According to new research,certain eating habitshave a psychological effect. Diet influences numerous aspects of health, including weight, athletic performance and the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Now researchers wanted to find out whether this also affects the psychological state and brings risks.
Possible psychological effects of certain diets
Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental illnesses worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression could be one of the world's biggest health problems by 2030. Therefore, it is not surprising that researchers continue to look for new ways to reduce the impact of mental illness. Nutritional psychology is an emerging field of research that specifically addresses the role of nutrition in the development and treatment of mental health problems. Several observational studies have shown a link between overall diet quality and the risk of depression. For example, a review of 21 studies from 10 countries found thathealthy eating habitsis associated with a reduced risk of depression. This applies to a diet characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, fish, low-fat milk and antioxidants, as well as a low intake of animal foods.
According to the researchers, diets high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods are associated with a reduced risk of depression. However, the exact relationship between diet, inflammation and mental health changes is not well known. Another possible explanation is that diet can influence the intestinal bacteria or the intestinal microbiome. Ongoing research has found a strong connection between gut health and brain function. For example, healthy bacteria in the gut produce approximately 90% of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which influences mood. Finally, there is the possibility that diet has an indirect role and psychological effect. It may be that people with healthy diets are more likely to engage in behaviors that are also associated with a reduced risk of mental illness. These would be, for example, regular physical activity, good sleeping habits or smoking.
