Consuming plant-based foods could alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, according to a new study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/researchers-discover-associations-among-ptsd-diet-and-the-gut-microbiome/
PTSD, a debilitating mental health disorder characterized by intense fear and anxiety, is known to develop in individuals who have experienced traumatic events such as severe injury, the threat of death, or violence. It not only affects the individual but also has far-reaching impacts on families, healthcare systems, and society at large.
Women who consume lots of ultra-processed foods and drinks — especially products full of artificial sweeteners — were more likely to develop depression, according to new study results.
Researchers examined data from dietary questionnaires completed between 2003 and 2017 by almost 32,000 women. At the start of the study, participants ranged in age from 42 to 62 and none had a history of depression.
During the study period, more than 2,100 people developed depression, as determined by both a clinical diagnosis and prescriptions for antidepressants. Under a broader definition, including people that reported either a formal diagnosis or antidepressant use, a total of 4,840 participants developed depression during the study. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2809727
For pregnant women whose babies were at high risk of small gestational age at birth, a healthy maternal diet can benefit their children’s mental health later on. In a randomized study, the intervention group that was told to eat a Mediterranean diet had higher cognitive and social-emotional scores than the control. A Mediterranean diet emphasizes eating plants, especially fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A stress reduction intervention also had neurodevelopmental benefits.
References
Crovetto F, Nakaki A, Arranz A, et al. Effect of a Mediterranean diet or mindfulness-based stress reduction during pregnancy on child neurodevelopment: a prespecified analysis of the IMPACT BCN Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(8):e2330255. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.