Background

​Prozac and Zoloft are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) and work by delaying the reuptake of serotonin.  This results in serotonin persisting longer when it is released, and SSRI’s are often used as an antidepressant treatment for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).  SSRI’s increase the concentration of a potent GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulator. Large doses have been shown to induce a significant increase in synaptic norepinephrine and dopamine. Thus, dopamine and norepinephrine may contribute to the antidepressant action in humans.

​However, the use of antidepressant SSRI’s such as Prozac and Zoloft have many side effects and disease interactions.   Some of the common side effects are Affect/emotional lability, aggravated depression, aggressive reaction, aggression, agitation, anxiety, bruxism/teeth grinding, decreased libido, depersonalization, depression, nervousness, nightmare, mania, paranoia, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt.

Probiotics

​Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, is found in certain foods or supplements. Yogurt is a common food containing probiotics, but certain milks and juices also have probiotics. Probiotics aid in digestion and protect your stomach against harmful bacteria. Research suggests that probiotics can help specific symptoms and conditions, such as treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Since many folks with Irritable bowel syndrome also have anxiety and depression and the evidence base for the treatment of IBS is large, it makes sense to try probiotics if you have symptoms of depression or anxiety. Probiotics are anti-inflammatory microbes that seem to affect the gut in a positive way, decreasing stress signaling in the body and possibly even increasing the transformation of the amino acid tryptophan to serotonin in the brain.

Research

​In both their anti-inflammatory capacity and their serotonin capacity, probiotics can have effects similar to antidepressants such as SSRIs, however, without the negative side effects.  There exists no literature to suggest that probiotics could cause problems such as serotonin syndrome, anxiety, jitteriness, or an increase in suicidal thoughts, or an uncomfortable discontinuation syndrome that SSRIs can sometimes cause when stopping the medication too suddenly.  In a clinical study, after eight weeks of probiotics, depression scores were significantly reduced in the probiotic group compared to placebo along with lower plasma insulin measures and C reactive protein. Use of probiotics have shown a positive effect on metabolism, and a decrease of inflammation along with a decrease in symptoms of depression.

 Highlights from clinical research on metabolic response to probiotic administration in patients with major depressive disorder, through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial include:

• ​Probiotic supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder had beneficial effects on Beck Depression Inventory total score.

• Probiotic supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder had beneficial effects on markers of insulin metabolism.

The robust evidence compiled and presented in this review indicates that treatment with probiotics may improve symptoms associated with MDD by increasing serotonin availability and/or decreasing levels of inflammatory markers. The potential of probiotics to be used as a novel treatment for MDD could have a major impact on those seeking antidepressant treatment by reducing the stigma, latency and side effects associated with typical antidepressants.

Relationship: The Role of Probiotic & Depression

The Synbiotics (Probiotic & Prebiotics) contained in the Probiotic Pack™ helps to balance the immune system, promote nutrient absorption and healthy microbiome. Serrapeptase, a main Ingredient in The Probiotic Pack™, helps immensely as it clears out all of the inflammation and dead tissue. By alleviating the inflammation and clearing away this problem tissue it relieves the symptoms and allows the healing system to rapidly repair the problem.

​The Probiotic Pack™ contains quality systemic enzymes that work synergistically with the Synbiotics. Because of their variety of origins and substrates, wide ranges of optimal temperatures and pH levels, increased percentage of absorption, and increased level of effectiveness, enzyme blends have a wider range of advantages than do individual enzymes. Additionally, when enzymes are taken in combination with probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and herbs, the combination improves absorption and bioavailability of the ingredients.

​It is recommended to take high-quality multi-strain probiotic formula, with at least 11 strains to balance gut bacteria and promote a healthy digestive system. The best probiotics can withstand stomach acids and enable the bacteria reach the gut alive to perform their health-enhancing benefits.  In terms of reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms and reducing or slowing the progressiveness of a disease, the Probiotic Pack™ is a great natural alternative to SSRI’s, such as Prozac and Zoloft.

 Probiotic Enzymes