(NewsNation) — New evidence shows ultraprocessed foods can increase depression in women, according to a new study published in the Journal of American Medicine Association Open Network.
Between 2003 and 2017, researchers gave questionnaires to middle-aged women who were not diagnosed with depression at the start of the study. They collected data regarding the women’s diet as well as measuring depression based on factors including clinical diagnosis and the use of antidepressants.
Data showed those who had diets higher in ultraprocessed foods had higher risks for depression, even when accounting for other factors, including age, body mass index, physical activity or smoking.
Ultraprocessed foods are those that have many added ingredients like sugar, fat or artificial flavorings or color. They’re generally ready-to-eat, energy-dense products like sodas, frozen food, and meats like hot dogs or cold cuts.
“We eat an inflammatory diet, and we know from the science that inflammation in the brain is part of what’s causing depression,” said Dr. Mark Hyman, senior adviser at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine. “The data is really clear, not just from this one study but from a large body of evidence, that what we eat has a huge role in our mood.”
Researchers also broke down ultraprocessed foods into groups, including ultraprocessed grain foods, sweet snacks, ready-to-eat meals, fats and sauces, ultraprocessed dairy products, savory snacks, processed meat, beverages, and artificial sweeteners.
Findings showed artificially sweetened beverages and artificial sweeteners were associated with the highest risk for depression.
Those who reduced the intake of ultraprocessed foods by a minimum of three servings per day had a reduced risk of depression compared to those whose diet remained steady.
“We have to understand that we cannot eat these foods anymore,” Hyman said. “These are things that are not causing just depression, but (there’s) a 14% increase in mortality with every 10% of your diet that’s ultraprocessed food.”