Bite Back with Abbey Sharp

The Shocking Gut Health Connection Between Food & Mood + the Best Worst Foods for Anxiety & Depression

Episode Summary

In today’s episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, we explore the growing field of nutritional psychiatry and what the latest research says about the connection between food and mental health. From the gut–brain axis to the nutrients linked with anxiety and depression, we unpack how nutrition can support emotional well-being—and where the science is strongest. If you've ever wondered whether what you eat can influence how you feel, this episode is for you.

Episode Notes

Here’s a run down of what we discussed in today’s episode:

• The Food–Mood Connection Explained
• How Calorie Restriction Affects Mental Health
• Blood Sugar Swings, Mood & Brain Health
• The Gut–Brain Axis & Mental Health
• Can Gut Bacteria Influence Anxiety & Depression?
• The Best Diet for Better Mental Health
• Vitamin D, Omega-3s & Mood Disorders
• Magnesium & Probiotics: What Does the Research Say?
• Why Nutrition Isn't a Replacement for Mental Health Care
• Building a Brain-Healthy Plate

References:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12149485/
• https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/82/1/90/7161743?
• https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article-abstract/27/10/2335/23192/Acute-Hyperglycemia-Alters-Mood-State-and-Impairs
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763417307881
• https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(24)00443-8
• https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1644160
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32989449/
• https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/82/12/1678/7451171
• https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-open/article/efficacy-of-omega3-fatty-acid-supplementation-for-major-depressive-disorder-in-adults-a-systematic-review-and-metaanalysis/6B3A44FD884FDB46845606564420AD16
• https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article-abstract/83/2/217/7685053
• https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/83/7/e1504/7934047
• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2022.2137776
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8719029/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304394016300775
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29244059/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25770254/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36855023/
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032723012260
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6093191/
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11275561/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32818573/

Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.

If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com.