February 2024

Effect of Probiotics on Depression

A new study showed that probiotics results showed a large effect size for participants who received the probiotic instead of the placebo. They used a probiotic comprised of 14 strains (Bio-Kult) and saw that folks in the probiotic group saw an average one-category drop in depression severity - from severe depression to moderate, from moderate to mild, and from mild to none. No additional side effects were reported in the probiotic group than the placebo group.

>> Dr. Neuman says: "Probiotics will now join my list of recommended non-prescription medications for depression. Included in this list are Omega-3 fatty acids (at least 1 gram of EPA per day), Zinc (25 mg per day), and Methylfolate (15 mg per day)."

Second-Hand Cigarette Smoking Risks 

Thanks to a study published in Nature, we now have the numbers to quantify the risks of second-hand smoke. The rate of heart attacks went up by 8%, stroke by 5%, diabetes and lung cancer by 1%.

>> Dr. Neuman says: "In my experience, people who struggle with nicotine dependence need a hug, not guilt."

HPV Blood Testing More Effective Than Pap Smear for Detecting Cervical Cancer 

A long-awaited study out of the World Health Organization showed increased effectiveness of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) blood test every five years compared to the standard Pap test every three years. The WHO now recommends only people who test positive for HPV to undergo pap smears.

>> Dr. Neuman says: "People with a cervix should be excited by these findings. We do not know yet if the American College of Gynecology (ACOG) will change its recommendations. The Primary Care society, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), has a change in progress."