Brazilian research has followed more than 14,000 people in eight years and shows that bad diet can increase the probability of having the inconvenience up to 30%
Research conducted by scientists from University of San Paolo (USP), based on the data of the Longitudinal study for adult health (Elsa-Brazil), reveals a significant association between the consumption of ultra -elaborate products and the increase in the risk of developing depression – and the disease persists for years. The results came out in the publication of May in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietics.
The study
The survey accompanied more than 14,000 people in eight years. From three evaluation periods: from 2008 to 2010, 2012 to 2014 and 2017 to 2019. The first results revealed those that consumed most of the ultra elaborates at the beginning of the study, had a higher risk of 30% of developing depression.
But this data were not surprised by the authors and experts in the area, since the association between mental disorder and the consumption of these industrialized products full of sodium, fats and preservatives is already known. “This is because ultra -elaborate people have a scarce nutritional profile: they replace unforced and healthier foods such as fruit, vegetables, walnuts, seeds, whole foods.”explains the psychologist Naomi Vidal Ferreira and the main author of the research. “In addition, they contain high levels of sugar, saturated fats, sodium and chemical additives, promoting an inflammatory environment in the body.”
Impact on the intestinal microbiota
This nutritional profile can negatively affect the intestinal microbiota and lead to neurainflamation through the intestine-cervello axis. This can lead to the activation of the body’s defense responses, increasing the production of cortisol, which has a negative impact on mood and can be associated with the increase in depressive symptoms. “The intestinal flora plays a key role in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and gamma-amamobedic acid, which regulate brain functions. Ultra-elaborate foods negatively influence this microbiota, compromising this process.”details the psychiatrist Alfredo Maluffrom Israelite Hospital Albert Einstein.
Persistent depression
What has attracted more attention to the research were the persistent depression images in the eight years of follow -up. Scholars ranked the participants in three groups: those who have not had depression in any of the assessments, those who obtained a diagnosis in one of the only analyzes and those who received the diagnosis in two or more phases.
Those with greater ultra consumption -processed at the beginning of the survey had 58% more likely to develop persistent depression, or recurring episodes compared to the assessments. “This discovery is new. The relationship between ultra elaborate consumption and persistence of depression is not very explored in literature”Comments Ferreira.
Food and depression
According to Maluf, this test strengthens the hypothesis that a bad diet can not only trigger a depressive episode, but also by hindering its remission. “Today, we already speak of a lifestyle psychiatry: even with adequate drugs, if the person does not carry out physical activities and does not have a good food standard, it is difficult to obtain a good clinical response because it will bomb the intestinal microbiota that makes it difficult to regress systemic inflammatory activities.”The expert explains.
Replacement of ultra -elaborate foods
The USP study also analyzed the impact of replacing food on the prevention of depression. Mathematical simulations have indicated that the 5% replacement of the ultra -processed calorie intake of minimally transformed food can reduce the risk of depression of 6%. Already a 20% replacement could reduce this risk of 22%.
This quantification is also considered one of the research innovations and shows that even minor diet changes can have significant positive effects. “This decrease is foreseen and further evidence should arise. But it is a challenge, as there are no government policies that constantly act in changing these habits. In the case of smoke, for example, we can only reduce the consumption of cigarettes due to countryside, changes in laws and tax creation.”Maluf comments.
Socio -demographic variables
Another aspect assessed was the influence of socio -demographic variables. According to research, young people, women, blacks or brown, smokers, people with a higher calorie intake and a higher body mass index (BMI) are more likely to develop depression. On the other hand, people with higher education, married and physically active are less at risk of having the disease.
According to experts, these results strengthen the reality observed in offices and in other clinical studies: groups in greater social vulnerability or with unhealthy lifestyle tend to have higher rates of mental illness. “It is a sum of factors: bad diet, obesity, physical inactivity and poor quality of life make these individuals more susceptible to the chronicity of depression”.Maluf says.
The results of the study get even more importance because it is Brazilian research. In Latin AmericaTHE Brazil Leads the ranking of the depression of the prevalence. “Considering the economic and social impact of depression, especially in a country with high inequality, the tests generated have the potential to influence public health decisions and improve the quality of life of the population”.Einstein’s psychiatrist concludes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
