By Underground Health Reporter

Imagine not having to take drugs for depression! Very few are unfamiliar with the brutal suffering caused by depression. After all, the downer mood affects more than 120 million people around the world.  Depression is a serious mental health condition, often treated with drugs that give the patient worse side effects than the condition.

However, the less than perfect depression treatment can now be substituted with a simple eating plan. New research

is being confirmed that the link between what the foods we eat and the likelihood of developing depression is strong.

Natural News reports:

In 2012, scientists from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Granada studied almost 9,000 participants who had never before been diagnosed with depression. The half-year study, published in the journal Public Health Nutrition, clearly revealed that people who ate fast foods, fried foods and commercially baked pastry products were 51% more likely to develop depression diet compared to those that didn’t.

Almudena Sanchez-Villegas, lead author of the study, strongly encouraged people to avoid cakes, croissants, doughnuts, etc., as well as common fast foods such as hamburgers, hotdogs and the like. She said, “Even eating small quantities is linked to a significantly higher chance of developing depression.”

What is responsible for the link between food and depression?  The research indicates that the biggest problem linking food with depression is the trans fats and saturated fats.  Trans fat trigger inflammation in the body and the brain, which then block our neurotransmitters.  When our brain’s neurotransmitters are interfered by inflammation, then our mood is affected.

Andrew Weil, M.D., says that, “I’m convinced that depression diet may represent just one manifestation of increased inflammation throughout the body. The fats in junk foods may well contribute to depression diet because they are pro-inflammatory.”

Other culprits include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Artificial colors/flavors
  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Carbohydrates and refined grains
  • Fungicides
  • Genetically modified food
  • Herbicides
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Irradiated food
  • Pesticides
  • Preservatives
  • Processed food
  • Nitrates
  • Simple sugars
  • Synthetic hormones

Food-Depression Link Stronger Than You Think

The British Journal of Psychiatry published a 5-year study of two groups that followed 2 vastly different diets. One group that participated “enjoyed” processed meats, sugary desserts, fried foods, chocolate, refined cereal and high fat dairy.. The other group enjoyed a diet high in fruit, vegetables and fish.  Which group do you think was more likely to be depressed?  The first group that ate a depression diet high in processed foods, sugar and dairy were 58% more likely to be depressed!

The American Journal of Psychiatry published a direct correlation between the consumption of processed foods and the incidence of depression and anxiety in 2010.

How to Avoid a “Depression Diet”

More than ever the importance of a eating organic foods is needed.  By avoiding chemical pesticides, herbicides and concentrating on a diet rich in whole, clean and natural foods, the nutritious and nutrient-dense foods will keep you depression-free.  Health-conscious experts and integrative health practitioners recommend and strongly emphasize  the importance of organic foods for body health and mood health.

Furthermore, support  your body with high quality B vitamins and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

The best source for natural anti-inflammatory foods can be found in the following:

Further Related Reading:

Are Your Emotions Making You Sick?
Calm Balance and Stabilize Your Mood
Sugar Craving and Food Addiction: What is Your Body Telling You?

 

 

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