How could diet affect depression?

    Researchedby:
    Louie Neri

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner
    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    It appears that a Mediterranean diet or a diet consisting of foods with a low Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) has been associated with a reduced risk of depression.[1] However, more research is needed before a specific diet can be recommended. With that being said, current research suggests that improving one's diet by replacing "junk" foods with nutrient-dense, higher fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts reduce the risk and symptoms of depression.[2]

    References

    1. ^Lassale C, Batty GD, Baghdadli A, Jacka F, Sánchez-Villegas A, Kivimäki M, Akbaraly THealthy dietary indices and risk of depressive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studiesMol Psychiatry.(2019 Jul)
    2. ^Joseph Firth, Wolfgang Marx, Sarah Dash, Rebekah Carney, Scott B Teasdale, Marco Solmi, Brendon Stubbs, Felipe B Schuch, André F Carvalho, Felice Jacka, Jerome SarrisThe Effects of Dietary Improvement on Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsPsychosom Med.(2019 Apr)