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The gut-brain axis and mental health: How diet shapes our cognitive and emotional well-being
The gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system communicate in both directions through the gut-brain axis (GBA), which is essential for controlling mental health and overall well-being. Diet has a profound influence on the gut microbiome, which in turn affects emotional, cognitive, and neurological functions. This review by Patil & Mehdi (2025) examines how certain eating patterns, particularly high-fiber, plant-based, and Mediterranean diets, support microbial diversity, reduce inflammation, and strengthen gut-brain signaling. Key nutrients such as probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants are shown to promote a balanced gut microbiota, improve gut barrier integrity, and lower systemic inflammation linked to mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairments. The review also presents actionable strategies for incorporating dietary changes into tailored mental health treatments. However, it acknowledges challenges such as differences in individual microbiomes and the current lack of long-term clinical data. Through an extensive literature review—drawing from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar and focusing on terms like “gut-brain axis,” “microbiome,” “diet,” and “mental health”—the study highlights strong evidence supporting the role of diet in mental resilience. Nutritional strategies are framed as non-invasive and accessible tools for improving emotional and cognitive health. [NPID: Diet, gastrointestinal microbiome, gut-brain axis, mental health, nutrition, probiotics]
Year: 2025
