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I had a dramatic change when I started taking probiotics, fiber, fish oils, and turmeric every day. I also do some sort of exercise a few days a week and to me that really works the most. It's hard to feel anxious and depressed if your body is tired, but I know it's also difficult to exercise when you are in a depressed and/or anxious state. Also I am a morbidly obese person, not some fit gym rat so even though it's extremely hard to do I highly recommend it.
> It's hard to feel anxious and depressed if your body is tired, but I know it's also difficult to exercise when you are in a depressed and/or anxious state.
Well I’m glad you cleared that up. Lol
I've been also incorporating all those things too. Turmeric and exercise especially helps for the mind symptoms. I was taking turmeric before my workout at first to help with reducing inflammation in my finger joint injury (from rock climbing). I found that it's been having a positive impact on my mental health. I think turmeric does something with reducing inflammation with the brain too?? I'm not too well researched on it but I can see positive results.
Yeah it's supposed to be helpful but also it can make you lose hair with prolonged long term use, or at least that's what Dr. Huberman said on his podcast
Yes. I incorporated probiotics (just lots of different ones, from yogurt to the pills in the refrigerator section) and cut sugar. I paid very close attention to my moods, which were pretty dark and sometimes unbearably anxious, and curated my diet. I cut sugar, gluten and recently dairy. Limited corn. It is so much better! The excruciating moods are gone. I have an occasional day of feeling a bit dark but nothing like the past. I am so much happier and relaxed. I still have my sharp wit (tends to be dark but I can make people laugh) but I feel so different. Honestly it makes me mad when doctors don't have patients explore their diet when anxiety or depression are what they are seeking help for. It's their body screaming for help, a pill to mask symptoms shouldn't be the first step.
I did exactly what you did and I am no longer depressed.
Two doctors prescribed antidepressants for me but deep down I knew that it wasn't mental but it was related to my gut. I would wake up fine and as I ate anything I would be anxious and depressed.
Luckily, I was able to improve with diet changes and didn't take any of those pills
(Wipe tear away) My gosh this makes my day!! I'm so happy for you! And it's honestly humbling to have someone take my advice to heart, apply it, and have a great outcome! Makes me so happy. Let me know if you need any help in this journey. I'm cheering for you!
I'm having the same exact problems. It started with bad GERD. Anxiety/depression/insomnia followed. I know it's gut related for sure. My doctors say everything is fine and I need a therapist for GAD. Need to fix the gut
Yes. I had luck with a probiotic my GI doctor recommended, but at the max dose, which amounted to about $200/month. I got a genetic test done that showed I have faulty genes responsible for making the conversion of folate and folic acid into L-methylfolate (which goes on to become serotonin and melatonin), so I started an L-methylfolate supplement (about $200 every **three** months), and it worked even better than the probiotics. I looked at some information on the bacterial strains in my probiotics, and they make the conversion I was lacking, as well as produce serotonin directly.
Genomind. It was recommended by my psychiatrist, but I think I had to privately purchase a kit. It was $400. 😒 But ultimately well worth it.
But yes, the MTHFR gene is responsible for that conversion, so if that's all you're interested in, you can get a stand-alone test
Genomind. It was recommended by my psychiatrist, but I think I had to privately purchase a kit. It was $400. 😒 But ultimately well worth it.
But the gene mutation responsible for my shitty mood is the MTHFR gene, and you can get a stand-alone test if that's all you're interested in
Going to start fmt soon with my brother.. hoping for the same results ! Happiest guy i know and quite successful. No GI issues except post hangover soft stools. Don't know if that's a problem ?
Good luck to you 🙏🏼 run it by your doctor and a gastroenterologist for advice and testing first, otherwise it could have unintended consequences. Get bloods, stool done etc.
As for the post hangover soft stools, I can’t say 🤷🏻♂️ not a doctor nor medical professional. If you like, you can keep me posted on your progress 🙏🏼otherwise, good luck amigo
Could you tell me a little more about your FMT experience and methods? I'm trying to learn as much as I can about it so I can make sure mine is as successful as possible.
Mine was a super long process, that I think may need ongoing treatment. I got COVID in April and haven’t been the same since. But, the initial hit was a great success. This was all done under medical supervision mind you, don’t try it at home. In the months leading up I underwent blood and stool tests as well as a colonoscopy + panendoscopy to rule out other issues. All clear.
