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In a recent study published in the Public Health Nutrition Journal, researchers found a link between increased consumption of fast food and sweet bakery goods and depression.  The study included over 8900 subjects never diagnosed with depression.  Researchers found a significant link between eating bakery products like cakes, doughnuts and croissants as well as fast foods such as hotdogs, hamburgers and pizza and a 52% greater risk of developing depression. The more of these foods were consumed, the greater the risk of depression.  Even a small consumption was linked to a small risk of depression.

It was also noted that those who ate the most fast food and baked goods were more likely to be single, less active, eat less fruit, vegetables, nuts, fish and olive oil.  The results of this study support other similar research that found a 42% increase in the risk of depression with increased fast food consumption.

Another unrelated study found that the more time people spend on the couch the more junk food they consume.  If there could be one change to your habits that may have a domino effect on other habits, perhaps it would be less time in front of the TV.  The study found less couch time = less junk food consumption.

Other healthy habits that may help ward off depression:

1. Eat regularly and choose more fruit and vegetables as well as whole grains for a good source of carbohydrates and tryptophan.  Both are involved in the production of serotonin
2. Get your B vitamins (Folate, B12 and in particular B6). Vitamin B6 can be found in protein rich foods such as poultry, fish and eggs. Other great sources include unprocessed rice, soybeans, oats, wheat products, lentils, peanuts and walnuts.
3. Include omega 3 fats (take 2000 mg fish oils), eat fatty fish. Omega 3 intake may reduce the risk of depression.
4. Avoid caffeine and alcohol (stimulant affecting sleep and a depressant – both increasing depression)