People who eat a diet laden with processed and high-fat foods may put themselves at greater risk of depression, according to UCL research published today.
“This study adds to an existing body of solid research that shows the strong links between what we eat and our mental health. The mind and body are often separated but the brain, just like the heart or liver, is an organ that needs nutrients to stay healthy and functional.”The research team, led by Dr Tasnime Akbaraly (UCL Epidemiology and Public Health), also found that eating a ‘whole food’ diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish could help prevent the onset of depressive symptoms in middle age—-Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation
The study, published in the November issue of British Journal of Psychiatry, is the first to examine the association between overall diet and depression – previous studies have focused on the effect of individual nutrients. [continue reading…]
nearly 1 in 6 people in the UK at some point in their lives. Depression may have no obvious cause, or it can be set off for a variety of reasons (such as physical illness, or difficult things that happened in the past or may be happening now, like bereavement, family problems or unemployment). People may have just one episode of depression. However, about half of people who have had an episode of depression will go on to have further episodes. Most people will feel better within 4 to 6 months of an episode of depression, while others experience symptoms for much longer.