The relationship between an unhealthy diet and depression

Doctors always emphasize the importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet for better health and to boost immunity and mental health as well.

A study, the first of its kind on brain chemistry, structure and diet quality, has shown that eating a poor-quality diet may lead to changes in the brain, linked to depression and anxiety.

The impact of an unhealthy diet

Brain scans of 30 people showed changes in neurotransmitters and the volume of gray matter in the brain, in those who followed a poor diet, compared to those who adhered to the Mediterranean diet, which is considered very healthy.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Reading, the University of Roehampton, FrieslandCampina (Netherlands), and King's College London.

When someone eats a poor-quality diet, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) decreases and the level of glutamate increases, both of which are neurotransmitters, in addition to a decrease in the volume of gray matter in the frontal region of the brain.

According to Medical Express, this explains the link between what we eat and how we feel.

Healthy food means better health

Dr Beryl Hepsomali from the University of Reading said: "We can eat well! In the end, we see that people who follow an unhealthy diet, high in sugar and saturated fat, suffer from an imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory nerve transmission, as well as a decrease in the volume of grey matter in the frontal part of the brain, which is involved in mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety."

The exact reason why diet affects the brain in this way is still under investigation. There are several chemical explanations for this relationship.

The results found a circular relationship between eating well, having a healthier brain and better mental well-being, and making better food choices to eat well.