increase in depression Archives - Amazing Health Advances https://amazinghealthadvances.net/tag/increase-in-depression/ Your hub for fresh-picked health and wellness info Mon, 23 Sep 2024 01:40:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://amazinghealthadvances.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/AHA_Gradient_Bowl-150x150.jpg increase in depression Archives - Amazing Health Advances https://amazinghealthadvances.net/tag/increase-in-depression/ 32 32 The Wrong Kind of Food Linked to Increased Depression Risk https://amazinghealthadvances.net/wrong-kind-of-food-linked-to-increased-depression-risk-8282/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wrong-kind-of-food-linked-to-increased-depression-risk-8282 https://amazinghealthadvances.net/wrong-kind-of-food-linked-to-increased-depression-risk-8282/#respond Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:06:35 +0000 https://amazinghealthadvances.net/?p=16294 Patrick Tims via NaturalHealth365 – Technology and social isolation are frequently cited as major factors in the rising depression epidemic both in the United States and around the world. While many people do feel increasingly disconnected from their communities, the surge in depression cannot be solely attributed to these tech-driven issues. Recent research published in Clinical Nutrition points to another significant factor: the consumption of ultra-processed foods. With an estimated 280 million people globally experiencing depression, it’s clear that multiple factors contribute to this widespread issue. Research reveals link between ultra-processed foods and depression Recent research highlights a significant connection between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of depression. While this study focused on Brazilian residents, it’s worth noting that Brazilians actually consume fewer ultra-processed foods on average than people in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other developed nations. The study, part of the “NutriNet Brasil” initiative, aimed to investigate chronic diseases and dietary patterns among Brazilians aged 18 and older. Participants completed online questionnaires on their health and dietary habits, initially enrolling in the winter of 2020. The researchers used Nova24h, an innovative online dietary recall tool to assess dietary intake. This technology categorizes foods based on their level of processing and monitors consumption patterns at six and twelve-month intervals. How processed foods might be affecting your mood A Patient Health Questionnaire was employed at the 14-month mark to evaluate symptoms of depression. Participants without a previous depression diagnosis who scored in the depressive range were assessed further with additional questionnaires every six months. This ongoing analysis aimed to track changes in depression symptoms over time. The data analysis uncovered a strong link between the consumption of highly processed foods and the onset of depression. Even after adjusting for factors like diet quality, lifestyle, and demographics, the study found that increased consumption of highly processed foods was associated with a higher risk of developing depression. Specifically, the risk increased by 42% for those consuming higher levels of processed foods compared to those with the lowest intake. Additionally, for every 10% increase in highly processed food consumption, there was a corresponding 10% rise in depression risk. Simple tips to cut down on processed foods and boost your well-being Transitioning to a healthier diet begins with mindful grocery shopping. Here are some practical tips to help you reduce your intake of processed foods and enhance your well-being: Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan that includes a variety of whole foods such as organic fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This helps ensure you’re not relying on processed foods for convenience. Make a shopping list: Before heading to the store, prepare a list of nutritious groceries based on your meal plan. Stick to this list to avoid the temptation of picking up processed snacks or convenience foods. Read labels carefully: When buying packaged foods, check the ingredient list for artificial additives, preservatives, and high levels of sugar or sodium. Opt for products with fewer ingredients and recognizable names. Cook at home: Prepare meals from scratch as much as possible. Home-cooked meals allow you to control the ingredients and avoid hidden additives found in processed foods. Incorporate fresh produce: Focus on buying fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. Choose a variety of colors and types to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients. Opt for lean proteins: Choose lean protein sources such as pasture raised (organic) chicken, wild-caught fish, and organic beans. These options are less processed and provide essential nutrients without added fats or preservatives. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of clean (filtered) water throughout the day. Sometimes, cravings for processed foods can be mistaken for thirst. Find healthy substitutes: Replace processed snacks with healthier alternatives like fresh fruit, nuts, or homemade popcorn. Experiment with recipes to find satisfying, nutritious options. Grow your own produce: If possible, start a small organic garden at home. Growing your own vegetables and herbs can be a rewarding way to ensure you have access to fresh, unprocessed ingredients. Explore local markets: Shop at local farmers’ markets or organic stores. These venues often offer fresh, seasonal produce and can be a great way to support local agriculture. By following these tips, you’ll reduce your intake of processed foods and boost your mental and physical health, leading to a happier and healthier you. Sources for this article include: Clinicalnutritionjournal.com Psypost.org WHO.int To read the original article click here.

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]]> https://amazinghealthadvances.net/wrong-kind-of-food-linked-to-increased-depression-risk-8282/feed/ 0 Beware of THESE 6 Adverse Health Effects Linked to Social Media Use https://amazinghealthadvances.net/beware-of-these-6-adverse-health-effects-linked-to-social-media-use-7095/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=beware-of-these-6-adverse-health-effects-linked-to-social-media-use-7095 https://amazinghealthadvances.net/beware-of-these-6-adverse-health-effects-linked-to-social-media-use-7095/#respond Fri, 29 Jan 2021 08:00:11 +0000 http://amazinghealthadvances.net/?p=10840 Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Rates of depression among American adults tripled during COVID-19, according to a recent survey published in JAMA Network Open.  Given the absolute calamity of the past year, this news isn’t likely to surprise many people. But what might be surprising to hear is that the very social media platforms people use to stay informed (and stay in touch with their loved ones) could actually be worsening the mental health crisis. Excessive Social Media Consumption Has Severe Consequences, Especially for Young Adults, New Study Reveals A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine concluded that too much social media is a net negative for a person’s mental and emotional well-being … and it doesn’t take long to have a deleterious effect, either. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Arkansas, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.  The researchers asked 990 participants ages 18 to 30 how much time they spend on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, and Snapchat.  At the same time, the participants filled out a questionnaire to help researchers detect depression.  At a follow-up six months later, the participants filled out the questionnaire again and re-reported on their social media consumption. Analysis of the data revealed that young adults who were on social media for more than 300 minutes (5 hours) per day, even if they were not depressed at the start of the study, were 2.8 times as likely to be depressed six months later, compared to people who used social media for less than 2 hours per day. This research is corroborated by a similar study from China published in April of last year in PLOS One, which found that higher exposure to social media was associated with an increased risk of anxiety and mental health disorders. The bottom line: There are plenty of things going on right now in the world that may lead you to feel depressed.  If you’ve been struggling with your mental health, don’t add to your pain by spending too much time on social media. Here Are Five Other Negative Effects of Too Much Scrolling (Plus Tips on How to Curb Your Social Media Habit) Tripling your risk of depression is bad enough, but additional research indicates that excessive social media use has also been linked to other negative health outcomes, including: Poor sleep Anxiety Loneliness Poor body image Decreased communication with family members If you have one or more social media accounts, now might be a good time to ask yourself if any of these issues sound familiar to you.  If so, it’s never been a better time to cut back. How much is enough?  This can be different from person to person, but one recent study from the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that 30 minutes per day or less can start to lead to better health outcomes.  To get your habits moving in the right direction, here are three things you can do: Delete your social media apps off your phone or at least remove them from your home screen Go “phone-free” in the bedroom and at the dinner table Turn off push notifications And for a bonus tip: it’s not just how much time you spend on social media, but how you use it — so consider unfollowing anyone who has content that is stressful or triggering for you to read. Ready to talk to someone? Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), a free, confidential, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders.  Or, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.   Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com JAMANetwork.com UMN.edu Childmind.org Childmind.org RSPH.org.uk NIH.gov Guilfordjournals.com PLOS.org To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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