Sadness and depression could be down to a bad diet

Feeling sad?  It may not be anything to do with something that’s happened—it could just be down to a poor diet.

A diet of processed food can affect the brain, and this can bring on feelings of sadness, anxiety and depression.

Researchers at the University of Reading have studied the effects of a diet of sugary food on the brains of 30 volunteers.  Scans revealed that gray matter volume and neurotransmitters had decreased in the frontal area of the brain, which controls mood.

Their brains were compared to others who were eating a healthy Mediterranean diet, and whose brains weren’t showing the same damage.

Although changes are seen in the brain, the process probably begins in the gut, the researchers say, and people who are obese could be especially sensitive to a poor diet and suffer mental health problems as a result.

What do you think? Start a conversation over on the... WDDTY Community