Research shows that Western populations are becoming increasingly dependent on high processed and poor quality foods which have been heavily linked to poor mental health, whereas a diet rich in nutrients has been shown to be a protective factor against mental health (Dawson et al, 2016).

Additionally, Lim et al (2016) identified specific factors of nutrition that were important in increasing mental wellbeing including: eating regular balanced meals and consumption of a range of micronutrients including: omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin b12.

An increasingly strong link is being established between gut health and mental health. A review conducted on animal studies highlighted a link between gut microbiota and brain health and therefore recommended that for brain and mental health there would be a call for an evidence based development of microbiota targeted dietary strategies (Berding et al, 2021).

This is supported by research conducted by Dawson et al (2016) who described gut microbiota as ‘a key mediator’ of the link between diet and mental health. Dawson et al also reported that improving diet quality would have benefits for an individual’s mental health.

This is further reinforced by research conducted by Lucas (2018) who reported that mental health is not just experienced in the mind but is experienced throughout the body including the gut.