Plant-Based Diet Could Alleviate or Prevent PTSD Symptoms, New Study Says

A recent study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that consuming plant-based foods could help alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study examined the gut microbiome's role in mental health and found that factors such as BMI, depression, and the use of antidepressants were linked to changes in the microbiome structure.

The researchers discovered that adhering to a Mediterranean diet, which includes plant-based foods, was associated with fewer PTSD symptoms. Specifically, the consumption of red and processed meats was positively correlated with PTSD symptoms, while plant-based foods were inversely correlated. The study emphasizes the potential benefits of diet in alleviating mental health disorders like PTSD and highlights the importance of the gut microbiome in overall well-being.