Did you know that there’s a natural antidepressant in soil?
Mycobacterium vaccae is a bacterium found in soil which “uplifts mood and lowers stress by producing high levels of Serotonin” according to Bristol University research. It mirrors the effects of drugs like Prozac (example of SSRI) without possible side effects and chemical dependency potential.
Serotonin is regarded by some researchers as a chemical that is responsible for maintaining mood balance, and serotonin deficiency does increase depression risk.
UCL researcher Professor Graham Rook said that evidence is growing that stress-related conditions, including PTSD, are fuelled by the immune system going awry and producing damaging inflammation.
‘We think M.vaccae is somehow able to damp down inflammation, allowing the serotonin to have its effect.’ says Graham Rook, professor of medical microbiology at the Royal Free and University College Medical School in London.
It seems mycobacterium antidepressant microbes improve cognitive function and concentration. These ‘feel-good’ microbes in soil may be as easy to use as just playing in the dirt or inhaling them.
In other words, get out and play in the dirt to relieve stress and cheer up!