Cortisol, fibre and diet quality: understanding the evidence behind emerging nutrition trends
Interest in nutrition and wellbeing continues to grow, with online discussions around cortisol, gut health and “fibremaxxing” driving greater awareness of the relationship between diet and overall health. While these trends have brought increased attention to the role of nutrition, the evidence continues to support the importance of an overall healthy dietary pattern rather than individual foods or nutrients.
Stress management and wellbeing are influenced by multiple lifestyle factors, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep and mental health. Research has also highlighted the role of the gut microbiota in the gut-brain axis, with dietary fibre helping to support a diverse and healthy gut microbiome. Consequently, foods that naturally provide fibre alongside essential vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds can contribute to overall diet quality.
Dr Annamaria Acquaviva, Registered Dietitian for the California Prune Board, explains: “Stress management and overall wellbeing are influenced by a range of lifestyle factors, including balanced nutrition, gut health and overall diet quality. The gut and brain communicate through the gut-brain axis, with the gut microbiota playing an important role in this relationship. Fibre helps nourish beneficial gut bacteria and supports a healthy gut environment as part of a balanced diet.”
Naturally high in fibre and a source of vitamin K, vitamin B6, copper and manganese, California Prunes can contribute to daily fibre intake as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Dried prunes are also the first whole fruit to receive a European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) health claim relating to the maintenance of normal bowel function.
Alongside growing interest in nutrient density and changing eating behaviours associated with GLP-1 medication use, foods that provide fibre and essential nutrients continue to play an important role in supporting overall diet quality and healthy eating patterns.