The Potential Role of a Western Diet in Inducing Anxiety Disorder via Inflammation

Anxiety disorder is a prevalent mental health condition that affects many individuals in American and other Western societies. Despite its high prevalence, the underlying mechanisms contributing to anxiety disorder remain largely not known, and there are research gaps in this area. Notably, there is an increased pattern of anxiety levels among the general population, with college students being particularly susceptible. Concurrently, there is a growing body of evidence looking into the heightened prevalence of chronic inflammation among individuals in the United States. This rise in chronic inflammation can be attributed, in part, to the dietary practices commonly observed in Western diets, characterized by the consumption of excessive amounts of ultra-processed foods. The aim of this paper is to elucidate the potential link between a diet high in ultra-processed foods, inflammation and nutrient deficiencies, which may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders. Supporting literature provides evidence to support the claim that targeted nutrient supplementation, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, can decrease both inflammatory markers and anxiety scores.