Food and mood [re-release] -

25 February 2026

February 2026.

Listen here:

And available everywhere you listen to podcasts: https://pod.link/thehealthyhandful

About this episode

Just like the rest of our body, our brain is deeply influenced by our lifestyle. The quality of our sleep, how often we move, and what we eat, all play a powerful role in shaping brain health.

To function at its best, the brain relies on a wide variety of nutrients, which means dietary diversity matters. Growing research shows that improving our eating patterns and incorporating a broad range of whole, nutrient-dense foods can lead to meaningful improvements in mood and overall mental wellbeing.

In this episode, originally recorded in 2022, we explore the science behind the food and mood connection with Dr Wolf Marx from the Food & Mood Centre at Deakin University.

Key take-outs:

Brain health is shaped by lifestyle choices – including sleep, physical activity, and especially diet.
The brain requires a wide range of nutrients, meaning dietary diversity is essential for optimal function.
- Mediterranean diet research highlights the importance of overall dietary patterns – emphasising fruits, vegetables, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, legumes, and lean proteins, which together provide nutrient-dense compounds that support brain health, mental wellbeing, and chronic disease prevention.
Mental health care isn’t just psychological – nutrition is an important, and often overlooked piece of the puzzle.

Our guest

A/Prof Wolfgang Marx is the Deputy Director of the Food & Mood Centre. A Senior Research Fellow and NHMRC Emerging Leader, Wolfgang has been a key member of the Centre since 2018, leading major projects in Nutritional Psychiatry. His work spans high-impact systematic reviews, clinical trials on probiotics and nutraceuticals, and international clinical and research guidelines. As President of the International Society for Nutritional Psychiatry Research, he has also played a key role in advancing the field at a global level.