Food and Mood: The science behind the effects of food and nutrients on anxiety, social phobia, panic attacks and other mental health disorders

There is much recent evidence supporting the food-mood connection and there are some very exciting recent studies that support this for both anxiety disorders and other mental health disorders. An editorial in the American Journal of Psychiatry offered a very powerful comment on three food-mood studies: “It is both compelling and daunting to consider that dietary intervention at an individual or population level could reduce rates of psychiatric disorders. There are exciting implications for clinical care, public health, and research” (Freeman 2010, 245). It's important to consider food quality, which foods to eat, specific foods to avoid, individual nutrients, as well as the biochemical individuality of each individual. This poster will provide the science behind the effects of food and nutrients on anxiety, social phobia and panic attacks. It will also address the benefits of foods and nutrients for depression, addictions, digestive disorders and sleep disorders that often go hand-in-hand with anxiety disorders.