Foods That Can Trigger Depression Symptoms

Vegetable Oils

The standard diet of most Americans contains copious amounts of sugars, preservatives, and unhealthy fats, usually in the form of commercial vegetable oils. Numerous processed foods, such as salad dressings and store-bought cookies, contain these oils, ranging from sunflower, corn, soybean, canola, and safflower oil. These vegetable oils are considered processed due to the high-heat and high-pressure process they go through, as well as the chemical solvents that are required to produce them. Plus, many of these oils are made from genetically modified organisms as well. Essentially, our bodies do not recognize vegetable oils, especially when they are heated and distorted, causing an unfathomable amount of inflammation within the body, which can lead to depression.

Fast Food

There have been a few studies showing eating fast food is linked to an increased risk of developing depression. One published study indicates individuals who eat large amounts of fast food had a fifty-one percent greater likelihood of experiencing depression than those who ate none or very little. The researchers also reported a correlation with different doses. Individuals who ate more fast food had higher risks of depression than those who ate slightly less. There isn't enough concrete knowledge about how diet affects depression, but some studies indicate certain nutrients may help prevent it, including omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil, and B vitamins. If an individual is not sure if they're getting enough nutrients, they should talk to a doctor about what their ideal diet is.