Omega-3 Fatty Acids Restore Balance on Gut-Brain Axis for Depression

How do omega-3 fatty acids restore gut-brain balance in depression?

Omega-3 fatty acids restore gut-brain axis balance by promoting beneficial gut bacteria, reducing inflammation, and enhancing neural plasticity through multiple interconnected pathways. A comprehensive review published in Nutrients synthesizes evidence showing that EPA and DHA work as network modulators, addressing dysregulation across immune, neural, and metabolic systems that contribute to depression.

Omega-3 fatty acids work by reshaping gut microbiota composition to increase beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, strengthening intestinal barrier integrity to reduce inflammation, promoting specialized pro-resolving mediators that actively resolve inflammation, supporting neurogenesis and BDNF production for brain plasticity, and modulating the HPA axis to reduce stress reactivity.

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PPIs Increase Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Risk by 71%

Do Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Risk of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth?

Yes, proton pump inhibitors moderately but significantly increase the risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) by approximately 71% according to this comprehensive meta-analysis. The increased risk appears related to PPI-induced changes in gastric acid levels that normally help prevent bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

Dr. Kumar’s Take

This meta-analysis adds another important consideration to the PPI risk-benefit equation. A 71% increased SIBO risk is clinically meaningful, especially since SIBO can cause symptoms that overlap with the original GERD symptoms - bloating, abdominal pain, and digestive issues. This creates a potential cycle where PPIs treat one problem but create another that might require additional treatment. It reinforces the importance of using PPIs judiciously and for appropriate durations.

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