Diet soda, ultra-processed food may increase your depression risk

ISLAMABAD: New research finds that ultra-processed foods and artificial sweeteners like those used in diet drinks may increase your risk of depression.

Researchers at Harvard University have found that eating ultra-processed foods — which they say are “energy-dense, palatable, and ready-to-eat” — is linked to an increased risk for depression.

In particular, they found an association between depression and consuming artificial sweeteners and artificially sweetened drinks.

It isn’t clear why this link exists, but artificial sweeteners might trigger purinergic transmission in the brain.

Sitting is bad for your health: study

The study authors note that there is increasing evidence linking diet to depression. However, little work has been done examining the relationship between ultra-processed foods and mood disorders.

It was additionally found that those with the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods had an increased risk of developing depression when compared to those with the lowest consumption.

Artificially sweetened beverages and artificial sweeteners, in particular, were found to be associated with depression risk.

It was also determined that reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to a lowered risk of depression.

The study didn’t speak further on why artificial sweeteners might be to blame, the study authors state that there is data suggesting that these chemicals might trigger purinergic transmission in the brain, which has previously been linked to depression.

Catherine Gervacio, a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian and Certified Exercise Nutrition Coach, says there are some simple and practical steps you can take to make healthier choices and reduce the amount of processed foods that you are consuming.

“One of which is to always check out the ingredients list of products,” she said. “Before buying packaged foods, carefully read the ingredients list and choose those that have a smaller number of ingredients. Limit or avoid those that contain preservatives, additives, and artificial sweeteners.”

Gervacio also suggests making your own meals at home so you can control the ingredients that are going into them.

“It also minimizes the chances of using processed sugars and seasonings which are often used in convenience foods,” she explained.