New Study Finds Mediterranean Diet Can Reduce PTSD Symptoms
A recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has revealed a potential link between the Mediterranean diet, the gut microbiome, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study, which involved 191 participants, found that individuals who adhered to a Mediterranean diet exhibited fewer PTSD symptoms.
One notable finding from the study was the presence of a bacteria called Eubacterium eligens, which showed consistent negative correlation with PTSD symptoms. This bacteria is positively associated with key components of the Mediterranean diet, suggesting that it may play a role in reducing symptoms of the mental health disorder.
PTSD is a fear-based mental health disorder that can develop in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It can have a significant impact on both the individual and society as a whole, as it is often accompanied by an increased risk of chronic diseases and premature death.
The study sheds light on the intricate relationship between diet, the gut microbiome, and mental health. By identifying the potential therapeutic benefits of the Mediterranean diet for PTSD, the researchers hope to provide dietary recommendations that could help prevent or alleviate symptoms of the disorder.
The researchers collected data from participants in sub-studies of the Nurses’ Health Study-II, which included the Mind-Body Study and the PTSD Substudy. They evaluated the associations between the participants’ microbiome structure, host factors such as age and body mass index, and PTSD symptoms. They also examined the relationship between dietary information and PTSD symptoms.
The results showed that participants who adhered to a Mediterranean diet experienced fewer symptoms of PTSD. Specifically, the consumption of plant-based foods was negatively associated with symptoms, while the consumption of red and processed meats was positively associated with symptoms.
Furthermore, the researchers used a method called generalized microbe-phenotype triangulation to identify potential protective species against PTSD. They found that Eubacterium eligens was the top putative protective species, and that its abundance was positively associated with the enriched components of the Mediterranean diet and negatively associated with red and processed meat consumption.
While the study has some limitations, such as using a short screening scale for PTSD instead of a clinical diagnosis, it provides valuable insights for future research on mental health disorders and dietary interventions. The researchers are eager to further investigate the relationship between PTSD, diet, and the gut microbiome, and plan to conduct future studies to validate the efficacy of probiotics in preventing PTSD.
The findings of this study highlight the potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving the overall well-being of individuals affected by the disorder. By understanding the role of diet and the gut microbiome, healthcare professionals can develop more effective recommendations and interventions for patients with PTSD.
The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and other funding sources. The authors declare no competing interests.
Source:
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Original Research: Closed access.
“Association of probable post-traumatic stress disorder with dietary pattern and gut microbiome in a cohort of women” by Ke, S. et al. Nature Mental Health