Psychobiotics and the Future Treatment of Depression with Scott Anderson

The Mind, Body and Soul in Healing

"I'm not saying this is going to cure your depression, but I am saying that it stands a good chance of fixing up your gut, and if your depression is gut-related this could have a big impact on you. This could be a big explanation for the worldwide epidemic of depression that is going on because it is very strongly correlated, not caused, but correlated to the extraction of fiber from our foods."

Episode Description: We begin with an overview of the microbiome especially as it functions as part of our immune system. From there we discuss the connection between the gut and the brain and how each influences the other. We consider the complex and serious condition that is depression which has many causes and many treatments. While the use of pre and probiotics that have impact on one’s mind, psychobiotics, has not yet been demonstrated to have efficacy in the treatment of depression in double-blinded research there are many promising signs that it will. It is also available to be used as an adjunct to other well-researched interventions. Diet is key to a healthy gut and a healthy low inflammation body and brain. Scott makes a number of dietary recommendations for a robust and diverse microbiome. We close with his sharing his personal story of healing through the use of a prebiotic.

Our Guest: "Scott Anderson - I've always been fascinated with science and technology. After graduating with a degree in Physics and Math, I jumped into the world of personal computers, forming Sonoma Softworks, one of the first personal computer software companies in California. I wrote the first educational software published by Apple (Supermap), the first PC database manager (Datadex), and the first vector animation program (Fantavision, a forerunner of Flash). I produced the 3D educational game LEGO Island, coordinating marketing and development efforts with Microsoft, Intel, Adobe, and LEGO. I was a co-founder of BigFix Software, which was subsequently purchased by IBM.

I have written seven books on technology and hundreds of articles on subjects ranging from video to advanced medicine. I co-authored one of the first books on stem cells, Human Embryonic Stem Cells, with Dr. Ann Kiessling of Harvard. The book is used in graduate schools throughout the country. My latest book is The Psychobiotic Revolution, coauthored with John Cryan and Ted Dinan from National Geographic. I'm currently writing Mood by Microbe for Psychology Today."