A study out of the University of Reading in England has found that a poor-quality diet may be associated with changes in brain structure that are linked to depression and anxiety. This research provides new insights into the connection between what we eat and our mental well-being.
While the authors did not find a direct association between brain changes and anxiety or depression, they did see an increase in rumination, a common risk factor for both.
What the Study Found
The study is among the first to examine the relationship between diet quality and brain neurochemistry in humans. Thirty adults were divided into two groups based on whether they followed a high- or low-quality diet. Participants in both groups were similar in age, gender, education, income, and caloric and macronutrient intake.
Jennifer Sweenie
Author
Jennifer Sweenie is a New York-based health reporter. She is a nutritional therapy practitioner and trained health-supportive chef focused on functional nutrition and the power of natural, whole foods. Jennifer serves on the board of directors for Slow Food NYC and is a former board member of the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation.
