It can take antidepressants up to six weeks to kick in, but findings of one small study indicate improving diet can help to alleviate symptoms of depression in as little as three weeks.
The randomised controlled study, published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE on Wednesday, followed 76 Australian adults aged between 17 and 35 with moderate-to-severe depression symptoms and a diet high in processed foods and sugar.
A healthy diet can improve symptoms of depression in three weeks, researchers find.Credit:Getty
The participants were split into two groups; one remained on their regular diet while the second was given meal ideas, a shopping list and tips on how to deal with challenges such as the cost of some fresh foods, or time pressure, and instructed to eat a Mediterranean-style diet and to limit junk foods.
This meant aiming to increase intake of vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, protein (lean meat, poultry, eggs, tofu, legumes), unsweetened dairy, fish, nuts and seeds, olive oil and spices known for their neurological benefits (turmeric and cinnamon). The intervention lasted three weeks.
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Diet could improve depression symptoms in three weeks, study finds - The Age
