Joseph Hibbeln, MD We have all been under a great deal of stress in the last year. Understanding the role of food and nutrition in brain health can help us cope with stress better and even reduce symptoms of depression, irritability and anxiety. Joseph Hibbeln Foods and nutrients can greatly influence our brain health. Our brains have a unique and complex metabolism and need specific foods and nutrients to function optimally. Many of these nutrients cannot be made by our bodies; they only come from our diets. Have you ever noticed a change in your mood after eating junk food? It tastes good, but shortly afterward, you may have noticed that your mental energy got worse, that you became more irritable, more vulnerable to stress and maybe even felt depressed.