Is the claim accurate that people eat more fast food due to depression and anxiety? Do they crave sweets more in this state and exercise less? Since these questions concern everyone, it is even more delightful to read about stimulating results as an interesting study on the topic has recently been published. The survey was published by Swedish researchers in which encourages closer follow-up of individuals with metabolic disorders, as they could greatly facilitate the prevention and diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. Even though their results are promising, further research is encouraged to explore more precise results to see if intervention in cardio metabolic disease can counteract these associations.
Their recent study has brought new certainty that metabolic health affects the brain and can adversely affect mental health. Can depression and anxiety indeed affect blood sugar levels and lipids? The survey analyzed a larger group of adults as of which 200,000 person with high glucose and triglyceride levels and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were monitored. According to the first results, all of these parameters can lead to a greater risk of depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders in their future. During a mean follow-up of 21 years, 8% of the sample were diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders. As of 200 000 participants were 58% men and 32% women and their average age was 42 years. The researchers examined whether the blood biomarkers of carbohydrate, lipid, and apolipoprotein metabolism are associated with the risk for depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Compared with low or normal levels, high levels of glucose and triglycerides were associated with a higher risk for depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders, whereas high levels of HDL were associated with reduced risk. The results were consistent when examining depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders separately and were comparable for men and women.
In the two decades preceding diagnosis, the patients diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders had consistently higher levels of glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Only those participants were included who were not affected from any psychiatric diagnosis at the starting period of the research program. People who developed a new mental health condition during the first 5 years of follow-up period were also excluded, as early signs of depression were disregarded in order to get closer to more accurate results. The levels of glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in the brain, which are associated with mental health conditions and metabolic health conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
One of the most important questions is whether we can prevent common mental disorders by improving people’s metabolic health. While we await the results of further research to prove this, healthier eating, good sleep, and a sufficient amount of physical exercise may be key to achieving lasting well-being.
There can be no doubt about this anymore.