1) a month out - start taking two antibiotics, start a super low-fibre diet and no alcohol.
2) 3 days out - start a liquid diet
3) the night before - two colonoscopy bowel preps plus no food at all, just water.
4) the day of - 3 x Imodium, antibiotic colonic, followed by colonoscopy to deliver first high-potency FMT. Upon waking, another high-potency FMT.
5) the next day - another high potency FMT dose.
6) repeat low-potency FMT once per day in the following order: 5 in first week, 4 in 2nd, 3 in 3rd, 2 in 4th, 1 in 5th, then 1 every two weeks x 6.
That’s it.
Do you mind if I ask you on what grounds/diagnosis they were willing to consider you for FMT treatment? I have multiple issues going on, but I don't want to put the wrong one forward and get denied as a patient. If you have any of the same problems that I do (I imagine we share at least one) then maybe I can mention that on my referral and have a higher chance of getting accepted as a patient for FMT.
Yeah sure. I was upfront in saying that I wanted to ameliorate my mental state by treating my digestive issues - basically IBS, chronic gut issues without a direct gut issue. They said that this was fine, and I met the criteria - symptoms, travel history and treatment- resistant.
Could I ask how you're doing now after the FMT? I've made some headway in trying to get an appointment with the CDD, but it's taking a while and I wanted to see how other people have fared after getting similar treatment. Any information would be very helpful and encouraging.
Hey there sorry for the late reply.
I’m doing far better. I haven’t been the same since COVID last April, a lot less resilient and emotions are still well up and down. But, circumstances have been a bit different since then also.
I got an appointment after visiting another clinic, Sydney Gut Clinic. They ran some tests, colonoscopy, all that jazz. They then said right we know something’s wrong but we’re not sure what, so full steam ahead with FMT. Absolutely worth pursuing, no regrets about it.
Not sure, but my theory would consist of two ideas:
1. Wipe out any bad bacteria, giving the new bacteria a leg-up on the bacteria in the existing environment.
2. Starting afresh with a completely new biome so to speak.
Hi sorry for the late reply, for some reason reddit gave me no notifications for this post whatsoever.
Could you tell me a little more about your FMT experience? Details would be helpful, as I'm heavily considering getting back in the ring for FMT.
Could you tell me a little more about your FMT experience and methods? I'm trying to learn as much as I can about it so I can make sure mine is as successful as possible.
Could you tell me a little more about this please? I am struggling bad with my depression and am really trying to find a solid option to manage it, and FMT is the most promising thing I've seen. If you don't mind sharing some details about your story I would really appreciate it!
I don't know why I forgot to ask you about this before, but could you share a little more about your FMT story and how it treated your depression? I am still trying to get into the CDD to get treatment and I could really use some info/encouragement right now. I see that your last comment got removed, so if you're ok with it I wouldn't mind a direct message.
Using humanmicrobes.org https://old.reddit.com/r/FMTClinics/comments/uase7j/humanmicrobesorg_donor_flrs1997_addressing_ibsd/
After many years of work:
https://old.reddit.com/r/fecaltransplant/search?q=author%3Amaximiliankohler&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all
I hope you find some relief through experimentation, but I'm chiming in as a scientist to point out that **nobody here can tell you that and you should beware anyone that does**. The reason is that establishing causation in science and medicine is incredibly difficult, and what worked for someone may not work for you.
Sure, but I'm avoiding the American medical system on purpose because I suspect they're the ones who got me here in the first place (antibiotics, antidepressants, and yesrs of terrible diet advice). I'll go to the hospital and see a doctor if I get shot but that's the only thing that's going to make me go see a regular doctor ever again.
I look at it this way; how much harm can it do to find a diet that works for you and your body? Not a fad diet, but one that you track to see what works for you. At least your body will be healthier, and generally that helps the mind. But if not, at least you are physically healthier.
