The quality of your diet may have a direct effect on the occurrence of depression. Over the past couple of years there has been a lot of research on how food affects depression and on how depression affects how we eat. Depression is one of the leading metal health problems across the world and can impact the management of other existing chronic diseases.
Major Depressive Disorder has been found as a cause for increased appetite, body weight, body mass index and leading to an increase in chronic diseases. On the other hand, Melancholic Major Depressive Disorder causes a decrease in appetite and loss of body weight, the main difference between the two is that with Melancholic Depressive Disorder there is a markedly diminished level of interest or pleasure in things – including food.
The research is now able to clearly show links between people who consume the following foods and an increase in depression:
- Soft drink
- Sugary drinks
- Fast food
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Refined grains
- High amounts of sugar and Fat
Research has also shown that the risk of depression decreased in people who consumed the following foods:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Olive Oil
Poor quality food, inadequate protein intake, irregular meals and reduced physical activity, have also been shown to have a direct impact of increasing the risk of depression. Managing our food and choosing healthier options can have a direct impact on your level of depression and overall health.