Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders that affect millions of people worldwide.

Although there are various medications and therapies available to treat depression, recent studies have found a potential link between diet and depression. Specifically, the consumption of yogurt has been linked with a lower risk of depression among adults.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. It can affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities and affect their relationships.

Depression is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

The Benefits of Yogurt

Yogurt is a dairy product that has been consumed by humans for over 4,500 years. It is made by fermenting milk with bacteria and can be consumed as a snack or meal. Yogurt is a rich source of protein, calcium, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals.

The beneficial bacteria in yogurt help maintain a healthy digestive system and can boost the immune system.

Yogurt and Depression Studies

Several studies have investigated the association between the consumption of yogurt and depression. An analysis published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming low-fat yogurt was associated with a lower risk of depression in adults.

Researchers followed 1,950 men and women over a 10 year period and found that those who consumed yogurt at least once a week had a 29% lower risk of developing depression than those who did not.

Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that consuming probiotic yogurt for 4 weeks resulted in a reduction in depressive symptoms compared to a control group.

Related Article The Role of Yogurt in Mental Health

The study involved 60 adults with depression and found that those who consumed probiotic yogurt had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, and reported an improvement in their mood and quality of life.

A review of five studies published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that consuming probiotics, including those found in yogurt, was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms and an improvement in overall mental health.

The review concluded that probiotics may be a useful adjunctive treatment for depression.

The Mechanism Behind Yogurt’s Effect on Depression

The mechanism behind the link between yogurt and depression is not fully understood. However, it is thought that the beneficial bacteria in yogurt, particularly probiotics, play a role in the gut-brain axis.

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the central nervous system. Studies have found that changes in gut bacteria can affect mood, behavior, and cognitive function.

Probiotic bacteria in the gut can produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), both of which are involved in regulating mood. Low levels of serotonin and GABA have been linked to depression and anxiety.

Therefore, consuming probiotics in yogurt may help increase the levels of these neurotransmitters and improve mood.

The Bottom Line

Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can affect a person’s quality of life.

While there are various treatments available, recent studies suggest that consuming yogurt, particularly those with probiotics, may help reduce the risk of depression and improve mood. However, further research is needed to fully understand the link between yogurt and depression.