able to “snap out of it,” especially if others don’t understand the condition.
How is Depression Linked to Your Microbiome?
- People with depression often have gut microbiome changes, including reduced diversity and lower levels of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate (Jiang et al., 2015).
- The gut–brain axis allows the microbiome to influence mood via immune signalling, neurotransmitter production (e.g., serotonin), and stress-hormone regulation (Foster & McVey Neufeld, 2013).
- Some probiotic strains (so-called “psychobiotics”) have shown modest benefits in reducing depressive symptoms in clinical trials (Ng et al., 2018), though these are adjuncts, not stand-alone treatments.
Been diagnosed with Depression?
Addressing the microbiome might help you.
The Microbiome Clinic™ offers thorough testing and tailored microbiome treatment plans grounded in science.
