Introduction Healthy lifestyle is a protective factor against mental health problems. Yet, less is known about which specific lifestyle activities would be associated with diverse mental health outcomes. Objectives This study examined whether different healthy lifestyle activities would predict psychiatric symptoms. Methods We analyzed longitudinal data from 293 female mental health service users from diverse regions (36.9% from Western countries). They provided data two times, approximately seven months apart. They answered questions regarding specific lifestyle activities (“often spend time looking at trees, flowers and other natural elements”, “have a pet”, “often do physical activity or exercise”, and “often consume ≥4.5 cups/day of fruits and vegetables, ≥2 servings/week of fish”) and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire, the International Trauma Questionnaire, the Multiscale Dissociation Inventory, and the Somatic Symptom Scale-8. For each analysis, we controlled for baseline scores, age, education level and regions in the hierarchical linear regression analysis and examined whether specific lifestyle activities would predict the scores at Time 2. Results Baseline consumption of fruits and vegetables negatively predicted subsequent levels of depressive symptoms (β = -.139, p = .002), complex PTSD symptoms (β = -.134, p = .003), and dissociative symptoms (β = -.130, p = .002). These symptoms were not predicted by other measured lifestyle activities. Somatic symptoms were not predicted by any of the measured lifestyle activities. Conclusions Consuming fruits and vegetables predicted fewer symptoms of depression, complex PTSD, and dissociation. Yet, it remains unclear whether the protective effect stems from the foods themselves or related factors, such as healthy eating habits. Further experimental research is needed to clarify these associations.
Commentary:
So, basically, this study found that one specific habit—eating fruits and veggies—seems to stand out when it comes to protecting mental health, especially for women already using mental health services. It’s pretty striking that things like exercise, pets, or spending time in nature didn’t show the same predictive power here, at least in this sample.
But here’s the thing: we can’t be sure if it’s the actual nutrients doing the heavy lifting or if it’s just that people who eat well tend to have other healthy routines or resources that buffer against stress. Also, the fact that it didn’t predict physical symptoms, only psychological ones, adds a layer of intrigue. I’d be curious to see if the pattern holds across genders, age groups, or in a larger sample. For now, it’s a good reminder that what’s on your plate might matter more for your mind than we often give it credit for.
