Page 16 - allcare Connect

COOKING & NUTRITION
Diet & depression
A new study conducted by a team at Deakin University has shown improving diet quality can assist treating major depression. The study, which took place over three months, randomly assigned
a group of adults with major depressive disorders either social support or clinical dietitian support.
The dietary support group were given information and assistance to improve their diets with emphasis on a Mediterranean diet: increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, legumes, fish, lean red meats, olive oil and nuts.
The recently published results indicated the dietary support group experienced a greater reduction in their depressive symptoms compared to the social support group.
Professor Felice Jacka, Director of Deakin’s Food and Mood Centre said the results of her team's new study offered a possible new treatment approach to depression.
"These results were not explained by changes in physical activity or body weight but were closely related to the extent of dietary change. Those who adhered more closely to the dietary program experienced the greatest benefit to their depression symptoms." Professor Jacka said.
"Most of the people in our study were receiving psychotherapy or pharmacology treatment. But it's something that supports any other interventions designed to help depression," she said. "Weight loss is not a factor in this particular case, but we hope we'll help to change the public's ideas of why it's important to eat well – both from a prevention and a treatment point of view."
What is the Mediterranean diet?
• Based on the eating habits of people living in Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece
• It's rich in olive oil, vegetables, fresh fruit, wholegrains, nuts and legumes
• Moderate intake of fish, poultry, dairy products and red wine
• Low intake of pasta, red meat, and sugar
For more information about the work of Deakin's Food and Mood Centre, within the School of Medicine, visit www.foodandmoodcentre.com.au
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allcare Connect newsletter Winter 2020