Diet and Depression: The 5 Worst Foods for Mental Health

"Not only is every cell, bone, and molecule within our body shaped by the nutrients we consume, but recent studies highlight the role of a balanced diet in combating depression. Let's explore the link between nutrition and mood, and learn the five worst foods for mental health, according to Catherine Gervacio, a registered nutritionist-dietitian and certified exercise nutrition coach at the National Coalition on Health Care."

"In a world favoring convenient, flavor-rich meals, many of us regularly consume inflammatory foods that compromise our gut health, leading to chronic inflammation. And numerous studies have linked inflammation to depression, among other disorders. "Chronic inflammation is associated with mental health disorders as it can negatively affect the brain's function and structure, leading to mood disturbances," Gervacio says. Conversely, research shows that an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in healthy fats, vitamins, antioxidants, and high-quality protein, can significantly improve mental health issues."

Every cell and molecule in the body is shaped by consumed nutrients and diet influences the gut microbiome. Frequent consumption of inflammatory, processed, flavor-rich foods compromises gut health and causes chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation negatively affects brain function and structure, contributing to mood disturbances and higher depression risk. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in healthy fats, vitamins, antioxidants, and high-quality protein can significantly improve mental health outcomes. A long-term study of 6,500 women found a 20% lower incidence of depression among those following such a diet. Five common inflammatory food categories, including gluten-containing products, are frequent offenders.

Read at Alternative Medicine Magazine