Researchers in Iran have discovered a link between women who suffer from the disease and their diet.
The study looked at 360 women between the ages of 20-49-years old, who attended different health centres. They were quizzed on the food they had consumed over the past 24 hours and asked to fill in a questionnaire that classed them into three groups: normal mood, mild/moderate or severe depression.
The women were then given individual Dietary Diversity Scores (DDS) based on their eating habits. The researchers found that a one-unit increase in the participant’s DDS led to a 38 per cent reduction in their risk of severe depression.
In short: the more variation in what they ate, the less severe their symptoms.
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While these findings are promising, the study’s authors note that more research on this topic is needed. Because they weren’t able to take into account the dietary patterns over a longer time-frame, it couldn’t be established whether the lack of variety was a cause of the disease, or merely a consequence.
Still, it’s important to note that a balanced diet is key in maintaining both a healthy mind and body. After all, as Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine.”
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