A whole, or traditional, diet is a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and high-quality meat and fish. According to study published online in the American Journal of Psychiatry, eating a whole diet may help to prevent depression and anxiety in women. On the other hand eating a Western diet that is high in saturated fats and refined or processed foods may increase the risk of depression.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne in Australia performed a large, cross-sectional study involving 1046 women aged 20 to 93 years who completed a comprehensive food frequency questionnaire including 74 foods and 6 alcoholic beverages. Study participants underwent psychological testing to evaluate for the presence of depression, anxiety, and dysthymia, a milder form of depression. The researchers found that women who ate a whole diet had a lower risk of depression and anxiety. Women who consumed processed or fried foods, refined grains, sugary products, and beer seemed to be up to 50 percent more likely to have depression. Interestingly, the researchers also found that eating a modern diet consisting of fruits, salads, fish, tofu, beans, nuts, yogurt, and red wine was associated with a higher risk of depression among younger, more educated women.

Recent research conducted in primary care practices in Australia showed that up to 30 percent of people with depression try to change their dietary habits as a way of improving their mood. This suggests a growing public awareness of the potential link between diet and mental health. Based on the findings of this study, it might be time to generate public health messages about the possible role of diet in preventing, as well as treating, depression. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether diet-based interventions are effective in treating depression.

Source:

Am J Psychiatry. Published online 4 January 2010. (doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09060881)