Today’s topic? 3 ways to lower your depression risk (two will surprise you).
Depression is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It can be debilitating, and its symptoms can make it difficult to function in daily life.
There are many different treatments for depression, but there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
In recent years, researchers have identified several factors that may help to lower the risk of depression.
These factors include eating oranges, weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, and physical activity.
1. Eating Oranges May Decrease Dementia Risk
One study found that eating oranges and other citrus fruits every day may help reduce depression risk.
Citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C.
This antioxidant vitamin has mood-boosting effects.
A study published in the journal Microbiome last year discovered this:
The study found that individuals eating an orange daily may lower their depression risk by as much as one-fifth.
2. Ozempic Linked To Lower Depression Risk
This next depression risk reducer surprised me.
A recent study published early this year in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed a potentially significant connection between diabetes medication and depression risk.
Researchers compared the effects of different diabetes drugs.
Here are the results:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 drugs), such as Ozempic, were associated with a one-tenth lower risk of depression compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) like Januvia.
How Do GLP-1 Drugs Reduce Depression Risk?
This link likely stems from the intricate relationship between mood and appetite.
GLP-1 drugs promote healthier eating by regulating appetite and sense of fullness.
Better eating habits, in turn, can lead to weight loss, better blood sugar levels, and fewer diabetes symptoms.
The moderate depression risk improvement may be secondary to these variables and patients becoming healthier.
3. Physical Activity Can Drop Depression Risk
Let’s not forget the power of physical activity.
New research to be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting suggests that regular exercise may offer substantial protection against a range of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Their findings suggest this:
Regular exercise may offer significant protection against a range of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Study Results
After analyzing data from over 73,000 subjects, researchers discovered this:
Those engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were much less likely to develop anxiety, depression, dementia, stroke, and sleep disorders.
The researchers observed a 14 to 40 percent reduced risk across these conditions in the more active group compared to their less active counterparts.
Please note: This new physical activity research has not yet undergone peer review, and we should interpret the results cautiously.
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