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Gut-Friendly Diet Outperforms Antidepressants in Depression Relief

9/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A gut-friendly diet improved depression symptoms more than traditional antidepressants in the SMILES trial conducted in Australia.
Professor Tim Spector says diet strongly influences mental health, with evidence of disrupted gut microbes in depression.
He recommends 30 different plants weekly, fermented foods, and avoiding ultra-processed items, while allowing occasional indulgences.

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Story summary

A gut-friendly diet improved depression symptoms more than traditional antidepressants in the SMILES trial conducted in Australia.
Professor Tim Spector says diet strongly influences mental health, with evidence of disrupted gut microbes in depression.
He recommends 30 different plants weekly, fermented foods, and avoiding ultra-processed items, while allowing occasional indulgences.