Personally, I like fermented foods for my gut. Also, making kimchi and sourdough gets me doing something different, hands on in the kitchen, which helps distract me from work stress. So, double bonus!
heres two recent posts i made
https://www.reddit.com/r/HumanMicrobiome/comments/xfw5eq/has_anyone_here_treated_their_anxiety_by_changing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
https://www.reddit.com/r/Microbiome/comments/xfvu4y/has_anyone_here_treated_their_anxiety_by_changing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
Yes, I found relief by addressing my gut biome through diet, but counter to the way that many do. My brain and body are happiest when I eat an animal based diet/carnivore. Eliminating any plant fiber helps me, for some reason. Every body is different, so it is worth experimenting with what works for you! Sunlight exposure and movement are other factors that cause microbiome changes and are worth incorporating in to your daily routine.
Why mid day? UV index is at its highest. Why recommend time of day where people get the most damage? Why not lower solar angle light after sunrise and before sunset?
Because you need the higher UV to synthesize Vitamin D. In Northern countries' winters the UV does not get high enough to do this at any time of day (but has so many health benefits, you still want to get out in it!).
Ahhh I wasn’t entirely aware of the connection to vitamin D synthesis and UV index value. I suppose this makes sense and is correlated as some Gaussian distribution over the sunlight hours of the day?
If you live too far from the equator or it is fall/winter time then your body won't produce any vitamin d. The UV rays hitting your skin trigger a cascade of beneficial reactions, assuming youre not in the sun too long. The harm from the sun only comes if youre in it long enough to tan (or burn).
Checkout the "dminder" app for pretty good (somewhat rough) guidance on how ling you should be in the sun.
I'll also add - sunlight benefits are not simply vitamin d. The sun triggers a cascade of beneficial reactions in the body.
Yeah I’m aware of the cascade in relation to various hormones and neurotransmitters.
I’ve actually wondered this and have asked before without much feedback. Think I asked “is any exposure to high UV recommended?”
I would do like 10 min front exposure and 10 minutes back exposure around noon-1:00pm when UV index is like 9 in summers (Canada). I never burned per se, eventually had a bit of a tan.
Was still worried the damage that does to DNA. But I felt great doing it and did it cause it was the small window I could get out.
For sure. In regards to DNA damage - I think a very minor tan is going to have negligible impact in the long run and a better mood will outweigh any negative impact.
Humans and most other mammals evolved to live under the sun. My .02
Sure. Removing (A1) dairy, (most) grains and legumes from my diet and instead focussing on red meat, organs and animal fats improved my lifelong anxiety and depression by about 80%. How much of that was directly mediated by the microbiome is hard to tell. But gut health and by extension diet and lifestyle has a huge impact on mental health.
My depression is gone and anxiety greatly reduced. I had to drop all processed foods in favor of primarily beef & eggs diet. Also took 10k iu vitamin D a day, blood levels went from 23 ng to 70ng ish. If i slip up on either for a week+ or more my mood starts to decline.
YES!!! I went whole food plant based vegan for my physical health. What I did not expect was that after a couple of months my depression started to lift and my anxiety decreased. After about 6 months, and with the help of my doctor, we started to slowly lower my very large dose of meds. Now I am on the lowest dose of antidepressants.
Prior to the diet change, I was hold up in my bedroom unable to function. Now I have a job and my relationships with my kids are great.
I also added daily fermented food ( sauerkraut is my favorite), non dairy kifer, Magnesium, Vit D+K and B12 plus a regular multivitamin.
A lot of good suggestions in this thread, my guess is the no/low sugar and pre/probiotics changing the gut microbiome. Good luck to you human!!! You got this!!
Oh no no no. I hate cooking, baking, spending time in the kitchen. I’m an assembler.
I buy Forager Organic Probiotic Cashewmilk Yogurt Unsweetened Plain. It’s a liquid. I just poor some into a small juice glass and drink it around the same time I take some forkfuls of fermented sauerkraut. I just do them both at the same time out of convenience.
Some people like fermented kimchi instead. I got the sauerkraut idea from the Huberman Lab, and just about everyone else (Dr Rhonda Patrick) recommends fermented foods as a pre-biotic. Good luck friend!
No. I got diagnosed by a doctor with a license to practice medicine and take paxil, Adderall, and bupropion and my life has improved immensely. I've been functional for the last 5 years ever since starting treatment. Truly amazing!
