Add PTSD therapy to the long list of health benefits enjoyed by Mediterranean dieters.
A new study shows that the regimen, which is heavy in whole foods, may help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder via the gut microbiome, which is integral to proper digestion and maintaining a balance of nutrients throughout the body.
“There is a very intriguing relationship between the human gut microbiome and the brain,” stated co-corresponding study author Yang-Yu Liu in a press release.
The statement added, “Through our study, we examined how factors, like diet, are associated with PTSD symptoms. While further research is needed, we are closer to being able to provide dietary recommendations for PTSD prevention or amelioration.”
The much-touted Mediterranean lifestyle, which has previously been shown to improve both physical and mental health, is defined by its lack of processed foods in favor of fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy fats like olive oil while emphasizing the consumption of lean protein like fish and chicken.
Researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health analyzed the medical data of 191 volunteers, splitting them into three groups: probable PTSD, exposed to trauma but no PTSD, and no trauma exposure.
Participants submitted two sets of four stool samples at the beginning of the study and again six months later, to determine microbial DNA information and verify that their gut microbiome remained stable over the research period.
After evaluating the associations between participants’ overall microbiome structure, PTSD symptoms and dietary information, the study, published Oct. 19 in the journal Nature Mental Health, found that those who followed a Mediterranean diet experienced fewer PTSD symptoms.
More specifically, diets with red and processed meats appeared to exacerbate PTSD symptoms while plant-based foods seemed to mitigate them.
“Examining the gut-brain axis can provide insights on the interdependence of mental and physical health,” co-corresponding author Karestan Koenen, professor of psychiatric epidemiology at the Harvard Chan School, said.
Koenen added, “Our findings suggest the PTSD and human gut microbiome relationship is a promising area of research that may lead to recommendations for alleviating the downstream negative health consequences of PTSD.”
The investigators also hoped to discover if any specific species of gut bacteria was associated with PTSD, and indeed found Eubacterium eligens was abundant in those who found relief from symptoms while on the Mediterranean diet.
“It’s exciting that our results imply that the Mediterranean diet may provide potential relief to individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms,” Liu said. “We are eager to learn more about the relationship between PTSD, diet and the gut microbiome. In a future study, we will attempt to validate the efficacy of probiotics as a method to prevent PTSD.”
The Mediterranean diet — which was named the best diet overall for the sixth year in a row by US News & World Report — stresses the importance of quality sourcing and filling your plate with nutrient-rich whole foods and grains.
Other recent studies have found that those who stick to the diet may reduce their odds of premature death by 29%, while women alone have shown a nearly 25% lower chance of heart disease and early death.
