The lack of which is thought to bring about depression.

Finally a Natural Prozac

A study by University of Bristol and University College London have found that Mycobacterium vaccae, a beneficial bacteria found in the soil, alters the behavior of mice similar to the way antidepressant drugs act.

Although this study is still in the mice stage – high interest has been raised because of the observation of cancer patients (the human kind) reporting an unexpected enhancement in the quality of Life after being treated with the bacteria.

“These studies help us understand how the body communicates with the brain and why a healthy immune system is important to maintaining mental Health.”

“They also leave us wondering if we shouldn't all be spending more time playing in the dirt.”

This study adds to our growing knowledge of the many strains of probiotic (bacteria which are beneficial to the human body) and the varied benefits each one provides us.

Each bacteria seems to thrive in a particular part of the body becoming our own little work force. They preform task like

• promote serotonin production as this study shows

• maintain the acidic level in the body which is non conducive for the harmful bacteria to live. Some of the probiotics actually eat harmful bacteria.

• Help digestion by breaking down the food we eat and producing enzymes and amino acids which the body needs to operate.

These are just a few of the known benefits. Who knows how many more we have yet to learn about.

These probiotics preform so many functions that our bodies simply will not operate without them. It is vital to our health to make sure they are happy campers.

It has been said that imbalances of these probiotics are the root of all disease. The sad truth is that in today's fast paced society, we are devastating their colonies constantly, making it difficult for them to preform their magic.

We are also learning that like most life forms, they vary according to where they originate. Like different berries, each strain has its own traits making it advantageous for us to supplement a wide range of these strains.

When you supplement them, make sure they are incorporated with whole food based nutritional supplement or at the least make sure you take them with plenty of fresh, live whole raw vegetables and fruits. This provides them with the food they need to rapidly grow their colonies.

I take a single whole food based nutritional juice powder with a wide variety of probiotic strains and take an additional probiotic blend. I figure they are like an army against all the challenging factors we face, battling harmful bacteria and keeping my interiors nice and clean.

Plus now I have learned why I stay in a good mood.