Flour and depression – the connection Bashny.Net

According to a study conducted by researchers at Columbia University, a diet with high content of foods from processed grains (e.g. white bread, sugar and white flour) can increase the risk of depression in older women (information was published in the American journal of clinical nutrition). On the contrary, eating whole grains and vegetables reduces this risk.

Approximately three percent of people in the United Kingdom suffer from depression. In the United States, the proportion of people over the age of 12 years suffering from depression is eight percent.

According to the national Institute of mental health, depression, problems with concentration, sleep disturbances, thoughts of suicide, constant anxiety, emptiness, guilt, helplessness, worthlessness, depression, irritability, fatigue or anxiety.





Diet can prevent and heal depression

Refined carbohydrates, e.g. white flour and white rice produced by removing parts of the seed, rich in dietary fiber. Consequently, in such "white carbohydrates" there is a much higher percentage of simple sugars, while the content of other nutrients is reduced. Usually these products are pretty high glycemic index (GI) showing the level of sugar in the blood after ingestion of certain foods.

To compare the influence of different types of food on the development of depression, researchers have processed information on more than 70 thousands of women in post-menopausal stages, who participated in the project dedicated to women's health, between 1994 and 1998. Researchers evaluated the types of carbohydrates consumed, the glycemic load of these foods and the level of depression.

The researchers found that the active consumption of sugar and refined grain products is associated with a higher level GUY, and both of these factors increase the probability of a depression. In contrast, women who ate more fiber, whole grains, vegetables and fruits (excluding fruit juices) were less exposed to such risk.

"This suggests that the adjustment of the diet can be used as treatment and prevention of depression," says researcher James Gangwer.

 Cause and effect?

As a possible explanation for this connection, researchers noted that consumption of foods with a high GI leads to spikes in blood sugar that causes a rise in insulin levels. This, in turn, exacerbates the symptoms of depression, including mood swings and fatigue. In addition, scientists believe that a diet high in refined sugars and grains increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which also increases the likelihood of developing depression.

However, other researchers are more skeptical.

"When you provide your body and brain healthy, fulfilling, nutrient-rich food, you feel better," explains nutritionist and nutrition researcher from the University of Texas Lona the Sandown's. "You can feel better and lift your mood just knowing that you are doing something good for your body".

"From the report it is unclear what is the root cause of depression or the consumption of refined carbohydrates," said the Sandown's. – "Many people eat the wrong foods when suffering from depression or even stress. They can eat refined carbohydrates, like chocolate, trying to improve their mood."

Another is a registered dietitian and nutrition researcher penny Kris-etherton from the University of Pennsylvania expressed a more positive way, calling the study "an important reservoir of emerging literature."

"People are just starting to learn the relationship between nutrition and mental health," says Kris-etherton. – "I figure the job will play a role in this fascinating area of research that deserves more attention."

Scientists themselves recognize the shortcomings of their work, calling for additional research intended for dissemination of the findings to men and younger women.published

 

P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©

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Source: mixednews.ru/archives/94991