The role of nutrition in mental health is receiving increasing attention from scientists and researchers. Evidence suggests that certain nutrition and dietary habits may contribute to mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD is a disorder that causes people to have recurring, unwanted thoughts. People may be compelled to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts that follow rigid rules in order to neutralize or suppress the intrusive thoughts.
Although the exact cause of OCD is not yet known, 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 antidepressant treatment, they may wonder if certain foods or a certain diet might improve symptoms.
This article discusses whether certain foods can treat OCD. It examines dietary components that the scientific community has researched and whether they work. It also outlines traditional ways to treat and manage OCD.
It’s unlikely that any one food will cure OCD, but researchers have noticed certain macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies in people with OCD compared to those without the disorder.
B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and amino acids that the brain uses to produce neurotransmitters
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
Although studies have shown a relationship between certain nutritional deficiencies and OCD, it is not yet clear why this relationship exists and whether dietary changes or supplements can improve OCD symptoms.
Still, maintaining a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals should be safe for most people.
Learn more about OCD.
Research from 2014 suggests that vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) levels are linked to certain mental health conditions. Specifically, 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 Hcy metabolism. Vitamin B12 deficiency increases Hcy and as a result decreases neurotransmitter levels.
A 2021 meta-analysis found an association between high Hcy and low vitamin B12 in people with OCD.
Foods containing vitamin B12
- meat
- fish
- Poultry
- eggs
- Dairy products
- fortified breakfast cereals
- fortified nutritional yeast
More research is needed to determine whether increasing vitamin B12 through diet or supplements reduces OCD symptoms.
Learn more about B12.
In addition to neurotransmitter imbalance, researchers have looked at oxidative stress as a factor that may contribute to OCD. Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many unstable molecules in the body, known as free radicals, and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them. 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 show increased free radical activity and weakened antioxidant defenses in OCD.
Because evidence suggests that oxidative stress may contribute to OCD, scientists have begun to examine antioxidant therapy in OCD. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid. Amino acids are essential for the formation of proteins and other metabolic functions. The body needs
Cysteine is also found in the following foods:
- meat
- fish
- daily
- grains
- soybean
- egg products
Scientists have conducted a limited number of studies in humans treating OCD with NAC. Most of these studies investigated the use of NAC in combination with established prescription antidepressants and found little or no benefit.
Learn more about antioxidants.
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that people must get from foods or supplements because the body cannot produce them. There are three types of omega-3s:
- SUPERB
- DHA
- Environmental Protection Agency
Omega-3 fatty acids improve memory, learning, cognitive well-being and blood flow to the brain.
Studies suggest a link between low omega-3 levels and mental health disorders. For example, researchers have found a correlation between moderate omega-3 intake and a reduced likelihood of depression. Studies have also shown that omega-3s, particularly EPA,
Foods containing omega-3
- fish and seafood such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines
- nuts and seeds, including walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds
- vegetable oils such as flaxseed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil
- Fortified foods, such as certain brands of yogurt, eggs, milk, fruit juices, and soy beverages
Omega-3 supplements such as cod liver oil, fish oil, krill oil and algae oil are also available.
Although omega-3s appear to be beneficial for some mental health disorders, there is no evidence yet that they have an effect on OCD.
Learn more about Omega-3.
Vitamin D is essential for typical brain development and function. It also affects immunity, inflammatory responses, and antioxidant processes. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be a factor in the development of mental health conditions such as depression and schizophrenia.
A 2022 study investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels and OCD. It found that people newly diagnosed with OCD had lower levels of vitamin D than people without OCD. The researchers suggest that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of OCD by disrupting neurotransmitter signaling or reducing neuroprotection.
The
- The majority of the milk supply in the U.S. is dairy, including soy, almond, and oat milk.
- fortified breakfast cereals and some brands of margarine, yogurt, orange juice and other food products
- oily fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, and mackerel, and fish liver oils
- beef liver, cheese and egg yolk
- mushrooms
The body produces vitamin D after exposure to the sun. Vitamin D supplements are also available.
Research into the relationship between vitamin D and OCD is still in its infancy, and there are no clinical trials yet testing whether vitamin D improves OCD symptoms.
Learn more about vitamin D.
People with OCD may seek out complementary therapies to help reduce their symptoms, especially if they are experiencing side effects from their prescription medications. While researchers are unlikely to find a single food that treats OCD, they have found several links between specific foods and OCD.
Studies show that some people with OCD and other mental health issues may have low levels of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Studies also suggest that an imbalance in free radicals and antioxidants may contribute to OCD.
While these findings are compelling, there is little research to determine whether making dietary changes or taking supplements to increase levels of these nutrients reduces OCD symptoms. More studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness in managing the condition.
Proven traditional treatments for OCD include CBT and antidepressant medications, which help reduce OCD symptoms and their impact on people’s daily lives.