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A small preliminary study found that people with depression who significantly reduced their consumption of ultra-processed foods experienced notable improvements in their symptoms. Researchers suggest that healthier eating habits may support mental health by improving gut health and reducing chronic inflammation, both of which may influence brain function and mood regulation. Although the findings are promising, larger studies are needed to determine whether these dietary changes directly improve depression.
Source
D. Nyasha Chagwedera, Eliana Kim, Dorothy T. Chiu, Chengshi Jin, Catherine Lee, Susannah Tye, Andrew Krystal. Reducing Ultraprocessed Foods From the Diets of Patients With Depression. JAMA Psychiatry, 2026; DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2026.2320
Additional Reading
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260930225448.htm