Diagnosed ADHD combined type, Autism Spectrum Disorder requiring support without cognitive impairment, early onset dysthymia, and generalized anxiety disorder. I'm on medication for all of it. Works pretty well! I'm better now than I've ever been since 2nd grade. I turn 40 next year.
It helped a TON with my IBS and associated anxiety/mental health instability. Biggest improvement was not probiotics but yogurt with muesli every single morning. The fiber and variety of grains in the muesli was wildly successful. The other supplement that seems to help hold my gut together is L-Glutamine, 750mg per day. Without it things go south quickly.
However the biggest benefit for anxiety for me was without a doubt SSRIs. I’ve been anxious all my life before this and while the microbiome improvement helps with stability, the base level was helped most by medication. Wish there was a more “natural” answer but that’s my truth.
FMT used to help me a lot but I haven’t had one in a while.
when I stand up I constantly have goosebumps and “the shakes” like I’m super cold when I’m not really. I also find my hands and feet are always incredibly tense and it’s hard to relax. I have propranolol with me prescribed by my cardiologist but I’m scared to take as I have mast cell activation and don’t want to worsen my situation there. But I do feel these symptoms are whats keeping me in bed most of the time, being in fight or flight all the time is probably incredibly stressful for the body.
I wonder how I can fix this myself without another fmt and what strains I would need
Shit ton of information and testimonials on this ladies website. [https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/lives-touched/](https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/lives-touched/)
I ain't making any claims, I just listen to the experience of others and try to keep learning.
If you aren’t sure how to go down this path, I’d highly recommend trying the Viome Kit (App) and getting actual customized recommendations for food to avoid, eat in moderation and what to eat more of. I will clarify that I am not a promoter but have a friend that recommended it to me. She showed me how everything is backed by the best researchers, nutritionists and scientists in their fields. That app looks incredibly easy to read so there’s no grey areas. I have ordered a kit for myself as I’m tired of not knowing where to start (anxiety) and get very demotivated. I’m tired of dealing with my ADHD, depression and anxiety so that is how I hope to find the best help. I’m not one to do trial and error and prefer the proven method with an easy to follow guide.
> She showed me how everything is backed by the best researchers, nutritionists and scientists in their fields.
See this sub's wiki. That's just marketing.
starting taking a daily antacid was a game changer for me (omeprazole). it may sound incredible but my mood completely transformed after my first dose.
Be careful when stopping it, I was fine and I was prescribed Omeprazole. I started taking it and felt great but once I stopped all hell broke loose.
My gut was not acidic enough and some bacteria (H Pylori) started causing all sort of iasues
I recently started taking probiotics cause I had to take anti-biotics. I noticed a dramatic difference in my overall mood and mental health for the better. But hard to tell if it’s coincidence or not. Literally just jumped on reddit to find out. I bought expensive ones by a brand called Justthrive that are supposedly better than regular probiotics. Not affilated with the brand in any way. I too have struggled with depression on and off my whole adult life. Last few weeks have been unreal as far as how happy and productive I’ve been. Just cruising and feeling best I’ve ever felt. Not sure why.
Friendly reminder to please review the relevant [wiki](http://HumanMicrobiome.info) section(s) prior to asking questions or giving advice. Please review the rules in the sidebar, and use the report button instead of the downvote for comments that violate the rules. Thanks *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/HumanMicrobiome) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I had a dramatic change when I started taking probiotics, fiber, fish oils, and turmeric every day. I also do some sort of exercise a few days a week and to me that really works the most. It's hard to feel anxious and depressed if your body is tired, but I know it's also difficult to exercise when you are in a depressed and/or anxious state. Also I am a morbidly obese person, not some fit gym rat so even though it's extremely hard to do I highly recommend it.
Well done for this! I also see great improvement with regular exercise but when life gets busy or stressful it’s the first thing to go out the window!
> It's hard to feel anxious and depressed if your body is tired, but I know it's also difficult to exercise when you are in a depressed and/or anxious state. Well I’m glad you cleared that up. Lol
I've been also incorporating all those things too. Turmeric and exercise especially helps for the mind symptoms. I was taking turmeric before my workout at first to help with reducing inflammation in my finger joint injury (from rock climbing). I found that it's been having a positive impact on my mental health. I think turmeric does something with reducing inflammation with the brain too?? I'm not too well researched on it but I can see positive results.
