Nutrition and Mental Health: Integrative Review of the Gut-Brain Axis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56861/nut.v1i1.36Keywords:
Nutrition; mental health; gut-brain axis; nutrition literacyAbstract
The relationship between nutrition and mental health has gained increasing attention, particularly through the emerging understanding of the gut-brain axis. This review explores the complex bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system and its implications for neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases. Scientific evidence suggests that gut microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) can affect brain function through immune, endocrine, and metabolic pathways, triggering neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining microbial balance, which in turn influences cognitive function and mood regulation. Specific nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, and prebiotic fibers have been shown to support mental health by modulating the microbiota. This review also highlights the importance of integrating nutrition into mental health care and the potential of dietary and probiotic-based interventions as therapeutic strategies. Using an interdisciplinary approach, it underscores the need to enhance nutritional literacy among mental health professionals to support more holistic treatment
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