Mental health problems are becoming increasingly common globally, and there is growing evidence that dietary measures could help to prevent mental disorders. At the same time, the food we eat has a large impact on the environment.
In this study, we are exploring how the Planetary Health Diet (also called EAT-Lancet diet) could affect mental health. This diet was recommended by a group of 37 scientists in 2019 as a way of eating that should benefit both human health and the planet. We will prospectively determine whether following this diet could indeed reduce the risk of developing mood and anxiety disorders. We will also assess whether this diet decreases inflammation in the body, taking thereby part in mental health improvement.
In order to do this, we will use data from CoLaus¦PsyCoLaus, a large population-based cohort study conducted in Lausanne. Within this cohort more than 4,000 participants with dietary data and psychiatric data were followed for approximately 10 years.
A better understanding of the links between food choices, mental health, and the environment would be beneficial for both the prevention of mental disorders and the lowering of the impact of diets on climate change. This should ultimately lead to recommendations that benefit both our well-being and the planet.