Refined Carbs Linked to High Depression Risk in Some Women

Consuming refined carbohydrates has been linked to an increased risk of depression in postmenopausal women, according to researchers from the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC).

The Columbia researchers discovered that particiapants in the study who had progressively higher Glycemic index scores had an increased risk of developing depression by around 22 percent.

Whereas particapants who consumed high amounts of dietary added sugars increased their chances of depression by about 23 percent, explains Yahoo News. 

Dr. James Gangwisch and his colleagues from Columbia, analyzed the medical data from research found in the National Intittutes of Health, referred to as the Women's Helath Initiative Obeservational Study, reports Science Blog.  

The observational study, which lasted from 1994 to 1998, involved about 70,000 women. The researchers particularly reviewed the participants' three-year follow-up interviews, which contained information, like their dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, and the types of carbohydrates they consumed.

In addition, the Columbia researchers analyzed the depression data in the observational study, reports the official website of CUMC.

According to CUMC's site, carbohydrates can increase the level of sugar found in the blood. The Glycemic Index Scale, which ranges from 0 to 100, measures the level of sugar found in the blood.

UPI notes that carbohydrates usually raise the amount of sugar in the blood, resulting in a higher GI score. However, it was discovered that refined carbohyrates, like white rice or soda, can actually decrease blood sugar levels in the body by triggering a hormonal response.

The release of certain hormones, due to refined carbohydrate consumption, can cause symptoms of depression, like exacerbated mood changes and fatigue, states, Science Blog

Besides discovering how refined carbs could possibly trigger depression, the researchers also found some proof that consuming dietary fiber, whole grains and vegetables can decrease chances of developing depression.

According to the authors of the CUMC study, which was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the results of their research suggests that certain dietary alterations can help prevent depression.

"Randomized trials should be undertaken to examine the question of whether diets rich in low-GI foods could serve as treatments and primary preventive measures for depression in posmenopausal women," wrote the authors of the study.

Gangwisch and his colleagues add that further study needs to be conducted involving a broader population, in order to examine if dietary changes can effectively decrease the risk of depression.