Studies Helps whole foods for depression?

Let depression be avoided by eating whole foods?

Depression has a long-term effect on the lives of those affected and often it is difficult to treat them. Prevention is therefore of particular importance. According to a recent study, the risk of developing depression can be significantly reduced by whole foods. Healthy nutrition leads to a significantly lower risk of disease, while poor nutrition, an irregular lifestyle and little exercise increase the likelihood of depression, report the study authors.

In their recent study, researchers at Swinburne University in Melbourne have shown that the risk of depression is directly related to diet, lifestyle and physical activity, according to the Ranke-Heinemann Institute (Australian-New Zealand University Network). In particular, a fiber-rich diet is the key to a healthy mind. Joanna Dipnall from Swinburne University who has designed a special Risk Index for Depression (RID).

Risk index developed for depression

The researcher claims to have developed RID to identify the most common risk factors for depression and to provide health professionals with an early intervention method. The Risk Index for Depression clearly shows that healthy eating can be directly associated with a lower risk of depression, while poor nutrition, an irregular lifestyle or lack of exercise increase the risk of illness.

Improvement of prevention

The most important goal in the development of the RID was, according to Dr. Dipnall an improvement in prevention. "With its help, people with a predisposition to depression can be identified, which is the deciding factor to reduce this risk," explains the researcher. The RID is the first risk index of its kind and helps doctors and sufferers to recognize the early signs of depression.

High fiber diet is the key

Research by Australian researchers based on RID has also shown that the risk of depression is most closely related to our diet, followed by physiological factors and lifestyle such as sleep and exercise. A high-fiber diet is the key to a healthy mind Dipnall. According to the expert, "a diet made up of fiber-rich foods such as green salads, vegetables, and whole grains has been consistently associated with a reduced risk of depression."

Unhealthy lifestyle increases the risk

On the other hand, "an unhealthy diet of processed foods and high fat dairy products has been associated with a higher likelihood of depression in previous studies"; reports Dipnall. Similarly, lifestyle factors such as sleep problems, frequent snacks, and physical activity are linked to mental health, the researcher continues.

Intestinal health and depression

Diet as an important factor of mental health has increasingly become the focus of research, reports dr. Dipnall. It seems as if fiber is a key factor in gut health, which is currently a focus of depression research. According to the expert, the findings from the investigations with the RID now provide further evidence that "nutrition is a major factor in intestinal health and in the risk of depression." (Fp)