SMILES Trial: Dietary Improvement for Major Depression
Can diet changes treat depression?
Yes. A Mediterranean-style dietary intervention produces approximately 2.8 times greater improvement in depression symptoms compared to social support, with 32% achieving remission versus 8% in the control group. A randomized controlled trial of 67 adults with major depression found that dietary improvement led to substantial antidepressant effects independent of weight change.
Diet works by providing essential nutrients for brain function, reducing inflammation, and supporting gut-brain axis communication, with food acting as medicine for the brain.