While there has been research showing that healthy eating, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean meat, can reduce the risk of depression there has been less attention on whether a healthy diet can reduce depressive symptoms.
In a small group of college students dealing with depression, participants were given instructions and resources to eat a better diet. During the three weeks of the observation those on the healthy diet showed a significant improvement in mood and their depression scores shifted into the normal range. While only 21% of the participants continued with healthy eating, those that did maintained the improvement in their moods.
This study adds to the growing evidence that modest changes in diet as an addition to regular therapy for depression can provide positive changes in mood.
