This food supplement might reduce the risk of developing postpartum depression

Probiotics have been said to alleviate digestive ailments but research also suggests they can reduce your chance of developing postpartum depression.

The human intestine is made up of billions of active bacteria that work in a symbiotic relationship with the goal of digesting food. The composition of everyone’s gut bacteria is unique and can easily be disrupted by stress, antibiotics or a change in diet. In order to maintain harmony within the gut, more and more of us are opting to incorporate probiotics into our daily routine, either by increasing our consumption of yoghurts, downing a delicious kefir drink or opting to include a probiotic supplement. Research is now suggesting that, due to the gut-brain axis, probiotics may have a positive impact on mental health and this includes helping to prevent postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is quite common, with the American Psychological Association suggesting up to one in seven women experience PPD. In an emotive video created by BuzzFeed, one mum honestly revealed how she, ‘believed that every parent knew what they were doing’ and believed herself to be ‘a devastating failure’. Having struggled herself, the woman encourages others to see the light at the end of the tunnel saying, ‘If you are out there and you are struggling, I want you to know that it is going to get better’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V64PqXKs02g Indeed, new research suggests that one strain of probiotic in particular, Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, could significantly lower depression and anxiety after giving birth. One study, published by The Lancet, looked at the effect of the HN001 strain of probiotic and after conducting double-blind testing concluded,

‘Women who received HN001 had significantly lower depression and anxiety scores in the postpartum period. This probiotic may be useful for the prevention or treatment of symptoms of depression and anxiety postpartum.’

The study followed on from findings that suggested pregnant and lactating mothers who consumed probiotics had a better chance of preventing their infants from developing atopic diseases. So if you are pregnant, definitely consider doing a little bit of research, or consulting with your GP to see if probiotics would be worth a shot for you. If you're looking for a tasty way to incorporate probiotics into your diet, why not try making these delicious healthy probiotic muffins?