Association Between Dietary Pattern and Perceived Stress

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Recent evidence is pointing toward the effect of nutrients on neurotransmission. Therefore, dietary patterns may impact the stress response as well as mental wellbeing. This study aims to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and perceived stress as a way to shed light on the impact of diet quality on psychological stress. Methods An anonymous questionnaire combining three validated scales was distributed through several social media platforms. The questionnaire included the Food-Mood Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Kessler-6 scale as well as questions assessing frequency of consumption of various tyrosine-rich foods. Inclusion criteria included adults 18 years old or older. Results were analyzed using Spearman's Rho correlation and principal component analysis using SPSS Version 24.0. Results Our results indicated that several components of the Mediterranean diet such as whole grains (P < 0.05), dark green leafy vegetables (P < 0.01), fish (P < 0.01), beans (P < 0.05), and red lean meat (P < 0.01) were negatively correlated with perceived stress total score. Fast food was positively correlated with perceived stress total score (P < 0.01). The principal component analysis identified 3 components: a healthy dietary pattern, a healthy lifestyle, and an unhealthy dietary pattern. Interestingly, a healthy lifestyle, which shared multiple components with the Mediterranean diet, was inversely related to perceived stress total score and mental distress total score. Conclusions Our findings suggest that a dietary pattern similar to the Mediterranean diet may be associated with a lower perceived stress response. Funding Sources None.