A recent study published in Nutritional Neuroscience has found a significant link between a healthy diet and a lower risk of anxiety disorders. According to the research, individuals who maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and low-fat dairy products are less likely to experience anxiety, compared to those who follow Westernized or mixed diets, which are associated with higher anxiety levels.
Anxiety disorders are prevalent worldwide, impacting approximately 20% of people annually. While conventional treatments such as therapy and medication are commonly used, many individuals continue to experience substantial anxiety, prompting interest in dietary interventions as a potential complementary approach.
Previous studies have often concentrated on specific nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D, but results have been inconsistent. The new research shifts focus to broader dietary patterns, providing a more comprehensive view of how overall food choices influence mental health.
Conducted in Tehran, Iran, from 2021 to 2022, the study employed a case-control design with 255 participants: 85 with diagnosed anxiety disorders and 170 without. Participants’ anxiety diagnoses were confirmed by psychiatrists using the DSM-5, and anxiety severity was assessed with the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire.
Detailed dietary information was gathered through a food frequency questionnaire tailored for the Iranian population, which asked participants about their consumption of 147 different foods over the past year. The data revealed three major dietary patterns: a “healthy” diet, a “Western” diet, and a “mixed” diet.
The “healthy” diet was characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and low-fat dairy. The “Western” diet included red and processed meats, sugary snacks, fast food, and refined grains. The “mixed” diet incorporated elements from both the healthy and Western patterns.
Findings indicated that adherence to the healthy dietary pattern was linked to a 74% lower likelihood of having an anxiety disorder compared to those who did not follow this pattern. Additionally, individuals who adhered to a healthy diet reported lower anxiety severity scores on the GAD-7, suggesting that a healthier diet is associated with less intense anxiety symptoms. Conversely, those who followed Western and mixed diets exhibited higher anxiety severity.
The study controlled for various factors such as age, gender, energy intake, marital status, education, medication use, vitamin supplement use, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, health status, medical history, and body mass index to accurately assess the impact of dietary patterns on anxiety.
However, the study has limitations, including reliance on self-reported dietary data, which may be subject to bias. Participants might not accurately recall their eating habits, or might report them in a socially desirable manner. Furthermore, while the study identifies an association between diet and anxiety, it does not establish causation. It remains possible that individuals with anxiety may alter their diet in response to their condition rather than diet influencing anxiety levels.
The study, titled “The Association of Major Dietary Patterns with Odds and Severity of Anxiety Disorders: A Case–Control Study,” was conducted by Kimia Torabynasab, Hossein Shahinfar, Sheida Zeraattalab-Motlagh, Shima Jazayeri, Mohammad Effatpanah, and Leila Azadbakht.