Recent data highlight that the microbiota does not only act locally in the gut, but also influences the gut-brain axis through the vagus nerve, the immune system, and the production of bioactive metabolites. For example, short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria can influence synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter levels, thus modulating our mood and behavior. Preliminary clinical studies have shown that taking probiotics such as Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum for four weeks can reduce cortisol levels and depressive symptoms by up to 25%.
The link between inflammation and mental health is another key issue. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α have been found in over 60% of patients job function email database with major depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) has been used to quantify the overall effect of diet on inflammation. According to one study, a single-unit increase in DII is associated with a 6% increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. Additionally, a diet high in processed foods and low in nutrients can increase the permeability of the intestinal barrier, facilitating the onset of chronic inflammation and psychological disorders.
diet offer an important framework. Epidemiological studies show that adherence to a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of depression by 32%. The MIND diet , developed to prevent cognitive decline, is based on a combination of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet and has been shown to slow cognitive decline by 30% in older adults. Another study found that regular intake of berries, a key component of the MIND diet, improved short-term episodic memory by 20% in middle-aged participants.