Myths About Diet and Mental Health

Recently, the relationship between nutrition and mental health has gained considerable scientific interest. In this chapter, we aim to highlight and disentangle myths about diet and various psychiatric conditions that have often clouded public understanding. We systematically examine a range of popular beliefs that pertain to diet and its relationship with psychiatric conditions, including eating disorders, mood disorders, and psychosis. We then review the literature on the role of particular food types and diets in mental health. While tackling each of the above, we carefully debunk misconceptions by focusing on evidence-based research and clinical data. In pointing out fallacies, we emphasize the critical interplay between diet and mental health, with the former operating as a constituent in a more complex matrix of factors. Our review concludes with clinical recommendations that guide how best to utilize dietary nutrients in promoting mental health.