Study: Diet shapes gut microbiota and affects brain function

Poor diet has been linked to an increase in brain disorders, while healthy eating supports brain health. The gut-brain axis highlights how diet influences brain function through gut microbiota, offering potential treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.

A *Nature Metabolism* study emphasizes how diet and gut microbiota affect cognitive and emotional health. Carbohydrate-rich diets boost beneficial gut bacteria, while plant-based proteins and unsaturated fats support overall health. Conversely, saturated fats and animal proteins may harm the gut microbiota.

The gut microbiota influences neuropsychiatric conditions like anorexia nervosa and schizophrenia. Ketogenic diets, which increase beneficial gut bacteria, show potential in managing epilepsy. Gut metabolites, such as SCFAs and taurine, are key to brain health and may aid in treating conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and depression.

Further research is needed to explore how diet impacts the gut-brain axis and its role in neuropsychiatric disorders through clinical trials and long-term studies.