Can a healthy diet reduce depression? This question has been asked many times but a scientific answer has rarely been found.
A recent clinical trial has shown promising results on the role of a balanced diet in reducing depression in young adults.
Depression is a major health issue that affects millions of people around the world. Young people are especially vulnerable in this modern era due to the stressful environments they encounter in their day-to-day routines.
While there are a variety of treatments available, such as antidepressant medication and counseling, clinical researchers are always searching for new interventions to help patients manage their symptoms.
Recently, a team of researchers conducted a clinical trial to determine if a balanced and healthy diet could reduce the symptoms of depression in young adults.
The clinical study, published in the journal PLOS One, involved 76 participants between the ages of 17 and 35. They were divided into an intervention group and a control group. All of the participants had symptoms of depression at the beginning of the study, but none were taking medication or receiving therapy.
The intervention group received dietary advice from a dietitian, who helped them make changes to their diet to improve their mental health. The dietitian encouraged the participants to eat more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and to reduce their intake of processed foods, sugar, and caffeine. The participants were also encouraged to eat more foods that are high in nutrients that are important for mental health, such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins.