Mediterranean Diet Improves Depressive Symptoms

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities.

Some studies have suggested that dietary interventions can have a positive impact on depression, and even more, if they are performed during young adulthood. One diet that has been studied is the Mediterranean diet. 

In a recently published study, a group of researchers assess the effect of the Mediterranean diet as an intervention in the treatment of depression in young males (18-25 years). The results appear in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 

The Importance of Nutrition 

The study included a total of 72 participants, and assessments were taken at baseline, at weeks 6 and 12. Diet adherence was measured with the Mediterranean Adherence Score (MEDAS).

After 12 weeks of the dietary intervention, MEDAS scores were significantly higher in the Mediterranean diet group compared to the control group. 

The results highlighted once again the importance of nutrition and how simple lifestyle modifications can have an incredibly high impact on our lives and in many medical conditions.

That is why physicians and healthcare providers must put more emphasis on nutrition and lifestyle modifications for all patients. 

Source:

Enrico de Lazaro. (2022, May 9). Study: Mediterranean Diet Improves Depressive Symptoms in Young Men with Clinical Depression. Sci News. Retrieved from: 

http://www.sci-news.com/medicine/mediterranean-diet-depression-10785.html 

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