Depression and Diet: Could What You Eat be a Big Factor?

For decades, researchers have been trying to pin down the exact causes and factors involved in Depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States, over 350 million people worldwide are battling this health issue in their personal lives. Over the years, countless studies have attempted to address the effectiveness of treatment, while others focused on the possible biological basis. Because Depression can be such a serious challenge for those who have it, any new research that can shed light on it is welcome news to both the health community and the general public. And just this year, researchers have uncovered a significant connection between Depression and diet that could rock the healthcare world.

How One Study is Changing How We View Depression and Diet

Experts at Deakin University in Australia have published new results in the medical journal BMC Medicine that are sure to change many people’s lives. In essence, the scientific study has shown that there may be a strong association between Depression and diet that researchers may have been overlooking. During the study, patients with Depression were given guidance on how to better choose their regular diet and with a foundation of healthier choices. The results? Patients that more closely followed the dietary recommendations showed dramatic impact on their symptoms.

Comparing This News to the Classic View of Depression

Through history, the views on Depression have shifted and changed with time. Not until the early 1900s did professionals formulate that it could be a result of something other than a patient’s external situation. As the decades went on, researchers used various methods, from cognitive-behavioral therapy to antidepressant medication, to help patients manage their symptoms in everyday life. Still, because diet was less of a focus, it’s unclear if those methods were having their maximum effect.

Why this Study is so Important Today

While some meta-study data indicated that there might be a link between Depression and diet, this study is the first of its kind. In reality, it represents a major breakthrough in how we understand Depression. Because it was also a rigorous scientific study, it has the backing of the scientific community and offers a good first indication of where new methods of treatment might come from. This very well could mean a healthier and happier life for anyone who is or has been suffering from Depression at any point in their life.

Next Steps if You Suffer from Depression

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of Depression, you’ll want your first step to be seeking the support of a professional. Since each person’s situation is different, relying on their expertise to help you with any signs of Depression is a must from the start. In addition, you can also discuss with them some of the dietary changes suggested in the Deakin University study. These include focusing on a diet composed of:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Legumes and nuts
  • Leaner red meats
  • Fresh fish
  • Olive oil

In addition, the research indicated that you may want to avoid some of the following if you’re considering Depression and diet:

  • Sweet snack foods
  • Fried foods
  • Refined cereals
  • Fast-food meals
  • Meat that’s been processed
  • Sugary drinks

As always, our professional staff here at Dreamclinic will continue to follow the news regarding this subject, as well as other medically-relevant news. This way, you have a trusted source for your health-related needs and updates.

 

Is the Paleo Diet Everything It’s Cracked Up to Be?

You may have noticed that every few years or so, a new diet fad pops up. Paleo diet, South Beach, detox, macrobiotics. There’s even a grapefruit diet! In some cases, these fads can be based in healthy living and even scientific research. But other times, the trend can be full of misconceptions and outdated information. And fads like those can possibly have a negative effect on your health!

But because Dreamclinic stays on top of the trends and the latest research, you have a trusted health source in us.  And for one diet, the paleo diet, that has been gaining in popularity, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. Today, we’ll be seeing how this diet trend stacks up, and whether it’s healthy or harmful to your body.

What Exactly is the Paleo Diet?

This is an excellent question. It also seems that whenever a diet fad pops up, there are variations on what people say counts and doesn’t count. However, the paleo diet is fairly easy to define. At its core, the diet is about getting back to how our ancestors may have eaten long ago. This often means more fresh foods and less processed foods and no flour products.  Imagine eating only what a caveman had access to.

What Might a Typical Paleo Meal Look Like?

The best way to get a sense of how a meal might look is through well-known recipe sites. You can check out a few here and here. But examples include, roasted chicken breast, fresh fish, hard-boiled eggs, trail mix, and fresh fruit and vegetables. But instead of regular bread buns, you might try avocado buns. Or instead of turning to dairy, you’d rely on alternatives.

What About the Critics and the Gurus?

Every health movement seems to have them: the people that claim to know it all and the people who say it’s all wrong. The paleo diet has many hardcore adherents that say it helps with weight issues and allergies. But we also wanted to give you a rounded perspective on this diet trend. What are the critics saying? One common criticism is that there isn’t any single diet that our ancestors ate. After all, when you think about it, different areas of the world had access to different resources. Another criticism compares how paleo diet gurus aren’t living in caves or putting on loin cloths like our ancestors either.

But What Does the Science Say?

At Dreamclinic, we  always turn to the latest research when it comes to new trends. And for the paleo diet, studies are showing positive aspects. For example, there’s evidence that the diet promotes weight loss and helps reset metabolic issues. And this scientific study showed improved circulatory function, increased insulin sensitivity and improved blood pressure. This was true even for people who tried the diet out for a short period.

What’s the Final Verdict on the Paleo Diet?

Whether or not the positive results from this diet can be attributed to its approach is still debatable. Eating less processed foods and consuming less  sugar is normally a good health move and may account for much of the benefits.  Une thing is for certain—trying this diet is sure to change your outlook on how we eat in the 21st Century.

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