PTSD and Nutritional Health are Linked

A new study from the University of Toronto has identified a link between nutrition and risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study found that increased consumption of chocolate, pastries, pulses, and nuts increased PTSD risk in adults. But, consumers taking two to three sources of daily fiber decreased the risk.

“It is possible that optimal levels of dietary fiber have some type of mental health-related protective effect,” according to Karen Davison, Director of the Nutrition Informatics Research Group and Health Science Program Faculty Member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. “This may be due to the communication network that connects the gut and brain via short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are metabolic byproducts of bacterial fermentation made by microbes in the human gut.”

The SFCA molecules can communicate with cells and could affect brain function, according to Davison. Christina Hyland, a doctoral student at the University of Toronto’s FIFSW, shared that the inclusion of pulses and nuts with increased PTSD was unexpected, and noted that salted or candied nuts and peanut butter might have been included in the study.

Read more about fiber in One Green Planet, check out these resources:

• How a Fiber-Rich Plant-Based Diet Keeps Your Gut Microbiome Happy and Healthy
• Healthy, Fiber-Rich Foods to Add to Your Smoothie to Stay Fuller Longer
• Weekly Meal Plan: High-Fiber Vegan Meals Part 2!
• Top 10 Fiber-Rich Plant-Based Foods for Better Digestion
• Weekly Meal Plan: High Fiber Vegan Meals!

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects. 

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

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