Search
logo
Search
The article is in preview mode

Is there a connection between diet and depression?

Homepage Articles Is there a connection between diet and depression?

Is there a connection between diet and depression?

One of the hypotheses that explains the increasing prevalence of this disease, especially in the populations of developed countries, is that processed foods have a significant impact. Depression is a disease that is increasingly recognized among people of all ages. Is there any scientific evidence to support this claim? Its causes are complex, very often overlapping, so it's hard to pinpoint a major one.

Table of Contents

1. Depression is the definition

The first symptoms are usually seen between puberty and the age of 30, although they can also occur earlier or later. Up to 15% of chronic depressive disorder cases end in suicide. Ruusunen 2013). The frequency of its occurrence in different age groups ranges from 5 to as much as 11%.

2. Depression is a symptom

The main symptoms of depression are: decreased mood, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, disorder of concentration, increased feelings of sadness and anxiety, excessive sleepiness or insomnia, decrease in self-esteem, fatigue and fatigue, frequent feelings of guilt, reduced or increased appetite, suicidal thoughts.

3. Depression is the cause

According to various sources, the factors that predispose to the development of this condition can be: the diagnosis of depression in other family members, social and environmental factors, but also an increased BMI indicating obesity (P. The effect of genes is seen mainly in severe depression, as well as in early onset illness). Other more alternative theories, which are still awaiting confirmation in studies, say about the effects of serotonin and noradrenaline metabolism disorders, as also excessive stress or inflammatory conditions in the body (W. Currently, not all known causes of depression are known.

4. Depression is a treatment

The most popular treatments for depression are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Unfortunately, sometimes even with full treatment, the disease returns, which is extremely difficult for patients. It is usually treated with pharmacotherapy often combined with appropriate psychotherapy. However, because of the trivialization of the problem, as well as the shame or fear of seeing a psychiatrist, some people seek alternative treatments.

5. Depression and Poland

Obesity is a diet-dependent disease. It has been observed that a low-energy diet that allows weight loss can have a positive effect on reducing symptoms of depression (G.E. There is some evidence about the effect of diet on depression. The modern diet is rich in saturated fatty acids, sugar and energy, and it lacks vitamins and mineral salts, which affect not only the nervous system but also the functioning of the whole body.

6. Depression and omega-3 fatty acids

Some researchers believe that a decrease in fish intake, which is one of the best sources of these fats, may translate into an increased risk of depression. Majkutewicz et al. 2014).

7. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to do that again

However, the potential benefits of supplementing with this element were only apparent when combined with pharmacotherapy (A.M. Zinc is an ingredient that is involved in many processes in the body and is also necessary for the proper functioning of the nervous system, especially OUN).

8. It's just that I don't know what to do with myself

In the case of depression, a particular role is mainly attributed to two vitamins of this group B12 and folic acid. Both compounds are also responsible for the occurrence of drug-related depression. Kate et al. 2010). A specific group at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency are people on the vegan diet because it is only found in animal products. Group B vitamins are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Most often in the course of this disease, their low levels in the serum are observed. Research suggests that high levels of vitamin B12, combined with a dose of folic acids, can improve a patient's sensitivity to the medicines used, so that the full therapeutic process can be improved, even in the most severe cases, and even in patients with pre-existing neurological conditions, such as diabetes mellitus.

9. The following is the list of food additives used in the preparation of food preparations:

The researchers noted that in countries where there is a significantly higher consumption of processed foods and a lower proportion of fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grain products in the daily diet, there is an increased risk of depression (H. In countries where the consumption of healthier products is much higher, the prevalence of this disease is very low and is about 5%. Molendijk et al., 2018). In these nutrients, which are mainly high in fish, fruit, vegetable, meat and whole grains, in addition to fatty acids and vegetable seeds, the risk of developing depression increases (H.) In countries with much higher intake of healthy foods, the incidence of this disorder is low, and is around 5%. In addition, in countries with higher intakes of healthy food products, the anti-depressants are very low, with about 5%, and in the countries with the lowest intake in processed food, and the lower incidence in food, fruits and vegetables (B12). In addition to the healthy diet, the highest concentration of nutrients from these healthy foods can also be found in the dietary sources, such as omega-3 fatty fruits, fats,

10. Depression and diet are a possible link

Researchers are increasingly noticing the potential negative effects of a processed, monotonous and poor diet on the frequency of illness (S. The greatest benefit is to focus on as little processed products as possible, include fruit and vegetables as well as whole grain foods in your menu. Analysis of large studies suggests that the diet may not only have a protective effect, but also reduce symptoms in people who are already suffering from depression.

Category:
Source

DiGirolamo A.M., Ramirez-Zea M., Role of zinc in mental and child mental health, „The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” 2009, 89, 940–945.
Harbottle L., Schonfelder N., Nutrition and depression: a review of the evidence, „Journal of Mental Health” 2008, 17(6), 576–587.
Karakuła H. et al., Czy dieta ma wpływ na nasz nastrój? Znaczenie kwasu foliowego i homocysteiny, „Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski” 2009, 26(152), 136–141.
Kate N., Grover S., Agarwal M., Does B12 deficency lead to lack of treatment response to conventional antidepressants?, „Psychiatry” 2010, 7(11), 42–44.
Majkutewicz P., Tyszko P., Okręglicka K., Leczenie żywieniowe depresji, „Family Medicine & Primary Care Review” 2014, 16(1), 48–50.
Marx W. et al., Diet and depression: exploring the biological mechanisms of action, „Molecular Psychiatry” 2020, 26, 134–150.
Molendijk M. et al., Diet quality and depression risk: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies, „Journal of Affective Disorders” 2018, 226, 346–354.
Pynnönen P.A. et al., Gluten-free diet may alleviate depressive and behavioural symptoms in adolescents with celiac disease: a prospective follow-up case-series study, „BMP Psychiatry” 2005, 5, 14.
Quirk S. et al., The association between diet quality, dietary patterns and depression in adults: a systematic review, „BMC Psychiatry” 2013, 13, 175.
Ruusunen A., Diet and Depression an Epidemiological Study. Publications of the University of Eastern Finland Dissertations in Health Sciences, Kuopio 2013.
Sánchez-Villegas A. et al., Mediterranean diet and depression, „Public Health Nutrition” 2006, 9(8A), 1104–1109.
Simon G.E. et al., Association between change in depression and change in weight among women enrolled in weight loss treatment, „General Hospital Psychiatry” 2010, 32, 583–589.