Mediterranean Diet and Gut Microbiome May Alleviate PTSD Symptoms

 

Mediterranean Diet and Gut Microbiome May Alleviate PTSD Symptoms

Researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have unveiled a groundbreaking study that delves into the intricate relationship between the Mediterranean diet, the gut microbiome, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their findings suggest that adhering to a Mediterranean diet can lead to a reduction in PTSD symptoms, shedding light on a promising avenue for alleviating this mental health condition.

Key Findings:

1. Adhering to a Mediterranean diet was associated with a decrease in PTSD symptoms.

2. Eubacterium eligens, a gut bacteria positively linked with Mediterranean diet components, emerged as a potential protective species against PTSD.

The study uncovers a fascinating connection between diet, the gut microbiome, and mental health, with the Mediterranean diet showing promise for therapeutic benefits.

Source: Brigham and Women’s Hospital

The gut microbiome's profound influence on our well-being is well-documented, with its capacity to impact emotional development and responses. However, the uncharted territory was the link between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the gut microbiome. PTSD, a fear-based mental health disorder, can develop following traumatic experiences, including severe injuries, threats of death, or violence.

This new study presents a critical exploration of the relationship between PTSD, diet, and the gut microbiome, concluding that individuals who follow a Mediterranean diet experience a reduction in PTSD symptoms.

Co-corresponding author Yang-Yu Liu, PhD, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, highlights the intriguing connection between the human gut microbiome and the brain, indicating that this study has the potential to provide dietary recommendations for preventing or alleviating PTSD.

The burden of PTSD extends beyond the individual, impacting family members, healthcare systems, and society. Individuals with PTSD face an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and premature death. Understanding the role of diet and the microbiome could revolutionize recommendations and outcomes for PTSD patients.

Co-corresponding author Karestan Koenen, PhD, from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasizes that examining the gut-brain axis offers insights into the interdependence of mental and physical health. The study suggests that the relationship between PTSD and the human gut microbiome is a promising area for research, with the potential to improve recommendations for mitigating the negative health consequences of PTSD.

The study involved 191 participants from sub-studies of the Nurses’ Health Study-II (NHS-II), which included the Mind-Body Study (MBS) and the PTSD Substudy. Participants were divided into three groups: those with probable PTSD, those exposed to trauma but without PTSD, and those with no trauma exposure.

Stool samples were collected from all participants twice, six months apart, to ensure stability in their gut microbiome. The researchers analyzed the associations between the microbiome structure and various factors, including PTSD symptoms, age, body mass index (BMI), and dietary habits. The study revealed links between host factors like BMI, depression, and antidepressant use, and the microbiome structure.

Furthermore, the study explored the connection between dietary habits and PTSD symptoms. It found that individuals following a Mediterranean diet experienced fewer PTSD symptoms. Specifically, the consumption of red and processed meats correlated positively with PTSD symptoms, while the consumption of plant-based foods showed a negative correlation with PTSD symptoms.

The research also employed the generalized microbe–phenotype triangulation (GMPT) method to identify potential protective species against PTSD. Eubacterium eligens emerged as the top candidate. The study demonstrated the consistency of E. eligens's inverse association with PTSD symptoms across all time points.

E. eligens was found to be positively associated with key components of the Mediterranean diet, such as vegetables, fruits, and fish, while negatively associated with red and processed meat, which are typically limited or avoided in a Mediterranean diet.

While the study has its limitations, such as using a short screening scale for PTSD instead of a formal clinical diagnosis, its results offer valuable insights for future research on other mental health disorders and dietary interventions aimed at preventing or alleviating symptoms.

Lead author Yang-Yu Liu expressed enthusiasm about the potential relief that the Mediterranean diet might offer to individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms, and future studies will explore the efficacy of probiotics as a preventive measure for PTSD.