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Read More: The Worst Things to Say to Someone With OCD—and What to Say Instead Kwok sees dietary change as a practical entry point. “If you start taking steps to eat healthier, you’ll notice gut microbiome changes quickly—within a few days,” he says. “Significant shifts take a few months, but that’s the point of adjusting your diet as soon as possible. Mood can improve step-by-step with those changes.” The future of mental-health treatment may involve both psychotherapy and nutrition. But for now, experts emphasize moderation and scientific rigor. “It is critical for clinicians to remember that evidence for manipulating the gut–brain connection must be carefully and critically assessed,” says Ziegelstein. “This is a rapidly evolving field, and the strength and limitations of the evidence need to be evaluated by experts.” In other words, nurturing your gut is no replacement for professional care, but it may just be one of the most powerful ways to support it. “Health is not one-size-fits-all,” says Ngo. “The guidance of a trusted physician can help you optimize your health and wellness to get you on your healing journey faster.”
