Eating food with highly refined carbohydrates may increase the chances of new-onset depression in post-menopausal women, a new study from psychiatrists at the Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) has found out.
Researchers studied the data taken during the National Institutes of Health's Women's Health Initiative Observational Study from 1994 to 1998. A follow up interview for a period of three years was also conducted for its 70,000 post-menopausal women participants.
The scientists evaluated and looked for any connection between the women's dietary glycemic index (GI) and the kinds of carbohydrates they consumed against and the rates of depression, as stated in the press release.
The scientists said that while carbohydrates consumption normally increases blood sugar levels, eating highly refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, rice and junk food, triggers a hormonal response that affects the glycemic index. This then exacerbates changes in a woman's mood and triggers fatigue as well as other depression symptoms.
The study revealed that when the glycemic index is higher, the chances of developing depression also increases to 22 percent. When the diet includes added sugars, the chances of developing depression increases to 23 percent, according to UPI.
Meanwhile, a diet consisting of vegetables, fiber, whole grains and non-juiced fruits showed a decrease in the risk of depression.
The study authors wrote that in coming up with an effective treatment, further researches must be done in a broader scope. However, the findings are already suggesting the need for dietary interventions among patients with depression.
The findings were published in full with the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
