
Lettuce Talk: Eating and Depression





Join us at Pint of Science to explore how food, dialogue, and science shape our world. Can a meat vs. veggie debate break barriers? Could ibuprofen treat depression? Find out how diet and research are changing connection and healing.
Meat & Greet
Amber Peeters
PhD researcher
University of Antwerp
What happens when meat lover and a veggie enthusiast sit down for a chat? This talk explores how face-to-face discussions between people with different diets might influence their views on one another. Food isn't just fuel for your body, it is tied to your (gender)identity. So, when people with opposing eating habits engage in dialogue, the social dynamics are very interesting. Can a friendly conversation break down the "us versus them" mentality between meat eaters and vegetarians? This research digs into how our dietary choices shape not only what's on our plates, but also how we connect with others.

Feeling depressed? Blame your immune system (maybe)!
Céline Wessa
Medical doctor - PhD researcher
University of Antwerp
Can ibuprofen treat depression? It might sound strange, but it probably can. Scientists now know that inflammation in the body is linked to depressive symptoms. In this talk, I’ll share how the ASPIRE-project is “recycling” data from old clinical trials to figure out who might have a form of depression linked to inflammation, and how INSTA-MD is testing a more personalised treatment approach for these patients in real life. Together, they’re part of a growing movement called precision psychiatry: because when it comes to our mental health, a one-size-fits-all approach just isn’t good enough.