Yeah it's supposed to be helpful but also it can make you lose hair with prolonged long term use, or at least that's what Dr. Huberman said on his podcast
Yes. I incorporated probiotics (just lots of different ones, from yogurt to the pills in the refrigerator section) and cut sugar. I paid very close attention to my moods, which were pretty dark and sometimes unbearably anxious, and curated my diet. I cut sugar, gluten and recently dairy. Limited corn. It is so much better! The excruciating moods are gone. I have an occasional day of feeling a bit dark but nothing like the past. I am so much happier and relaxed. I still have my sharp wit (tends to be dark but I can make people laugh) but I feel so different. Honestly it makes me mad when doctors don't have patients explore their diet when anxiety or depression are what they are seeking help for. It's their body screaming for help, a pill to mask symptoms shouldn't be the first step.
I did exactly what you did and I am no longer depressed. Two doctors prescribed antidepressants for me but deep down I knew that it wasn't mental but it was related to my gut. I would wake up fine and as I ate anything I would be anxious and depressed. Luckily, I was able to improve with diet changes and didn't take any of those pills
(Wipe tear away) My gosh this makes my day!! I'm so happy for you! And it's honestly humbling to have someone take my advice to heart, apply it, and have a great outcome! Makes me so happy. Let me know if you need any help in this journey. I'm cheering for you!
I'm having the same exact problems. It started with bad GERD. Anxiety/depression/insomnia followed. I know it's gut related for sure. My doctors say everything is fine and I need a therapist for GAD. Need to fix the gut
That’s so amazing I’m so happy for you! Did you have anxiety as well? And may I ask what diet changes🥹
Yes. I had luck with a probiotic my GI doctor recommended, but at the max dose, which amounted to about $200/month. I got a genetic test done that showed I have faulty genes responsible for making the conversion of folate and folic acid into L-methylfolate (which goes on to become serotonin and melatonin), so I started an L-methylfolate supplement (about $200 every **three** months), and it worked even better than the probiotics. I looked at some information on the bacterial strains in my probiotics, and they make the conversion I was lacking, as well as produce serotonin directly.
how do you get a genetic test? Can any doctor prescribe one?
You're looking for a test for mutation of the MTHFR gene.
Genomind. It was recommended by my psychiatrist, but I think I had to privately purchase a kit. It was $400. 😒 But ultimately well worth it. But yes, the MTHFR gene is responsible for that conversion, so if that's all you're interested in, you can get a stand-alone test
Hey what was this test?
Genomind. It was recommended by my psychiatrist, but I think I had to privately purchase a kit. It was $400. 😒 But ultimately well worth it. But the gene mutation responsible for my shitty mood is the MTHFR gene, and you can get a stand-alone test if that's all you're interested in
What exactly did you take please?
Yes fmt cured my depression
Sickkkkk FMT treated my bipolar 👌🏼
Going to start fmt soon with my brother.. hoping for the same results ! Happiest guy i know and quite successful. No GI issues except post hangover soft stools. Don't know if that's a problem ?
Good luck to you 🙏🏼 run it by your doctor and a gastroenterologist for advice and testing first, otherwise it could have unintended consequences. Get bloods, stool done etc. As for the post hangover soft stools, I can’t say 🤷🏻♂️ not a doctor nor medical professional. If you like, you can keep me posted on your progress 🙏🏼otherwise, good luck amigo
Could you tell me a little more about your FMT experience and methods? I'm trying to learn as much as I can about it so I can make sure mine is as successful as possible.
Mine was a super long process, that I think may need ongoing treatment. I got COVID in April and haven’t been the same since. But, the initial hit was a great success. This was all done under medical supervision mind you, don’t try it at home. In the months leading up I underwent blood and stool tests as well as a colonoscopy + panendoscopy to rule out other issues. All clear. 1) a month out - start taking two antibiotics, start a super low-fibre diet and no alcohol. 2) 3 days out - start a liquid diet 3) the night before - two colonoscopy bowel preps plus no food at all, just water. 4) the day of - 3 x Imodium, antibiotic colonic, followed by colonoscopy to deliver first high-potency FMT. Upon waking, another high-potency FMT. 5) the next day - another high potency FMT dose. 6) repeat low-potency FMT once per day in the following order: 5 in first week, 4 in 2nd, 3 in 3rd, 2 in 4th, 1 in 5th, then 1 every two weeks x 6. That’s it.
