The role of nutrition in mental health has received increasing attention from scientists and researchers. Evidence suggests that certain foods and eating habits may contribute to mental health problems, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD is a disorder that causes people to have repetitive, unwanted thoughts. People may feel compelled to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental processes that follow strict rules in order to neutralize or suppress intrusive thoughts.
While the exact cause of OCD remains a mystery, researchers suggest that genetics, brain differences, and childhood trauma may play a role.
Doctors treat OCD with a combination of psychotherapy and medications, such as antidepressants. Because of some of the side effects people experience with antidepressants, they may be curious about whether certain foods or diets can improve symptoms.
This article discusses whether certain foods can treat OCD. It examines the dietary components that the scientific community has studied and whether they work. It also outlines conventional ways to treat and manage OCD.
It’s unlikely that a single food can treat OCD. However, researchers have noted specific macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies in people with OCD compared to people without the condition.
Vitamin B, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and amino acids that the brain uses to make neurotransmitters are the
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry chemical signals from one nerve cell to another nerve cell, muscle cell, or gland. Research suggests that one cause of OCD is
While research shows a link between certain nutritional deficiencies and OCD, it is not yet clear why these links exist and whether dietary changes or supplements can improve OCD symptoms.
However, it is safe for most people to eat a balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals.
Learn more about OCD.
Research from 2014 suggests that vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) levels are linked to certain mental health conditions. In particular, high Hcy levels and vitamin B12 deficiency can affect brain function and cause symptoms such as mania, depression, and personality changes.
Vitamin B12 helps in the metabolism of Hcy. Deficiencies of vitamin B12 increase Hcy, resulting in a decrease in neurotransmitter levels.
A 2021 meta-analysis found an association between elevated Hcy and decreased vitamin B12 in people with OCD.
Foods that contain vitamin B12
- meat
- fish
- poultry
- Eggs
- dairy products
- fortified breakfast cereals
- fortified nutritional yeasts
More research is needed to determine whether increasing vitamin B12 intake through diet or supplements reduces OCD symptoms.
Learn more about B12.
In addition to neurotransmitter imbalances, researchers have investigated oxidative stress as a factor that may contribute to OCD. Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many unstable molecules known as free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them. The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants
Oxidative stress in the brain can lead to problems such as neuroinflammation, impaired neurotransmission, and reduced neuroplasticity. Some studies indicate that there is an increase in free radical activity and weakness in the antioxidant defense system in OCD.
Because there is evidence that oxidative stress can contribute to OCD, scientists have begun to investigate antioxidant therapy for OCD. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is one of the
Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid. Amino acids are essential for the formation of proteins and other metabolic functions. The body has
Cysteine is also found in the following foods:
- meat
- fish
- dairy
- cereals
- soya bean
- egg products
Scientists have conducted a limited number of studies on NAC treatment for OCD in humans. Most of these studies have examined the use of NAC alongside proven prescription antidepressants and have found little to no benefit.
Learn more about antioxidants.
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that people must get from food or supplements because the body cannot make them. There are three types of omega-3:
- ALREADY
- DHA
- Environmental Protection Authority
Omega-3 fatty acids improve memory, learning ability, cognitive well-being, and blood flow to the brain.
Research suggests that there is a link between low omega-3 levels and mental health disorders. For example, researchers have found a link between moderate omega-3 intake and a reduced risk of depression. Research also indicates that omega-3, particularly EPA,
Foods containing omega-3
- fish and seafood, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna and sardines
- nuts and seeds, including walnuts, flax seeds and chia seeds
- vegetable oils, such as linseed oil, rapeseed oil and soybean oil
- fortified foods such as specific brands of yogurt, eggs, milk, juices and soy drinks
There are also omega-3 nutritional supplements available, such as cod liver oil, fish oil, krill oil, and algae oil.
Although the effects of omega-3 show promise for treating certain mental disorders, no research has yet been done on its effects on OCD.
Learn more about omega-3.
Vitamin D is essential for normal brain development and function. It also influences immunity, inflammatory responses, and antioxidant processes. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be a factor in the development of mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia.
A 2022 study examined the relationship between vitamin D levels and OCD. It found that people who had just been diagnosed with OCD had lower vitamin D levels than people without OCD. Researchers suggest that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of OCD by disrupting neurotransmitter signaling or reducing neuroprotection.
The
- most of the U.S. milk supply, including dairy, soy, almond and oat milk
- fortified breakfast cereals and some brands of margarine, yogurt, orange juice and other food products
- oily fish, including salmon, trout, tuna and mackerel and fish liver oil
- beef liver, cheese and egg yolks
- mushrooms
The body produces vitamin D after exposure to the sun. Vitamin D supplements are also available.
Research into vitamin D and OCD is still in its infancy and there are no clinical studies testing whether vitamin D improves OCD symptoms.
Learn more about vitamin D.
People with OCD may seek additional treatments to help reduce their symptoms, especially if they are experiencing side effects from their prescribed medications. While it is unlikely that researchers will find a single food that treats OCD, they have found several links between certain foods and OCD.
Research suggests that some people with OCD and other mental health conditions may have low levels of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Studies also point to an imbalance in free radicals and suggest that antioxidants may contribute to OCD.
While these findings are compelling, little research has been done to determine whether making dietary changes or taking supplements to increase levels of these nutrients reduces OCD symptoms. Further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness in treating the condition.
Conventional proven treatments for OCD include CBT and antidepressants. These treatments help reduce the symptoms of OCD and its impact on people’s daily lives.