Crystal Nelson
One study found that high carbohydrate intake significantly increases the risk of depression. Read here who may now have to say goodbye to their beloved pasta.
A diet high in processed carbohydrates can lead to an increased risk of depression in postmenopausal women. This is the result of a study recently published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The study involved 70,000 women who were in menopause at the time. The analysis, led by James Gangwisch at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), looked at the number of carbohydrates ingested and depression in the subjects.
Carbohydrates cause blood sugar to rise
Carbohydrate consumption raises blood sugar levels to vary degrees, depending on the type of food eaten. The more carbohydrates are processed, the higher their score on the so-called glycemic index (GI) scale. The GI scale, which goes from 0 to 100, measures the amount of sugar in the blood after eating.
The researchers identified the cause as the processed carbohydrates triggering hormonal reactions in the body. These hormonal responses can affect fatigue, mood, and related symptoms of depression.
The right diet for depression
The researchers emphasize that increased consumption of fiber, whole grains, and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of depression. This finding indicates that a special diet plan can serve as a preventive measure against depression or have a positive influence on the course of the disease.
