How Poor-Quality Diet Makes Our Brains Sad
A first-of-its-kind study involving 30 volunteers reveals that a poor quality diet may lead to brain changes associated with depression and anxiety. Conducted by the University of Reading, Roehampton University, Friesland Campina, and Kings College London, and published in “Nutritional Neuroscience”, the study shows that poor dietary habits affect brain chemistry and structure, particularly neurotransmitters and grey matter volume.
Brain scans indicated that individuals with poor diets had reduced gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) and elevated glutamate levels, both neurotransmitters, along with decreased grey matter volume in the frontal brain region. These changes were linked to rumination, a factor in diagnosing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. In contrast, individuals adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet, which is considered very healthy, did not exhibit these detrimental changes.
Dr. Piril Hepsomali from the University of Reading explains that people with unhealthy diets high in sugar and saturated fat experience imbalanced excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, and reduced grey matter volume in the brain’s frontal region, contributing to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
The study also explored possible mechanisms behind these effects. It suggests that obesity and dietary patterns high in saturated fats may alter glutamate and GABA metabolism and neurotransmission, as observed in animal studies. High saturated fat diets are thought to impact the gut microbiome, affecting the cellular machinery responsible for producing GABA and glutamate.
Moreover, such diets can reduce parvalbumin interneurons, which deliver GABA where needed, and impact glucose levels, raising blood glucose and insulin. This increases brain and plasma glutamate, reducing GABA production and release. High fat and cholesterol diets can also change cell membranes, altering neurotransmitter release, potentially leading to changes in grey matter volume.
Dr. Hepsomali emphasizes that GABA and glutamate are crucial for appetite and food intake regulation. Imbalances in these neurotransmitters may drive unhealthy food choices, creating a cycle where poor diet leads to brain changes, negatively impacting mental health, and perpetuating poor dietary habits.
In summary, the study underscores the significant impact of diet on brain health and mental well-being, suggesting that healthier dietary choices could improve brain function and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play and develop strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of poor diet on mental health.
Story Source: Materials provided by University of Reading. [Link] | Content may be edited for style and length.
