Research shows that depression treatment shouldn’t be limited to serotonin levels; lifestyle also influences
Cases of depression have increased among the Brazilian population. According to the Vigitel Survey 2021, on average, 11.3% of Brazilians reported having received a medical diagnosis of the disease. The frequency was higher among women (14.7%) than men (7.3%). In 2019, this total did not exceed 10.8% of Brazilians over the age of 18, according to IBGE data.
For a long time, depression has been associated with low rates serotonin, known as the happiness hormone. In fact, serotonin is responsible for the communication between nerve cells. In this way it acts by regulating sleep, appetite, body temperature, movements and, above all, coordinating the fundamental intellectual functions. However, a study conducted by University College London cast doubt on this association, which was no longer so well accepted by most doctors around the world.
Serotonin and depression
According to Dr. Pedro Andrade, a postgraduate in nutrology at the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (ABRAN), the study reinforces the idea that the Lifestyle and the environment in which the human being is inserted is more linked to the depressive condition than to a chemical imbalance.
“Basically, medicine is saying that it is useless to take antidepressants and stay with habits or / and in unhealthy environments. Our lifestyle has a great influence on our physical and mental health. In addition, the study also strengthens another cause. about the disease, which is very important, but not much talked about. It’s about inflammation caused by bad eating habits and how it affects mental health, “he says.
Lifestyle combined with treatment
The specialist points out that an unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity and a high level of stress cause a increased levels of inflammation in the body. This impairs the quality of life and causes depression and anxiety. “People with mental disorders, such as depression, are also often in a state of chronic systemic inflammation. This is a response to external inflammatory factors, such as a sugar, fat and alcohol diet,” she explains.
“We don’t usually naturally associate depression with lifestyle, but there are some precautions that can prevent and reduce inflammation. As a result, they can help prevent or treat depression. For example, physical activity, a rich diet of tryptophan with foods such as avocado, walnuts and chestnuts, control stress with relaxing activities and sunbathe every day, “he says.
Being a multifactorial disease, the specialist states that there is no better treatment, in general, but in all cases the lifestyle change and the psychotherapy they are strong allies. “Attributing depression only to low serotonin levels and prescribing treatment considering only this factor is a mistake, as it simplifies a problem that can be caused by multiple events,” stresses the doctor.
“Therefore, it is very important to change habits and have a healthy life, which does not mean giving up drugs or not having medical follow-up. On the contrary, we cannot eliminate any tools in the fight against depression, but rather combine the best. of these two universes “, he concludes.
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Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
