You Are What You Eat: Can Diet REALLY Impact Depression????

You Are What You Eat: Can Diet REALLY Impact Depression????

by  on September 15, 2014 
********************** Julia MacKenzie, guest author
 depressionWith major depressive disorder (MDD) being so prevalent in the United States today, it is imperative that researchers determine how to stop the rise of this disorder. 19% of people diagnosed with MDD live in the United States. This statistic puts America as the second leading country for prevalence of MDD. Interestingly, the countries higher in income have the greatest number of MDD cases. While antidepressants are effective in adults much of the time, they also have side effects, risks, and non-compliance to the adherence of the drugs. For this reason it may be beneficial to use diet and nutrition to assist in the treatment of MDD.
A European study concluded that those consuming a high number of trans fats from fast food restaurants increases the risk for MDD by almost 50%. On the other hand, good nutritional status decreases these risks and may help aid in the treatment of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, as well as folate, vitamin B12, glutamine, tryptophan, tyrosine, glutamine, zinc, copper, iron, and magnesium have antidepressant roles. Currently, without more research, nutrition is a helpful preventative to depression as well as a great addition to the medication regime for those with MDD.
Reference
Popa, T. A., & Ladea, M. M. (2012). Nutrition and depression at the forefront of progress. Journal of Medicine & Life, 5(4), 414-419.
Further Information on Career Skillet:
*Originally posted on the Career Skillet website (Permission granted by Jill Bowers).

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