How Gut Bacteria and Depression Are Connected

Scott Keatley, RD, co-owner of Keatley MNT, a private nutrition practice in New York, contributes significantly to the article by discussing how dietary interventions could serve as potential treatments for mental health conditions like depression. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiota through diet and lifestyle choices. Keatley highlights the ongoing research suggesting that specific dietary changes and probiotics could influence mental health. This includes a 2023 study indicating that diets rich in certain prebiotics might help reduce depressive symptoms. His insights underline the potential of the gut-brain axis as a novel target for psychiatric treatments, advocating for a comprehensive approach that integrates dietary and lifestyle modifications alongside traditional therapies to manage mood and improve mental health.