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Eat Better, Feel Better

By HERWriter
 
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The American Journal of Psychiatry has published a study that found that what we eat affects how we feel. The more than one thousand women studied answered a number of questionnaires and were followed for one year.

"Diets were divided into 3 types: 'western', which was characterized by processed meats, pizza, chips, beer and hamburgers; 'traditional', which included vegetables, beef, lamb and fish; and 'modern', which incorporated fruit, nuts, fish, tofu, beans, red wine and yogurt."

Women following a traditional diet featuring meats and vegetables showed lower incidence of depression. Results for the women on the western diet reflected that eating predominantly processed foods led to greater levels of depression. The healthier the diet, the less depression was a problem.

The study results suggest that the food people eat has a significant effect not only on physical health but also on mental health. It was concluded that more attention should be paid by health professionals to the foods people eat.

http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/posts/diet-and-nutrition-may-influence-risk-for-depression

Add a Comment2 Comments

The challenge is remembering this and walking the talk when foods that taste good but don't make us feel good, are put before us tempting and tantalizing

April 28, 2011 - 11:00am
(reply to ecomom)

Agreed!

- What helps you "walk the talk" when tempting foods are in front of you?
- What food type/category do you fall in (western, traditional or modern) using the article's terms?

April 28, 2011 - 12:22pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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