title: The Importance of Diet and Gut Health to the Treatment and Prevention of Mental Disorders.
abstract: The departure from traditional lifestyles and the rising disease burden of mental disorders are increasing global health concerns. Changes in diet around the world mean that populations are now increasingly reliant on highly processed, poor quality foods, which have been linked to increased risk for mental disorder. Conversely, a nutrient-rich diet is understood to be protective of mental health, and researchers are now aiming to understand the biological underpinnings of this relationship. The gut microbiota has been proposed as a key mediator of this link, given its association with both diet and mental health. Importantly, several critical "windows of opportunity" for prevention and intervention have been identified, particularly early life and adolescence; these are periods of rapid development and transition that provide a foundation for future health. Strategies that promote overall diet quality, high in fiber and nutrients, have been linked to increased microbial diversity and gut health. Improving diet quality and subsequent gut health may have benefits for individuals' mental health, as well as the mental health of future generations. Here we discuss specific, targeted dietary and gut focused strategies for the prevention and treatment of mental disorder.
authors: Food and Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, Deakin University, School of Medicine, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI), Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
authors: S L
authors: SL
authors: Dawson
authors: Food and Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, Deakin University, School of Medicine, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Collaborative Research Centre for Mental Health, Carlton, VIC, Australia.
authors: S R
authors: SR
authors: Dash
authors: Food and Mood Centre, IMPACT SRC, Deakin University, School of Medicine, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: felicejacka@gmail.com.
authors: F N
authors: FN
authors: Jacka
mesh_terms: D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods*; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Depression; Diet; Gut health; Mental disorders; Microbiota; Prevention; Treatment