Investigation of Microflora-Mediated Effect of Nutrition Frequency and Food Choice on General Affective State

Abstract

We investigated the changes in the gut microbiota depending on the type and frequency of use of carbohydrate, which is the main element in our diet, and the relationship of these changes with mood. Thus, we aimed to intervene in mood disorders, which are seen in approximately 6.2% of the population in our country, by improving the type and frequency of use of carbohydrates, which make up 60% of the daily diet. In the study, 197 young adults between the ages of 18-45; Questions were asked to determine the number and times of meals during the day, the basic nutrients that make up their meals, the foods they chose in case of mood changes they noticed, the types of carbohydrates they consumed and the frequency of consumption, and the data were collected in the digital environment. To increase the possibility of accurate and reliable data collection; The ideal number of questions was determined as 30 and the Cronbach Alpha coefficient was calculated as (0.78). SPSS 26 statistical program was used to determine the data and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Prolonged meal breaks, foods perceived as rewards, and moreover, consumption of foods that can be defined as "vain foods" whose content is far from benefit have been detected. Keeping the breaks between meals short, using nutrition not for "prolonged hunger", but for "hunger" and staying away from foods that can be defined as " vain foods" that contain no benefit, will bring us closer to mental and physical well-being.