Everyone is aware of the negative health effects associated with high fat and high sugar containing diets, known as the "western diet." Some have made claims and correlations showing diet can negatively effecting brain function.
Science Daily post an article titled "Fat, sugar cause bacterial changes that may relate to loss of cognitive function"
The study was done on rats, as usual, and tested cognitive flexibility. Essentially the ability to deviate from normal habits or routines efficiently.
"Think about driving home on a route that's very familiar to you, something you're used to doing. Then one day that road is closed and you suddenly have to find a new way home. A person with high levels of cognitive flexibility would immediately adapt to the change, determine the next best route home, and remember to use the same route the following morning, all with little problem. With impaired flexibility, it might be a long, slow, and stressful way home."
The driving force behind the study was the correlation between the changes in the bacteria of the gut and the impaired cognitive flexibility. An interesting thought to consider would be the long term effects. Can the gut potentially adapt to the western diet and eventually return to normal cognitive flexibility or is this depressed state the new norm? Ultimately putting more emphasis on sustainable nutrition seems to avoid most modern day health related issues.
Knowledge is power when it comes to nutrition, we offer plenty of great resources. Supplements cannot fix a bad diet but they can certainly help fill some gaps.