The Western Diet was originated in the United States. It is mainly composed of fast food, processed foods and foods high in preservatives. This diet lacks fruit and vegetables and most of the foods consumed are high in fat or sugar. In addition to the physical health problems associated with the Western Diet, such as obesity and heart disease, it also has an impact on mental health involving anxiety and depression.
Comparison to Traditional Diet
A traditional diet is generally composed of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and whole grains. This type of diet was associated with a lower risk for anxiety disorders in women, according to a study published in the March 2010 issue of "The American Journal of Psychiatry." On the other hand, a western diet, composed of fried foods, refined grains, sugary foods and beer was associated with an increase in psychological symptoms of anxiety.
Gender Differences
The relationship between anxiety and dietary patterns was found to be mediated by gender in some instances, according to a study published in the November 2008 issue of "Appetite." In this study, anxious women who followed a Western diet had a significantly greater food intake than women with lower levels of anxiety. Also, only less anxious women reported that they followed a vegetarian diet. Unlike males, the consumption of sweets and red meat was positively associated with anxiety among women.
Binges
During periods of anxiety, comfort foods may be sought as a way of coping with symptoms. Like the Western diet, many of these foods, including cake, cookies and ice cream, are high in sugar. Binging on these types of food puts you at risk of weight gain as well as dependency. In a June 2008 study in the journal "Physiology and Behavior," researchers found that rats who binged on sucrose for four weeks exhibited symptoms of anxiety after fasting for three days.
Gastrointestinal Issues
The Western diet consists of foods and beverages that make you prone to bloating, belching and gas. Bloating results from the build-up of gas and causes abdominal pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, fatty foods, carbonated beverages and anxiety can instigate and increase bloating. Belching, which occurs from an excess of air in your stomach, may be the result of eating or drinking too fast, which is associated with anxiety. Undigested food can lead to gas. Fatty foods, in particular, result in the production of gas because they slow down digestion. Swallowing air is a nervous habit that can also contribute to gas.
References
- DietsinReview.com: Western Diet
- "The American Journal of Psychiatry"; Association of Western and traditional diets with depression and anxiety in women; March 2010; F.N. Jacka, et al.; March 2010
- "Appetite"; Eating Habits in Relations to Anxiety Symptoms Among Apparently Healthy Adults. A Pattern Analysis from the ATTICA Study; M. Yannakoulia et al.; November 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Gas and Gas Pains
