Nutritional Science & Dietetics

Nutrition and Mental Health: Gut-Brain Axis & Psychonutrition

Emerging research highlights the critical role of the gut-brain axis in mental health, revealing how the microbiome influences mood, cognition, and emotional well-being. Psychonutrition explores how dietary patterns, nutrients, and probiotics can modulate brain function and mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and polyphenols support neurotransmitter synthesis and reduce neuroinflammation, while fermented foods and prebiotics promote a healthy gut microbiota that communicates with the central nervous system. This integrative approach underscores the potential of targeted nutritional strategies to complement traditional mental health treatments and improve quality of life.