Is Your Diet Causing You To Be Depressed?

Written by Tena Moore


The question remains: are we depressed because of poor eating habits, or are we eating poorly due to our depression? Researchers of a recent study seem to think that the answer is ‘we are depressed because of our poor eating habits’.

The study was held by researchers at the University of College London, and was reported by the British Journal of Psychiatry. The study found that those who eat very little fresh fruits and vegetables, and a high amount of processed and refined foods are more likely to be at risk for depression. They also found that those who do not eat a lot of fried an processed foods, but instead choose whole foods such as vegetables and fruit are less likely to be at risk for depression.

The study had over 3,000 participants who were divided into two groups: those eating primarily a whole food diet with lots of vegetables, fish and fruits, and those primarily eating a processed foods diet that is high in fat, sugar, and refined grains. The study was over a five year period and did factor in habits such as physical activity and smoking, as well as age, gender, chronic disease and even education. In the end, the whole foods group had 26 percent less risk for depression than the processed foods group. Those in the processed group had a 58 percent higher risk than those who rarely ate processed foods.

This study is just one of many that have shown there is a link between what we eat and our mental health, just as there is a link between our diet and our physical health. Unfortunately, not everyone has the ability to eat fresh produce and fish, though it is quite easy for most people to access and afford processed, unhealthy food from fast food restaurants.





Other Posts

What herbs or supplements are used for depression?

5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan) for depression and anxiety?

Depression, Social Interaction, Endorphins, and Exercise

Motherwort contains lionurine and stachydrine, alkaloids that not only help lower blood pressure but also have a sedating effect on the central nervous system,

What are denatured foods?

5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan) for depression and anxiety?

Feeling depressed or anxious? Can’t sleep? Have a headache? You may want to try picking up some 5-HTP (5-Hydroxy-Trytophan) supplements from your local pharmacy or health food store. 5-HTP comes from the seed pods of the West African plant, Griffonia simplificifolia, and has been linked to serotonin production and melotonin. Serotonin is a brain chemical that is responsible feelings of well-being and melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep.

5-HTP has been studied extensively. Many studies have found it to be a competent supplement for depression and anxiety disorders; one clinical trial found it to be of equal effectiveness to fluvoxamine, a antidepressant medication that comes with many side effects. In earlier days tryptophan was also proven to be helpful for depression, but since then 5-HTP has been proven to be even more effective than tryptophan. Other studies have found 5-HTP helpful for obesity, migraine headaches and even fibromyalgia treatment.

Many people use 5-HTP to help promote regular sleep cycles. The supplement may be found in capsule, extract and powder forms.

DHEA – Supplemental Sex Hormones

Available in capsules, topical cream, tablets, and as an addition to many combination supplements, DHEA is thought to be a wonder drug that could possibly be a genuine ‘fountain of youth’. DHEA is actually a steroid hormone that is naturally produced by the body’s adrenal glands. Once produced, the body turns it into testosterone and estrogen, male and female sex hormones. DHEA supplementation is said to help with numerous conditions, from cancer and arthritis to schizophrenia and osteoporosis.

Supplemental DHEA is thought to help boost the body’s immune system, increase muscle mass, help with irregular menstrual cycles, depression and menopause, and even help correct erectile dysfunction. Many people swear by DHEA for longevity and a strong libido.

DHEA