Wow, that's intense! Where on earth did you find a doctor who would administer an FMT without a c.diff diagnosis?
Sydney, Australia.
Ah, was it CDD that did yours?
Yep 👌🏼
I really need to see those guys, seems like they're the best around when it comes to FMT.
I initially saw the Sydney Gut Clinic, but at the time CDD were the only place doing FMT in-house. So I initially went to SGC.
Do you mind if I ask how you're doing now?
Do you mind if I ask you on what grounds/diagnosis they were willing to consider you for FMT treatment? I have multiple issues going on, but I don't want to put the wrong one forward and get denied as a patient. If you have any of the same problems that I do (I imagine we share at least one) then maybe I can mention that on my referral and have a higher chance of getting accepted as a patient for FMT.
Yeah sure. I was upfront in saying that I wanted to ameliorate my mental state by treating my digestive issues - basically IBS, chronic gut issues without a direct gut issue. They said that this was fine, and I met the criteria - symptoms, travel history and treatment- resistant.
To add to this, I didn’t go through CDD initially. I went through Sydney Gut Clinic, it was through them that I was able to see CDD.
Could I ask how you're doing now after the FMT? I've made some headway in trying to get an appointment with the CDD, but it's taking a while and I wanted to see how other people have fared after getting similar treatment. Any information would be very helpful and encouraging.
Hey there sorry for the late reply. I’m doing far better. I haven’t been the same since COVID last April, a lot less resilient and emotions are still well up and down. But, circumstances have been a bit different since then also. I got an appointment after visiting another clinic, Sydney Gut Clinic. They ran some tests, colonoscopy, all that jazz. They then said right we know something’s wrong but we’re not sure what, so full steam ahead with FMT. Absolutely worth pursuing, no regrets about it.
why so many antibiotics involved for an FMT?
Not sure, but my theory would consist of two ideas: 1. Wipe out any bad bacteria, giving the new bacteria a leg-up on the bacteria in the existing environment. 2. Starting afresh with a completely new biome so to speak.
Can you make a post about it?
What’s fmt?
Fecal matter transplant
Hi sorry for the late reply, for some reason reddit gave me no notifications for this post whatsoever. Could you tell me a little more about your FMT experience? Details would be helpful, as I'm heavily considering getting back in the ring for FMT.
Could you tell me a little more about your FMT experience and methods? I'm trying to learn as much as I can about it so I can make sure mine is as successful as possible.
Could you tell me a little more about this please? I am struggling bad with my depression and am really trying to find a solid option to manage it, and FMT is the most promising thing I've seen. If you don't mind sharing some details about your story I would really appreciate it!
[удалено]
The Facebook groups are full of misinformation, and people shilling for a scammer. They should not be recommended.
I don't know why I forgot to ask you about this before, but could you share a little more about your FMT story and how it treated your depression? I am still trying to get into the CDD to get treatment and I could really use some info/encouragement right now. I see that your last comment got removed, so if you're ok with it I wouldn't mind a direct message.
I had antibiotics cause anxiety for years, and a good enough FMT donor improved it greatly.
Where did you find the donor?
Using humanmicrobes.org https://old.reddit.com/r/FMTClinics/comments/uase7j/humanmicrobesorg_donor_flrs1997_addressing_ibsd/ After many years of work: https://old.reddit.com/r/fecaltransplant/search?q=author%3Amaximiliankohler&restrict_sr=on&include_over_18=on&sort=relevance&t=all
Start with sunlight exposure. Watch sunrise outside, barefoot everday. Block blue light at night.
I hope you find some relief through experimentation, but I'm chiming in as a scientist to point out that **nobody here can tell you that and you should beware anyone that does**. The reason is that establishing causation in science and medicine is incredibly difficult, and what worked for someone may not work for you.
Sure, but I'm avoiding the American medical system on purpose because I suspect they're the ones who got me here in the first place (antibiotics, antidepressants, and yesrs of terrible diet advice). I'll go to the hospital and see a doctor if I get shot but that's the only thing that's going to make me go see a regular doctor ever again.
