How Inflammation Impacts Mental Wellness—Top Foods That Help

Discover how chronic inflammation can interfere with mood regulation, impact stress responses, and even alter brain structure.

Other videos in this mini-series on Nutrition for Mental Well-being

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References
Khandaker, Golam M et al. “Shared mechanisms between coronary heart disease and depression: findings from a large UK general population-based cohort.” Molecular psychiatry vol. 25,7 (2020): 1477-1486. doi:10.1038/s41380-019-0395-3

Bonyadi, N., Dolatkhah, N., Salekzamani, Y. et al. Effect of berry-based supplements and foods on cognitive function: a systematic review. Sci Rep 12, 3239 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-07302-4

Devore, E., Kang, J., Breteler, M., & Grodstein, F. (2012). Dietary intakes of berries and flavonoids in relation to cognitive decline Annals of Neurology DOI: 10.1002/ana.23594
Chauhan, Abha, and Ved Chauhan. “Beneficial Effects of Walnuts on Cognition and Brain Health.” Nutrients vol. 12,2 550. 20 Feb. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12020550

Palmer ER, Morales-Muñoz I, Perry BI, et al. Trajectories of Inflammation in Youth and Risk of Mental and Cardiometabolic Disorders in Adulthood. JAMA Psychiatry. 2024;81(11):1130–1137. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.2193

van Zonneveld, Sophie M et al. “An Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Its Potential Benefit for Individuals with Mental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases-A Narrative Review.” Nutrients vol. 16,16 2646. 10 Aug. 2024, doi:10.3390/nu16162646

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45 Comments

  1. OMGee I love ❤️ this lady she gives such helpful information. I actually eat most of the foods she mentions but I was experiencing those symptoms of depression fatigue etc. So helpful THANK YOU

  2. Except when one puts a pillow over one's head & it stops immediately, then one knows its from an outside source/environment….

  3. Food as medicine should be the first line of defence against inflammation, neurological conditions, and most modern maladies…except seed oils like Canola.
    DO NOT use canola oil or any other “vegetable oil” as a part of your diet. It is Highly inflammatory and high in omega 6, and not in omega 3, as stated.
    You are better off consuming olive oil, Avacado oil, MCT, et al.

  4. Inflammation is common in toxoplasma. It is when the interstitial space opens between thelion cells of the blood vessels allowing immune cells to penetrate between cell m'asses and get to sights of injury or infection/s. histamine are released to create this interstitial space, for travel of the immune cells to the sights through the plasma that seeps in between that space (primarily immune cells move through the plasma and proteins and antibodies are released into the plasma in these areas that have opened. immune cells can migrate regardless but their numbers are limited compared to when there is inflammation)- primarily with the use of IL-6 that causes the inflammation, or interstitial openings. ⚡⚡🦍🍔🔬👏👏🫏🍗😁🧪🥐🥐🧬🍒🍒 –penetration of the m'asses. 👿

  5. 35g, 5'1, 55kg. Been a stressful few years, on top of suffering my own self esteem issues and anxiety.
    i started with a slurring of certain letter switches in specific words, an almost dry mouth slur, heavy tongue maybe?
    been over 3 years, no stroke etc. (i frequently weight train may i add aswell as plenty of walks and active at work)
    I've now developed in the past year brain fog and mild unsteadiness when I'm walking. dr claims stress.
    can this all be inflammation? even the speech? that's the main concern, esp when my profession is clear concise communication.
    many thanks x

  6. My stomach issues riuned my life, had ibs since childhood, led to depession, panic disorder, etc. now that i know about gut brain axis etc its hard to completely get rid of it because of food costs etc. i have been taking antidepressants for 43 yrs that have damaged my brain to say the least and were based on a false paradigm. 7 yrs of opiods have taken that damage to a whole new level. "Scientists" probably knew this decades ago but thanks to the net all is exposed. Wish i had this info 40 yrs ago wouls have been a multimillionaire philanthropist instead of a poverty case since 82 with everv increasing health problems

  7. Brain fog, head pressure specifically at the top of the head, chronic fatigue that’s getting worse, inflammation in the body and CNS 😢😢😢 and what do the doctors say, or do?? You guessed it … Nothing… I learned more watching this video then my neurologist educating me about brain health in 18 years

  8. The Brahmi capsules from Planet Ayurveda have significantly improved my memory and focus. I've tried various brands, but none compare to the quality and effectiveness of Planet Ayurveda – they really do have the best products and treatments for brain health

  9. I've been very sick for almost 4 Weeks. Muscle Blockades cause muscle inflammation and since It's im the colon it affected the Heart leading to high blood pressure and yet, the inflammation has Not leave, Heart Rate too fast despite pills. It's really hell i pray and try Not to agitate myself more than necessary

    Not inflammation is caused by food. Not in my case

  10. Fish are dangerous when consumed because of all the heavy metals in the ocean. EPA and DHA are also available from plant food, like walnuts, pecans and ocean vegetables like nori. Fish only have these nutrients because they eat seaweed and algae.

  11. I do all of the things you recommend dr. Marks, but something which has been a powerful help for me when my brain feels very inflamed from anxiety is to make a simple cup of tea by just adding a few organic rose petals to hot water and then sweetening with stevia. It is delicious and not only cools my brain down but brings my energy down from my crowded mind into my heart. It also calms the heart and lowers blood pressure and quells anxiety. Enjoy!

  12. Blueberries
    Greeny leaves
    Fish twice a week fatty
    Nuts seeds flax seeds walnuts
    Turmeric spice supplements
    Fermented food –

    Variety, consistency,

  13. Some People with autoimmune desease wont tolerate the carbs in nuts or digest it, others wont be able to digest the greens suggested here. Number one antiinflamatory food is any meat. Keto, ketobore and carnivore diets are helping many to lower inflamation for autoimmune for cronic desease.

  14. I suffer from rheumatoid. And IV been battling chronic pain and migraines since age 12 and I'm still here still get up get on and do what needs done daily .

  15. Also easy to say incorp these diff anti inflammatory foods . But cost of living is so expensive and to buy good amounts of these foods costs way more than other foods so it's almost like it's by degsn we are being kept unwell . 🤷

  16. Love your videos, Dr Marks. Regarding top foods assisting mental wellness, I have had chronic IBS for several years. I’ve also had major depressive issues.
    How can one eat the proper foods when one has IBS? so many of the anti inflammatory foods affect my stomach. Gut – brain – I see the connection, but between the depression and foods that cause havoc in my stomach or impossible for me to control the outcome. Help! 😊

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