Our gut bacteria are responsible for everything from our brain health to our immune function
to our weight and so much more. So what do you need to know about how SSRI's like Prozac
affect our gut microbiome? Find out, as I discuss the latest research. This is The Dr.
K Show.
I'm Dr. Karthik Ramanan. I help ambitious individuals end self criticism with tools
and strategies to create optimal everyday mental health. If you're new here and you
need to silence that critical voice in your head to get out of your own way and live a
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Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, social behavior, sleep,
memory, sexual desire and function, and quite possibly more. Low levels of serotonin are
associated with depression, so to address that issue pharmaceutically, selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors - or SSRIs - were created. These are drugs like Prozac. The idea is,
keep more serotonin available to improve mood.
95% of serotonin lives in your gut. We know our gut microbiome affects a myriad of things
including our mood, so how would an SSRI like Prozac interact with the 100 trillion or so
bacteria and microbes that live in our gut?
Well, a recent study out of UCLA published in Nature Microbiology examined just that.
The research team's previous study examined the bacteria Turicibacter sanguinis and discovered
that this bacteria actually signals our gut cells to produce more serotonin. Remember,
appropriate levels of serotonin equals better mood. So it would make sense we would want
to protect this species and ensure it lives happily in our gut.
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The team's latest research found that when they added fluoxetine, or Prozac, this bacterial
species grew to lower levels. This is a bacteria that thrives on serotonin in our gut and promotes
our body to create more. But Prozac, in its effort to keep more serotonin available in
the brain, appears to create an environment where fewer of these bacteria can thrive,
thereby producing less serotonin in our gut. Seems counterproductive.
So does that mean don't take Prozac or SSRI's? Everyone's situation is different, and I never
give individualized medical advice here. But one thing is clear whether you take an SSRI
or not, the health of our gut microbiome is essential for optimal everyday mental health
and our health and longevity in general. And my best tip for that is eat lots of fiber
in the form of whole plant foods.
If you're interested in learning more about the microbiome as it relates to anxiety and
depression, check out episodes 8 and 10 of the Dr. K Show.
Question of the Day: What's your experience with antidepressants? Let me know in the comments
below. I'll let you know my experience in Bring the Heat.
Today’s Progress Success is brought to you by Don Rimel of Our Nomadic Story. You can
find him at @ournomadicstory on Instagram. He says, "When I showed up at Grow With Video
Live, I felt like an imposter. Through the training and networking I now know I am not
an imposter. I am a creator at an earlier season of my journey. If my content can help
even just one person, and I allow myself to not publish the content, I am doing them a
disservice."
Don, you are awesome, and I believe in your greatness.
I remember when my doctor offered to prescribe me Prozac. I was 19 years old, and despite
the support of my family and a few close friends, I felt like I had no purpose in this world.
The identity I thought I had was shaken, and I wasn't able to create meaning. I was miserable.
But something inside me that day said no. I didn't want to go down the path of antidepressants.
Something inside me made me realize that my journey was to figure it out. Why? I didn't
know. But I just had to. And I'm so glad I did, because those five years of depression
eventually made me who I am today.
Look, if you're taking antidepressants, that's ok. I'm the LAST person to judge. I have seen
enough patients and their heartbreaking stories, I've been through enough pain myself to recognize
that we're all on our own path, and what's right for one person might be wrong for another.
I am suggesting, however, you heed these words.
You WILL find your way! All you have to do is take one day at a time. Make a little bit
of progress. Create a little bit of meaning. Give yourself an opportunity for life to come
back around. If you keep trying, it WILL. I promise. I've been to rock bottom three
times in my life, and each of those times has led to skyrocketing growth and purpose
in life.
Do something nice for yourself today. Eat more whole plant foods. Get some sun. Move
your body. Imagine you've got a blank canvas for you to create your future, because that's
exactly what you can and WILL do with your actions today. If you're feeling depressed,
you're not broken. Your brain is simply rewiring itself more effectively during depression
than other people even can when they're feeling ok. This is YOUR time. You will shine. Just
keep going. Don't let your pain go to waste.
I believe in your greatness.