According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSMV 5, Depressive disorders are of multiple types but they include a few common features which include the presence of sadness, emptiness or irritable mood accompanied by somatic and cognitive changes that significantly affect the individual’s capacity to function. There are many differences between the different depressive disorders as well which help us in differentiating them and correctly diagnosing someone with a particular depressive disorder.
Many different causes lead a person to be diagnosed with depressive disorders. Among the various causes that lead to depressive disorders one of them is our Diet. Although one may not be surprised to find out that one’s diet is closely linked with their mood and them being diagnosed with depression, we must read more about it and understand the correlation between the two. Diet has a significant impact on the biological processes and neurochemical actions in the body that may affect the development and progression of depression. Folate and n-3 PUFAs are the most commonly studied nutrients when one is researching the relationship between nutrients and depression.
A senior nutritionist explained about the relationship between our diet and how we feel and sheds light on how deficiency of certain nutrients can impact one’s functioning. She also talks about particular nutrients that are needed to metabolise food and makes it known that the kind of food you consume can impact the functioning of your body greatly. She however also mentions that there could be changes in the microbiome as well and one could be taking in the required nutrients and they may still not be functioning to their best potential as all individuals are different and so are their bodies. The way the body uses the nutrients depends upon the bacteria that one hosts in the stomach.
Even if not major issues like depressive disorders, normally also the diet we consume plays a huge role in our lives. Almost every time one visits the doctor, they will be prescribed some sort of nutrient or be asked to eat certain foods that contain certain nutrients that they may be lacking. According to a 2019 metanalysis, it was found that vitamin D may help improve symptoms of depression and though most people do get their proper share of vitamin D from the sun, there are also dietary sources which can provide Vitamin D. These foods include eggs, fortified dairy products and oily fish among others. Omega – 3 fatty acids, Antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E), zinc and protein among others should also be included in one’s diet as a preventive measure against depressive disorders. Although maintaining one’s diet is not the only way to control one’s depression, it does play a huge part in how depression manifests itself in the person.
There have been various studies which have been done to understand the relationship between the various depressive disorders and diet. Nutritional neuroscience is an emerging discipline emphasising how nutritional factors are intertwined with human cognition, behaviour and emotions. One should read more about it so that they can be more aware of the of the relationship between diet and depression and to integrate a proper diet in their lives.