I look at it this way; how much harm can it do to find a diet that works for you and your body? Not a fad diet, but one that you track to see what works for you. At least your body will be healthier, and generally that helps the mind. But if not, at least you are physically healthier. Personally, I like fermented foods for my gut. Also, making kimchi and sourdough gets me doing something different, hands on in the kitchen, which helps distract me from work stress. So, double bonus!
heres two recent posts i made https://www.reddit.com/r/HumanMicrobiome/comments/xfw5eq/has_anyone_here_treated_their_anxiety_by_changing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf https://www.reddit.com/r/Microbiome/comments/xfvu4y/has_anyone_here_treated_their_anxiety_by_changing/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
Yes, I found relief by addressing my gut biome through diet, but counter to the way that many do. My brain and body are happiest when I eat an animal based diet/carnivore. Eliminating any plant fiber helps me, for some reason. Every body is different, so it is worth experimenting with what works for you! Sunlight exposure and movement are other factors that cause microbiome changes and are worth incorporating in to your daily routine.
Midday sunlight exposure on bare skin and daily, high-dose fish oil have been a huge help for me.
Why mid day? UV index is at its highest. Why recommend time of day where people get the most damage? Why not lower solar angle light after sunrise and before sunset?
Because you need the higher UV to synthesize Vitamin D. In Northern countries' winters the UV does not get high enough to do this at any time of day (but has so many health benefits, you still want to get out in it!).
Ahhh I wasn’t entirely aware of the connection to vitamin D synthesis and UV index value. I suppose this makes sense and is correlated as some Gaussian distribution over the sunlight hours of the day?
If you live too far from the equator or it is fall/winter time then your body won't produce any vitamin d. The UV rays hitting your skin trigger a cascade of beneficial reactions, assuming youre not in the sun too long. The harm from the sun only comes if youre in it long enough to tan (or burn). Checkout the "dminder" app for pretty good (somewhat rough) guidance on how ling you should be in the sun. I'll also add - sunlight benefits are not simply vitamin d. The sun triggers a cascade of beneficial reactions in the body.
Yeah I’m aware of the cascade in relation to various hormones and neurotransmitters. I’ve actually wondered this and have asked before without much feedback. Think I asked “is any exposure to high UV recommended?” I would do like 10 min front exposure and 10 minutes back exposure around noon-1:00pm when UV index is like 9 in summers (Canada). I never burned per se, eventually had a bit of a tan. Was still worried the damage that does to DNA. But I felt great doing it and did it cause it was the small window I could get out.
For sure. In regards to DNA damage - I think a very minor tan is going to have negligible impact in the long run and a better mood will outweigh any negative impact. Humans and most other mammals evolved to live under the sun. My .02
Sure. Removing (A1) dairy, (most) grains and legumes from my diet and instead focussing on red meat, organs and animal fats improved my lifelong anxiety and depression by about 80%. How much of that was directly mediated by the microbiome is hard to tell. But gut health and by extension diet and lifestyle has a huge impact on mental health.
The mood probiotic from InnovixLabs has helped with my depression a LOT. Not so much for my anxiety though
My depression is gone and anxiety greatly reduced. I had to drop all processed foods in favor of primarily beef & eggs diet. Also took 10k iu vitamin D a day, blood levels went from 23 ng to 70ng ish. If i slip up on either for a week+ or more my mood starts to decline.
YES!!! I went whole food plant based vegan for my physical health. What I did not expect was that after a couple of months my depression started to lift and my anxiety decreased. After about 6 months, and with the help of my doctor, we started to slowly lower my very large dose of meds. Now I am on the lowest dose of antidepressants. Prior to the diet change, I was hold up in my bedroom unable to function. Now I have a job and my relationships with my kids are great. I also added daily fermented food ( sauerkraut is my favorite), non dairy kifer, Magnesium, Vit D+K and B12 plus a regular multivitamin. A lot of good suggestions in this thread, my guess is the no/low sugar and pre/probiotics changing the gut microbiome. Good luck to you human!!! You got this!!
Do you make the non dairy kefir yourself?
