They are no longer just clinical terms; They are part of daily life. For many people, especially the younger generations, they are the emotional background of a world that rarely takes breathing. Between work stress, digital overload and a constant flow of bad news, it is not surprising that so many people are looking for ways to feel better. Therapy helps. The same goes for mindfulness and drug applications. But in recent times, something else (something much more familiar) gets another look: food.
Not just food itself, but the way we approach. How we eat. What it means for us. And what it could do with our minds.
A new study helps develop this conversation. The GAIA study: the connection of points between professional exhaustion and nutrition, conducted by the Jiviniti research program at the Virsa Foundation, questioned more than 14,600 Americans. The goal was to explore how different eating habits affect stress, emotional resilience and even recovery of the disease.
The point to take? People following a diet based on catering, plant -based (WFPB) were more likely to report stable moods and weaker stress than those sticking with the standard American diet – known, somewhat ironically, as “sad”.
“Our daily food choices can have a major impact on what we feel,” said Nivi Jaswal-Wirtjes, president of the Virsa Foundation and head of the Jiviniti research program. “More than half of WFPB eaters in our study have not pointed out any stress. It is not only interesting, it is important.”
(Gracieuse of the Virsa Foundation)
The intestinal control that we have ignored
If you think it all looks like wellness stuffed animals, there is real science to save it, starting with your intestine.
The gastrointestinal tract plays a much more important role in mental health than most people think. At the center of all this is the intestinal microbiome: billions of bacteria that regulate everything, from digestion to inflammation to the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. In fact, almost 90% of the body serotonin is made in the intestine, not in the brain.
“Your intestinal health is one of the most important predictors of your mental health,” said Dr Shireen Kassam, founder of Plant Based Health Professionals UK. “And your diet is what stimulates your intestinal health.”
Plant -based fiber diets support a diversified and balanced microbiome. Processed foods, on the other hand, in particular those rich in sugar, artificial additives and saturated fats, can put the system in disarray. When the microbiome is unbalanced, your mood too.
Mental health, a meal at a time
The idea that food influences mood is not new, but it has attracted more attention.
We already know that a nutrient-rich diet (think of whole grains, moat vegetables, beans, nuts and lean proteins) can reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. However, recent research shows that this can also help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. The American Heart Association even highlights the quality of food as an important factor in mental health.
It is not only a question of cutting “bad” things like added sugars and saturated fats. It is a question of regularly adding foods that help stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation and keep our intestine (and our brain).
Professional exhaustion is different when you eat differently
According to the Gaia study, people who follow a mainly transformed diet were much more likely to report an emotionally exhausted feeling. About a third of them fought with basic tasks or said they felt overwhelmed most of the days.
Meanwhile, those who prioritize whole and unprocessed foods were more likely to describe better concentration, more stable moods and even a feeling of calm. “Food can either feed professional exhaustion or help you protect yourself,” said Jaswal-Wirtjes. “This distinction really counts, especially now.”
Samantha Derrick, MPH and co-founder of the Future Initiative Plants, sees change in real time. “We see less food like a simple fuel or a way to lose weight,” she says. “It now becomes a key element in the way we support our emotional and mental health.”
Food as comfort, culture (and adaptation)
For many people, food is more than calories and nutrients. It is memory, tradition and identity. During the first days of the pandemic, when the routines collapsed and the uncertainty took over, many found comfort in cooking. It was not only health, it was control, creativity and comfort. “For many people, cooking has become a way to feel the earth again,” said Jaswal-Wirtjes. “It was not only personal care; It was the connection. “
This emotional link with food is important. When fast and ultra-suitable options replace meals and homemade cultural dishes, something is lost. It is not only a nutritional problem, it is the loss of rituals, stories and shared experiences.
This is one of the reasons why food access programs, such as product prescriptions and subsidies to community meals, draw attention. They are more than just nutrients. They restore a feeling of dignity, agency and emotional balance.
A more accessible type of care
Let’s be real: not everyone has access to therapy. Not everyone feels comfortable with drugs. Food, in many ways, is the most immediate universal tool we have.
Medically tailor -made meals (MTM) are an example of what is possible when food is part of the solution. Created with the contribution of dietitists and doctors, MTMs are designed to support people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and even cancer. These meals are not only healthy; They are personalized, culturally sensitive and often delivered directly to the house.
The Food is Medicine Coalition is a group that pressure for this model. Their goal? Make nutrition a fundamental part of health care, not just a reflection afterwards.
“We have developed standards to make sure people get real help thanks to food,” notes the coalition. “This is health equity, prevention and treatment of people with dignity.”
So what can you do now?
No fantasy detoxification. No dramatic overhaul. Just a few simple steps that support your body and brain:
Add more whole foods. Think of fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds and whole grains.
Reduce ultra-transformed things. Beware of added sugars, sodium and preservatives.
Nourish your intestine. Eat more fibers. Try fermented foods. The variety is the key.
To slow down. Eat meals without multitasking. Make room to enjoy your food.
Start a small ritual. Maybe it prepares your own lunch or a weekly preparation, something that seems anchored.
Boost your vitamin C. It is a simple way to support your immune and mental health – download it to citrus, peppers and green vegetables.
The essential: sometimes healing begins with a fork
In a culture known to celebrate speed, agitation and convenience, taking the time to feed you can feel radical. But it is also necessary. And sometimes, the first step towards the feeling of better is not a diagnosis or a prescription; It could be what is on your plate.
Click here For more information on the Virsa Foundation
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