Depression: A certain diet can be helpful

In Germany, over three million people suffer from depression. Various factors are possible triggers, such as grief, stress, excessive demands or a genetic predisposition. Depression is caused by metabolic disorders in the brain - a lack of certain nutrients probably also plays a role. It is therefore undeniable that depression could have something to do with nutrition: Researchers are already looking for new therapeutic approaches.

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via Anna-Lisa
06/01/2019, 09:00
Wie hängen Depression und Ernährung zusammen?© iStock
Does a healthy diet have an effect on the psyche?

Are there foods to combat depression?

Researchers suspect that a conscious diet can alleviate depression. However, it would have to ensure a sufficient supply of certain nutrients. These include amino acids, minerals and vitamins: The body uses these to produce dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline - precisely the messenger substances that ensure drive, a good night's sleep and a balanced mood.

Studies have shown that there is a concrete link between obesity, depression and diet. Among other things, it is currently being investigated whether the regular intake of dietary supplements increases the risk of depression. Stress also has an influence on the body's nutrient balance. In combination with an unbalanced diet, more stress hormones are released, which flush certain minerals out of the body. This can also lead to depression.

However, the intake of magnesium, folic acid, zinc and certain omega-3 fatty acids can contribute to an improvement in depression symptoms. Around 85 percent of all patients treated with such nutrient concentrates in a practice in Bad Aiblingen confirmed that their depression could be alleviated by such nutrition.

However, orthomolecular therapy approaches, i.e. treatments that focus specifically on the intake of certain nutrients, are not considered scientifically proven and are therefore not yet paid for by statutory health insurance companies. A large number of depression researchers doubt the sole effect of such alternative methods - they see no connection between blood values and metabolic disorders in the brain. In the treatment of depression, often a serious and even life-threatening illness, one should therefore not rely solely on the supply of certain nutrients: Especially in pronounced cases, there would be no alternative to psychotherapy and antidepressants.

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