In recent years, the relationship between nutrition and mental well-being has been gaining considerable interest. Whereas in the past, common disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD would be treated with medication, today study shows there is much evidence to suggest that diet can play a major preventive role.
Dr Uma Naidoo, M.D., is a nutritional psychiatrist, whose book, “The Food Mood Connection,'' outlines the many ways diet can contribute to good mental health. The major biomechanism that runs through all her diagnoses is the gut-brain axis and the preponderance of inflammation that certain substances—primarily sugar and gluten—cause. The gut bugs are not getting the right foods they need to thrive, and consequently, dysbiosis is set up—they are not able to form the necessary short chain fatty acids and butyrate.
