Cmaj Podcasts

Send us a textOn this episode of the CMAJ Podcast, Dr. Mojola Omole and Dr. Blair Bigham discuss the growing evidence around the impact of diet on mental health, particularly depression. The conversation is inspired by the CMAJ practice article, “Diet and depression,” co-authored by Dr. Nicholas Fabiano.Dr. Fabiano explains how the mechanistic connection between diet and depression is not well understood, but it is theorized that diets known to promote inflammation may play a part in exacerbating symptoms. He highlights findings from the SMILES trial, which demonstrated how dietary interventions like the Mediterranean diet—rich in leafy greens, fish, fruits, and whole grains—reduced depression symptoms in trial participants.Dr. Rachelle Opie, an accredited practicing dietitian and credentialed eating disorder clinician, offers practical advice on how physicians can coach patients toward dietary changes in a way that is inclusive, sustainable, and sensitive to individual needs. Drawing from her work on the SMI