1
Return

Heat stress associated depression and allied affliction: Therapeutic roles of nutrition, micronutrients, and phytochemicals-a review

delete2026-07-21
delete0
PRE
AI
T
Taha Majid Mahmood Sheikh
A
Abdul Malik Tareen
M
Muhammad Asif Arain *
DOI:10.1007/s00484-026-03286-2delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Heat stress is a critical environmental factor disrupting systemic homeostasis and impairing mental health, with increasing evidence linking prolonged thermal exposure to depression and related neuropsychological disorders. Chronic heat stress induces neuroendocrine dysregulation via hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, alongside oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered neurotransmitter signaling, collectively elevating risks of mood disturbances, anxiety, cognitive decline, and sleep disorders. Emerging evidence highlights nutrition as a key modulator of heat stress–induced neuropathology. Adequate macronutrient intake supports energy balance and thermoregulation, while micronutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and iron are essential for neurotransmission, antioxidant defense, and immune function. Additionally, phytochemicals including polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids exert neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and HPA-regulatory effects, partly through modulation of the gut-brain axis. This integrative approach offers promising non-pharmacological strategies to enhance resilience against heat-induced depression.
Keywords:
Heat stress
Depression
Nutritional psychiatry
Phytochemicals
Micronutrients
Neuroinflammation

Journal

International Journal of Biometeorology cover
International Journal of Biometeorology
IF:
2.6
Papers:
3.5K
Citations:
9.7K

Organization

F
faculty of veterinary and animal sciences
Scholars:
27
Papers: 20
Citations: 0
S
school of medical sciences
Scholars:
256
Papers: 125
Citations: 0
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers