The psychotherapist explained the effect of orange juice on the treatment of depression

Orange juice cannot be considered as a full-fledged treatment for depression, despite the results of research on its benefits. Svetlana Pulya, a psychotherapist and neuropsychologist at the SM Clinic, told Izvestia about this on April 2.

According to her, a study on the positive effects of juice on depression does exist and has been carried out according to all standards.: It showed a decrease in the severity of depression in patients who consumed natural orange juice, as well as an increase in the level of BDNF protein associated with the restoration of neurons.

"Orange juice does contain bioactive substances that can affect neuroplasticity, neuroinflammation, and mood. The study that everyone is talking about is not fake. <...> It is methodologically correct and fits into a large body of data on the relationship between nutrition and mental health," the doctor noted.

The expert stressed that such results look convincing, but they have limitations. In particular, we are talking about a small sample of participants, a short follow-up period and the possible participation of patients with mainly mild and moderate forms of depression.

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Bullet added that depression is a complex disorder with biological, psychological and social causes. Therefore, claims that a single product can "cure" a disease can be dangerous and misleading.

At the same time, as the expert explained, orange juice does contain substances that can affect brain function. We are talking about flavonoids, vitamin C and folates, which are involved in neuroplasticity, neurotransmitter synthesis and reduction of inflammatory processes.

She also noted that the state of the psyche is influenced not by one product, but by the lifestyle as a whole. In particular, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and the state of the intestinal microbiome play an important role.

"Orange juice is a good drink. But the best cure for depression still consists of three components: a competent specialist, proven therapy, and your decision to seek help," the doctor concluded.

Yogi practitioner, spiritual teacher Ji Paramguru, in an interview with Izvestia on March 28, ruled out treating anxiety and depression through meditation and yoga. According to him, initially these practices were not created as therapeutic. The specialist emphasized that yoga and meditation are tools for expanding perception, and with chronic anxiety, such practices can increase internal tension.

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