Fast Food Intake Associated with Risk for Depression

Thursday, April 05, 2012
By: Byron J. Richards,
Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist
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Whatever fats you eat are likely to wind up as structural components of your brain cells.  A new study followed 8,964 people who had never experienced depression, for six years to see the impact of fast food on developing depression.  Those who ate the most junk food had a 51percent higher risk for developing depression for the first time.  The moral of the story is that a brain made of potato chips is not likely to function very well.

The study is important because 10 percent of people in the U.S. are now taking brain drugs for their mood issues.  It appears that a fast food diet is a major cause of this problem.  Such food lacks omega-3 oils like DHA Docosahexaenoic acid Essential omega 3 fatty acid integral to the health of all cell membranes, nerve and brain function. Must be gotten through the diet via cold water oceanic fish or some very limited plant sources or taken as a supplement. and further aggravates the deficiency by boosting up the amount of junky fat.  Such diets also lack B vitamins, magnesium, and plant and fruit polyphenols antioxidant shown to affect cell-to-cell signaling, receptor sensitivity, inflammatory enzyme activity or gene regulation. Found in many different fruits, vegetables, red wine, grains, honey, and legumes. that are needed for normal brain function.

Good nutrition is fundamental for a healthy brain.  This long-term study proves the point.  Showing up at your favorite fast food restaurant is a testament to the validity of Pavlov’s dog experiments.  Fast food companies use a wide variety of chemical stimulants to create brain addiction and brand loyalty.  It appears that what they are really creating is a population of depressed people.

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