A healthy diet, i.e., a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods, may help reduce the risk of perinatal depression. A 2015 systematic review found an association between poor or unhealthy diets and prenatal depression/stress. However, the postnatal evidence they reviewed was mixed.[1] A 2019 review found an inverse association between a “healthy” diet and perinatal anxiety and depression.[2] Finally, a 2020 systematic review noted an inverse association between healthy postpartum diet and postpartum depression.[3] All three reviews concluded that more research is needed: more longitudinal studies with plenty of participants, as well as studies of specific dietary interventions.
References
- ^Baskin R, Hill B, Jacka FN, O'Neil A, Skouteris HThe association between diet quality and mental health during the perinatal period. A systematic review.Appetite.(2015-Aug)
- ^Silva DFO, Cobucci RN, Gonçalves AK, Lima SCVCSystematic review of the association between dietary patterns and perinatal anxiety and depression.BMC Pregnancy Childbirth.(2019-Jun-24)
- ^Opie RS, Uldrich AC, Ball KMaternal Postpartum Diet and Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review.Matern Child Health J.(2020-Aug)