The multi-faceted phenomenon known as “depression” has a substantial negative impact on most aspects of health, affecting mood, pain, the immune system, blood pressure, stress-resilience, and far more.

Fortunately, there are many many non-drug steps you can take to combat the symptoms of depression.

A Canadian neuroscientist is researching a promising way to attack depression symptoms using probiotics — extra doses of the beneficial bacteria that live in your digestive tract. It seems to work for some people.

Given all we know about the gut-brain axis, and how the intestines regulate brain activity, it makes sense that restoring balance to the colon could have a powerful impact on mental function and mood.

Give it a try.

And don’t forget these other self-care methods to address depression symptoms.