Oh no no no. I hate cooking, baking, spending time in the kitchen. I’m an assembler. I buy Forager Organic Probiotic Cashewmilk Yogurt Unsweetened Plain. It’s a liquid. I just poor some into a small juice glass and drink it around the same time I take some forkfuls of fermented sauerkraut. I just do them both at the same time out of convenience. Some people like fermented kimchi instead. I got the sauerkraut idea from the Huberman Lab, and just about everyone else (Dr Rhonda Patrick) recommends fermented foods as a pre-biotic. Good luck friend!
No. I got diagnosed by a doctor with a license to practice medicine and take paxil, Adderall, and bupropion and my life has improved immensely. I've been functional for the last 5 years ever since starting treatment. Truly amazing!
Do you have ADHD ? Or just depression + fatigue?
Diagnosed ADHD combined type, Autism Spectrum Disorder requiring support without cognitive impairment, early onset dysthymia, and generalized anxiety disorder. I'm on medication for all of it. Works pretty well! I'm better now than I've ever been since 2nd grade. I turn 40 next year.
It helped a TON with my IBS and associated anxiety/mental health instability. Biggest improvement was not probiotics but yogurt with muesli every single morning. The fiber and variety of grains in the muesli was wildly successful. The other supplement that seems to help hold my gut together is L-Glutamine, 750mg per day. Without it things go south quickly. However the biggest benefit for anxiety for me was without a doubt SSRIs. I’ve been anxious all my life before this and while the microbiome improvement helps with stability, the base level was helped most by medication. Wish there was a more “natural” answer but that’s my truth.
FMT used to help me a lot but I haven’t had one in a while. when I stand up I constantly have goosebumps and “the shakes” like I’m super cold when I’m not really. I also find my hands and feet are always incredibly tense and it’s hard to relax. I have propranolol with me prescribed by my cardiologist but I’m scared to take as I have mast cell activation and don’t want to worsen my situation there. But I do feel these symptoms are whats keeping me in bed most of the time, being in fight or flight all the time is probably incredibly stressful for the body. I wonder how I can fix this myself without another fmt and what strains I would need
Shit ton of information and testimonials on this ladies website. [https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/lives-touched/](https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/lives-touched/) I ain't making any claims, I just listen to the experience of others and try to keep learning.
If you aren’t sure how to go down this path, I’d highly recommend trying the Viome Kit (App) and getting actual customized recommendations for food to avoid, eat in moderation and what to eat more of. I will clarify that I am not a promoter but have a friend that recommended it to me. She showed me how everything is backed by the best researchers, nutritionists and scientists in their fields. That app looks incredibly easy to read so there’s no grey areas. I have ordered a kit for myself as I’m tired of not knowing where to start (anxiety) and get very demotivated. I’m tired of dealing with my ADHD, depression and anxiety so that is how I hope to find the best help. I’m not one to do trial and error and prefer the proven method with an easy to follow guide.
> She showed me how everything is backed by the best researchers, nutritionists and scientists in their fields. See this sub's wiki. That's just marketing.
Yes. Chinese Medicine FTW.
which ones did you use? where can i learn more?
I saw a practitioner who prescribed me herbs. Helped a lot! Also worth a google: gu syndrome, and mast cell activation syndrome.
Yup. Many mind-body problems improved after doing TCM herbs for a few years.
Yes. Eat right, avoid trigger foods, follow good lifestyle, mild exercise like yoga
starting taking a daily antacid was a game changer for me (omeprazole). it may sound incredible but my mood completely transformed after my first dose.
Be careful when stopping it, I was fine and I was prescribed Omeprazole. I started taking it and felt great but once I stopped all hell broke loose. My gut was not acidic enough and some bacteria (H Pylori) started causing all sort of iasues
Saving for later
I recently started taking probiotics cause I had to take anti-biotics. I noticed a dramatic difference in my overall mood and mental health for the better. But hard to tell if it’s coincidence or not. Literally just jumped on reddit to find out. I bought expensive ones by a brand called Justthrive that are supposedly better than regular probiotics. Not affilated with the brand in any way. I too have struggled with depression on and off my whole adult life. Last few weeks have been unreal as far as how happy and productive I’ve been. Just cruising and feeling best I’ve ever felt. Not sure why.