Scientists have found a link between fast food and depression

Giving up fast food and other ultra-processed foods can ease symptoms of depression, Science Mail reports, citing ScienceAlert.

The pilot involved 20 adults with depression who regularly consumed fast food. The average age of the participants was 44, and their depression had lasted for 13 years. People were divided into two groups: one for four weeks ate as usual, the other reduced the proportion of fast food, finished products in packages and packaged juices. Then the groups changed.

During the experiment, the participants did not change their medications, therapy, exercise or sleep patterns. In all three assessments of depression, symptoms on the “clean” diet were milder than with conventional diets. According to the PHQ-9 questionnaire, the average score was 8.68 in the usual diet and 5.53 in the dietary intervention. Taking into account the initial symptoms, the order of diets and the study period, the difference was approximately three points. On the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale, the average score was 18.9 on a regular diet and 8.05 on a fast-food-minimum diet. The anxiety questionnaire also showed lower scores during the dietary intervention period.

According to the senior author, a scientist from the University of California, San Francisco, the study showed that such a test can be carried out on a larger scale.

In August, Chinese researchers found a link between a tendency to perceive emotions negatively and a higher risk of depression in adulthood. They created an AI model to predict depression.

At the end of September, the Russian Ministry of Health approved a new standard for the treatment of depression.