Scientists have found a link between depression and carb cravings.

Depression affects about 280 million people worldwide, and one of its consequences is changes in eating habits. Although patients with this disorder tend to have a reduced appetite, they often experience strong cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods such as sweets. This is stated in a study by Science Daily, which was reviewed on August 8 by Izvestia.

According to Professor Niels Kromer, depression manifests itself in different ways: some patients suffer from social isolation, while others continue to live a normal life with limitations. This also applies to appetite: some have a loss of it, while others, on the contrary, have an increased appetite, especially for sweets. The professor noted that carbohydrates, especially those containing sugar, activate brain reward mechanisms, which may explain cravings for them.

The study found that depression is closely related to changes in eating habits and especially to cravings for carbohydrate products. The first author of the study, Lilla Thurn, noted that patients with depression not only like sugary foods, but also prefer combinations of carbohydrates with fats and proteins, such as milk chocolate. This fact opens up new horizons for understanding how depression affects food behavior.

"We have shown that carb cravings are not always associated with increased appetite. In fact, it depends more on the severity of the depression, especially on the anxiety symptoms," said Thurn.

Scientists suggest that optimizing the diet may have a therapeutic effect on patients with depression. In the future, experts are also considering the possibility of using probiotics and other products that affect the gut and microbiome to treat depression. Thurn said that studies have already been conducted confirming the antidepressant effect of some probiotic products.

In addition, changes in the microbiome of patients with depression may worsen their symptoms, making dietary changes an important focus for future research.

Nutritionist Galina Leonova told on July 21 how to avoid dependence on sweets. According to her, sugar triggers the release of dopamine, and sweets are often used as a way to cope with stress. In addition, the constant consumption of industrial sweet foods "clogs" the taste buds, increasing dependence.

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