Mental Health

Depression Beaten By Yogurt: Balanced Diets Make People Happier Than Weight Loss [VIDEO]

By Regina Finch | Update Date: Mar 25, 2017 09:44 AM EDT

Eating yogurt means consuming healthy bacteria and nutrients such as probiotics, calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamins B-6 and B-12. A study found that the food item is also good for fighting depression.

A healthy mind is related to a healthy gut, according to a new research published in Scientific Reports. As what was mentioned above, yogurt contains nutrients that stimulate healthy bacteria in the gut. Probiotics, for instance, prevents diarrhea, bloating, constipation and gas.

The gut's Lactobacillus levels (the probiotic bacteria carried by the food) dwindle in amount when a person goes through depressive symptoms. Lactobacillus functions as a helping hand to kynurenine, a metabolic in the blood that can affect the disorder.

When the body only has a meager amount of Lactobacillus, kynurenine thrives and isn't regulated properly. This results in higher risk of the debilitating condition.

Yogurt, when consumed on its own, contains high amounts of protein and nutrients. The danger, however, lies in how food manufacturers tweak them by adding artificial flavors and sweeteners to attract more people to buy them.

This type is what consumers usually see in supermarkets; the ones that are offered in various, fruity flavors such as strawberry, mango and grape. As you probably know by now, adding artificial sweeteners to food may lead to higher risk of diabetes and obesity. It's better to consume plain unsweetened products instead and just sweeten it yourself by adding small amounts of honey or pure maple syrup.

Another group of researchers found that losing weight doesn't automatically make overweight or obese people happy. That quest can be better reached by maintaining a balanced diet.

Studies found that constantly eating a healthy diet improves a person's mental health more than weight loss, Quartz reported. Being overweight or obese may increase an individual's chances of developing depression, but eating well can make them feel better.

Once again, the healthy gut bacteria mentioned above comes into play in this scenario. Eating fruits, vegetables and foods filled with fiber promote healthy gut bacteria, resulting to better moods.

Snacks (chocolates and chips) may energize a person, but they contain zero nutrients. Brain foods (high in both fat and nutrients), in contrast, are beneficial to the brain and body. The Mediterranean diet consists of brain foods such as olive oil, nuts, salmon, trout and whole grains. These foods stimulate the gut's healthy bacteria and help strengthen neurotransmitters and brain cells.

Around 6.7 percent (more than 15 million) adults in the United States have depression. The condition is more prevalent in women than in men.

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