7 foods that make you depressed

Depression is the disease of the 20th century that affects more than 350 million people worldwide, and it is estimated that by 2020, it will be the second leading cause of disability, only after cardiovascular diseases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This condition manifests as a change in mood, sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt, lack of self-esteem, a sense of fatigue, lack of concentration, as well as sleep or appetite disorders. Depression can affect work performance, school activities, as well as family and social relationships. When it is mild, it can be treated without the need for medications, but when it is considered moderate or severe, professional therapy and medications are needed. Since economic, social pressures, or stress are factors that favor the development of this disorder, it can be prevented in various ways, through exercise, engaging in activities you enjoy, having a satisfying job, as well as friends and a healthy diet. Since diet influences how you feel, Salud180 presents you a list of 7 foods that make you depressed. If you like them, avoid them because they make you sick... There are scientific studies that claim these foods provoke addictive responses in the brain, similar to what happens when consuming drugs and tobacco, because they contain flavorings, preservatives, and additives with harmful effects on health. 1. Artificial sweeteners. Specialists in the United States determined that all artificial sweeteners produce depression of the nervous system. Moreover, Rachel Fiske, a certified nutrition consultant in San Francisco, states that aspartame (sweetener) slows the production of serotonin and dopamine, which could be a cause of depression and anxiety attacks. 2. Processed foods. Researchers from Great Britain published in the British Journal of Psychiatry that this type of food increases the risk of developing depression, as they contain harmful chemicals that promote the onset of cardiovascular diseases and inflammation. These include meats, cold cuts, chocolate, and sugary desserts. 3. Fried food. Stephanie Fulton from Montreal University Hospital states that foods high in saturated fat contribute to developing depressive behaviors due to the chemical reactions that occur in the brain. Navarra University confirms that this type of food encourages this disorder, as they excessively increase the production of certain molecules like cytokine, which can reduce serotonin production, responsible for generating a state of well-being. 4. Refined cereals. The consumption of these foods, as well as refined flours, increases the chances of suffering from depression, according to a study conducted by University of London. 5. High-fat dairy products. The Universities of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, related the consumption of trans and saturated fats with the development of depression, which are found in dairy products. 6. Soft drinks. A study from the National Institute of Health claims that consuming more than a liter of these beverages a day causes depression, and if they are diet and flavored, the chances increase. 7. Alcohol. Its abuse over a prolonged period triggers depression, as it interferes with receptors in the nervous system, although the mechanisms associated with this reaction are still not determined, confirms a study published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry. The University of London suggests that since there are foods that produce depression, the ideal is to consume fruits, vegetables, and fish to counteract the symptoms. To live better, it is necessary to follow a healthy diet, avoid foods high in fats and refined sugars, exercise, and engage in activities that bring you happiness. See original note. Recommended notes 1 in 4 people have depression 4 foods to prevent depression 5 differences in depression between men and women