Posted on Oct 22, 2023
Mediterranean diet may reduce or prevent PTSD symptoms, new research shows
269
14
4
5
5
0
A Mediterranean diet that's rich in vegetables, fruits and fish may help reduce or stave off symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, according to research published this week in the journal Nature Mental Health.
The peer-reviewed findings are based on patient data from two studies — one in 2008 and another in 2013 — which collectively involved tens of thousands of female participants. The researchers behind those studies gathered stool samples, as well as information about the women's mental health and dietary habits.
The findings could help inform dietary recommendations for people who are vulnerable to PTSD, such as those serving in the military, said Carol Shively, a pathology professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine who was not involved in the research.
Shively’s own research has shown that the Mediterranean diet protects against exaggerated stress responses in monkeys.
“When you put that in the context of PTSD, what’s going to happen, I think, is that in response to overt stresses, if you’re consuming a Mediterranean diet, you won’t have these horrific stress responses that can be very damaging,” Shively said.
The peer-reviewed findings are based on patient data from two studies — one in 2008 and another in 2013 — which collectively involved tens of thousands of female participants. The researchers behind those studies gathered stool samples, as well as information about the women's mental health and dietary habits.
The findings could help inform dietary recommendations for people who are vulnerable to PTSD, such as those serving in the military, said Carol Shively, a pathology professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine who was not involved in the research.
Shively’s own research has shown that the Mediterranean diet protects against exaggerated stress responses in monkeys.
“When you put that in the context of PTSD, what’s going to happen, I think, is that in response to overt stresses, if you’re consuming a Mediterranean diet, you won’t have these horrific stress responses that can be very damaging,” Shively said.
Mediterranean diet may reduce or prevent PTSD symptoms, new research shows
Posted from nbcnews.com
Food/Chow
Eating and Diet
PTSD
Mental Health
Wake Forest University
Posted 6 mo ago
Responses: 3
4
4
0
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel good day Brother William, always informational and of the most interesting. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day!
(4)
(0)
3
3
0
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."The link between diet and PTSD
Around 4% of the world’s population has had PTSD in their lifetimes. The disorder develops in certain people who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events such as severe injuries, violence or deaths, but researchers are still uncovering why.
"Many people get exposed to trauma, but only a small percentage go on to develop PTSD. It’s always been a bit of a mystery," said Christopher Lowry, an associate professor of integrative physiology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, who was not involved in the research.
Diet could be an important part of that explanation, he said.
The brain and the gastrointestinal system, or "gut" — which includes the stomach, intestines and colon — send signals back and forth through a complex system of nerves, hormones and chemicals. As a result, poor gut health has been linked to several mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression. A study last year also found signs of intestinal inflammation in people with PTSD.
PTSD, in particular, has been linked to dysregulation in brain circuits that manage stress and fear responses. Studies have shown, for instance, that people with PTSD have hyperactive amygdalae, which are a region of the brain that helps process emotions."...
..."The link between diet and PTSD
Around 4% of the world’s population has had PTSD in their lifetimes. The disorder develops in certain people who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events such as severe injuries, violence or deaths, but researchers are still uncovering why.
"Many people get exposed to trauma, but only a small percentage go on to develop PTSD. It’s always been a bit of a mystery," said Christopher Lowry, an associate professor of integrative physiology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, who was not involved in the research.
Diet could be an important part of that explanation, he said.
The brain and the gastrointestinal system, or "gut" — which includes the stomach, intestines and colon — send signals back and forth through a complex system of nerves, hormones and chemicals. As a result, poor gut health has been linked to several mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression. A study last year also found signs of intestinal inflammation in people with PTSD.
PTSD, in particular, has been linked to dysregulation in brain circuits that manage stress and fear responses. Studies have shown, for instance, that people with PTSD have hyperactive amygdalae, which are a region of the brain that helps process emotions."...
(3)
(0)
1
1
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google