Is Your Diet Feeding Your Depression?
Optimize Nutrition for TMS Results: Managing Trending Diets for Mental Health, Depression, and Anxiety
8 Minute Read
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy is a powerful tool in treating mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. However, did you know that the success of your TMS Therapy can be greatly influenced by what you eat? Proper nutrition plays a critical role in supporting brain function, reducing inflammation, and enhancing mood regulation — all of which contribute to improving the effectiveness of TMS treatment.
In honor of National Nutrition Month, it’s a great time to recognize the importance of nutrition education and focus on how healthy eating habits can optimize mental health This year’s theme, “Beyond the Table,” encourages us to reflect on the connection between our eating and physical activity habits and our overall well-being.
In today’s economic climate, rising grocery prices can make eating healthy feel like a challenge, especially when budgets are tight. With inflation impacting food costs, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when trying to prioritize nutrition. However, eating well doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for affordable options like seasonal produce, frozen vegetables, and bulk grains, which can be just as nutritious. Many local farmers’ markets also offer fresh, cost-effective choices. Additionally, programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and community food banks can provide support for those in need. As the political and economic climate continues to evolve, it’s important to advocate for policies that make healthy food more accessible for everyone, especially as we face higher costs and a growing need for affordable nutrition.
The Brain: A High-Performance Organ That Needs the Right Fuel
Your brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs in your body. It constantly works, managing everything from thoughts and emotions to movements and heartbeat, and it never takes a break. To ensure that it functions optimally, it needs the best possible fuel — and that fuel comes from the food you eat. Eating nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants is essential for nourishing the brain, protecting it from oxidative stress, and supporting overall cognitive function.
Research in nutritional psychiatry has shown that poor diets — especially those high in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats — can exacerbate mood disorders and even impair cognitive function. This highlights the crucial role of nutrition in optimizing your mental health and improving the outcomes of treatments such as TMS.
Nutrition and Its Influence on Brain Health
Proper nutrition plays a direct role in regulating neurotransmitters — chemicals in the brain that control mood, sleep, appetite, and pain perception. For instance, serotonin, a key neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, is primarily produced in the gut. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for producing the neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognitive function.
Diets rich in nutrient-dense foods, such as those found in the Mediterranean diet, have been shown to reduce the risk of depression and enhance brain health. Foods like fish, leafy greens, seeds, and fermented foods support gut health and help balance mood-regulating neurotransmitters, ultimately reducing inflammation. If you’re undergoing TMS Therapy, adopting a gut-friendly diet may significantly boost the Therapy’s effectiveness.
The Gut-Brain Connection and Mental Health
The gut-brain axis is a key area of focus when exploring how nutrition impacts mental health. Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria that communicate directly with the brain and regulate a host of critical functions, including nutrient absorption and immune responses. A healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in balancing neurotransmitter production, which is essential for mental health.
Incorporating probiotics, fiber-rich foods, and healthy fats into your diet supports gut health and strengthens the gut-brain connection. When undergoing TMS Therapy, a nourished brain, supported by a balanced microbiome, is better equipped to respond to the treatment.
How a Clean, Anti-Inflammatory Diet Enhances TMS Results
Inflammation, whether in the brain or the body, can hinder cognitive function and interfere with the effectiveness of TMS Therapy. Diets high in refined sugars, processed foods, and unhealthy fats increase inflammation, while nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins work to combat inflammation.
Incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber can support brain function, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive health. Foods like leafy greens, berries, fish, and nuts help improve brain function and mood regulation, making them crucial for those undergoing TMS Therapy.
Trending Diets and Their Potential Impact on Mental Health
While some popular diets can help promote physical health, it’s important to evaluate how they might impact mental health, especially when undergoing TMS Therapy. Let’s look at some popular diets in 2025 and their potential effects on brain health:
1. CICO Diet (Calories In, Calories Out): The CICO diet emphasizes calorie control — consuming fewer calories than you burn to achieve weight loss. While effective for weight management, this diet doesn’t necessarily prioritize the nutritional quality of the food consumed. If followed without consideration for nutrient balance, it may put you at risk for deficiencies in vitamins and minerals that are crucial for brain health.
2. Macrobiotic Diet: A macrobiotic diet promotes plant-based eating, focusing on whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, while limiting processed foods and animal products. While it offers numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, it can be restrictive and lead to nutrient gaps, particularly for individuals with mental health conditions. It’s important to ensure sufficient protein and essential nutrients to support brain function during TMS Therapy.
3. Whole30 Diet: The Whole30 diet is a 30-day elimination diet that removes processed foods, sugar, dairy, grains, and legumes. While some people experience improvements in energy and mood, the restrictive nature of the diet may present the opportunity for nutrient imbalances if not managed mindfully. For optimal brain function, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet that includes healthy fats, proteins, and vitamins, especially when undergoing TMS Therapy.
Simple Steps to Enhance TMS Therapy with Nutrition
To optimize the results of TMS Therapy, consider these simple nutritional strategies:
• Focus on Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods: Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to reduce inflammation and support brain health.
• Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s, found in foods such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, support cognitive function and mental wellness.
• Incorporate Fermented Foods: Foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut promote gut health, improving the gut-brain connection and supporting mood regulation.
• Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: Minimize refined sugars and processed foods to reduce inflammation and optimize brain health.
• Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining cognitive function and mental health.
Find a Nutrition Expert for Personalized Guidance
As you embark on improving your nutrition to maximize your TMS Therapy results, consider working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). These experts provide personalized nutrition advice to ensure your diet supports both physical and mental health needs. Whether you’re following a specific diet like a plant-based diet or anti-inflammatory diet or just want to ensure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients, an RDN can offer the support you need.
Maximizing TMS Therapy with Proper Nutrition
While TMS Therapy is an effective treatment for improving mental health, proper nutrition is crucial for maximizing its benefits. By focusing on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet and being mindful of your mental health if participating in restrictive eating plans, you can support brain function, reduce inflammation, and improve mood regulation. Whether you’re undergoing TMS Therapy or simply looking to optimize your mental health, fueling your body with the right foods is essential for achieving the best results.
This National Nutrition Month, take the opportunity to reflect on your eating habits and explore the benefits of healthy eating in supporting your mental wellness. Fuel your body with nutrition information and prioritize a diet that enhances both physical and mental health. By adopting a balanced, nourishing approach to food, you can support your overall well-being and TMS Therapy results.
If you’re struggling with depression or another mood disorder – you don’t have to navigate this journey alone — help is available. Take the first step toward a more grounded, connected you today.