Low Glutamate Diet Improves PTSD and Eating Disorder Outcomes in Veterans With Gulf War Illness

Objectives: Veterans are at high risk for PTSD, and prior research has shown that PTSD is commonly comorbid with eating disorders, especially binge eating. Trauma can cause excessive excitation via glutamate, exacerbating trauma-related symptoms. In previous research, we observed significant reduction in PTSD symptoms from treatment with the low glutamate diet, which eliminates free (non-bound) glutamate and emphasizes nutrient-dense foods. This study aimed to examine whether or not the low glutamate diet could reduce eating disorder symptoms, and if so, whether improvements in PTSD mediate this effect in veterans with Gulf War Illness.