Calorie deficiency can worsen mental health – scientists

Scientists have found the risks of a low -calorie diet for the psyche

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There are many ways that people resort to to lose weight. One of the popular methods is the correction of the diet.

However, a potential problem of nutrition may be excessive restriction of calories and nutrients, which can increase the risk of depression symptoms.

This is stated in a study that Posted In BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, writes Medical News Today.

National Health Institutions of the United States Recommended Reduce the caloric content of the diet from 500 to 100 calories to lose it to about 0.5 kilograms weekly.

However, people sometimes resort to extremes and begin to significantly limit the amount of calories in nutrition. Extreme restrictions for weight loss can adversely affect health.

In a new study, scientists have analyzed the relationship between low -calorie diets and the risk of depression symptoms.

For this purpose, scientists have analyzed the data of more than 28,000 adults who participated in a national health and nutrition survey, as well as an analysis that assesses the symptoms of depression.

The authors of the work divided the participants into four groups of food:

• Diet with limited calorie intake – 8% of people;
• diet with limited nutrient consumption – 3%;
• medical diet – 2%;
• The lack of any diet is 87%.

Researchers have found that depression was more likely to have those who adhered to a rigid diet, including among men and those who were overweight body mass index (BMI).

Scientists believe that more risks for men are associated with the fact that they have higher calories.

The negative impact on mental health was also influenced by the quality of nutrition. Scientists have found out that people who ate more ultra -treated productsrefined carbohydrates, saturated fat, treated meat and sweets, more often reported a higher level of depression than those who adhered Mediterranean diet.

« For many years, there has been suspicions that a significant restriction of calories can adversely affect mental health and cause depressive symptoms. This study certainly provides additional confirmation of this theory »– said the dietitian and Nutri -Striralian Amy Rotler, who did not participate in work.

Nutrition Psychology Researcher Timothy Fry explained that in some places people who limit the caloric content of the diet exclude products that affect mood regulation from the diet.

« Reduction of caloric content or number of whole groups of products leads to a deficiency of B vitamins (especially B12, B6 and folic acid), as well as iron, omega-3 and complex carbohydrates that are necessary for neurochemical processes that regulate mood and emotions « , – said the scientist.

Amy Rotler emphasizes that more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins can improve their well -being and health.

We used to tell about Three simple stepsthat proven to help accelerate the process of weight loss.