THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS, MENTAL HEALTH, AND NUTRITION: A REVIEW OF DIETARY FACTORS RELATED TO ANXIETY, STRESS, AND DEPRESSION

Abstract

The relationship between nutrition and mental health has been extensively investigated in recent decades, especially regarding the interaction between the gut-brain axis and the gut microbiota. Scientific evidence indicates that dietary factors exert a significant influence on neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms, directly impacting emotional regulation and the development of mental disorders. In this context, the present study aimed to analyze the relationship between the gut-brain axis, mental health, and nutrition, with an emphasis on dietary factors associated with anxiety, stress, and depression, seeking to understand the physiological, biochemical, and behavioral mechanisms that integrate diet with emotional regulation and mental disorders. Methodologically, this was an integrative literature review, of a qualitative and exploratory nature, carried out using searches in scientific databases, considering publications between 2015 and 2025. The inclusion criteria included original articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that addressed the topic in humans and experimental models. The results showed that the gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in the bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain, being significantly modulated by dietary patterns. Healthy diets were associated with a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, while inadequate dietary patterns contributed to intestinal dysbiosis and systemic inflammation. It is concluded that nutrition exerts a direct influence on mental health, standing out as a relevant strategy in the prevention and management of mental disorders. The need for future studies with greater methodological rigor to consolidate the existing evidence is highlighted.