Researchers examined whether the influence of gut microbiome perturbations on various biological processes, such as the dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, performance of the immune system, and the production of neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids contributed to the manifestation and progression of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
A new study showed that a Mediterranean or MIND diet improved women's cognitive health during midlife. The study of 509 twins found that those following these diets better preserved episodic and visuospatial working memory after 10 years.
The Mediterranean and MIND diets are linked to the preservation of episodic and visuospatial working memory in midlife, potentially through dietary fiber and beneficial gut bacteria.
Associations between a higher BMI and depression were weaker between ages 16 and 21 indicating ages 12-16 is a sensitive point where preventative methods could be beneficial. The study, published recently in Psychological Medicine by researchers
The relationship between BMI and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents was bidirectional, with strong influence of earlier BMI on later depression.