The doctor spoke about the connection between sugary soda and depression in women

German researchers have found a link between regular consumption of sugary sodas and an increased risk of depression in women. At the same time, no such dependence was found in men. Anton Polyakov, a doctor of functional medicine and chairman of the Committee of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Development of functional, preventive Medicine and Nutritionology, stressed on September 29 that the original scientific work was not about the direct "effect of soda on the psyche," but about more complex mechanisms.

"A change in the emotional state is observed against the background of changes in the intestinal microbiome. That is, the number of bacteria of the genus Egertella increases, which are associated in the scientific community with anxiety and depressive states," the doctor explained.

According to Polyakov, the scientific article does not give an exact answer as to why the effect is noticeable only in women. However, a possible explanation may be related to the hormonal profile.

According to the specialist, men's hormonal levels are stable, plus or minus, while for women it varies depending on the day of the cycle. In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels increase, which reduces immunity, increases systemic inflammation, and can affect the production and sensitivity of mood-regulating neurotransmitter receptors.

Reduced cost: the authorities proposed to fix the prices of basic products to combat inflation

What are the risks involved and what will happen to the value of the goods next?

In addition, high levels of progesterone can increase insulin resistance, causing cravings for sweets. Soda consumption, in turn, changes the structure of the intestinal microflora, which can increase the inflammatory background and have an additional effect on the psycho-emotional state.

"I would consider thirst or the need for these sugary carbonated drinks not as a cause, but rather as a consequence of hormonal imbalance, immune balance, that is, the presence of chronic infections, the presence of chronic inflammation, or, in general, a general imbalance in sex hormones. And the craving for sweets, the craving for sugary carbonated drinks is more likely a consequence here," Polyakov concluded.

Earlier, on September 13, in the journal Nature, the doctor talked about solving the problem of dental hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity occurs when the dentine tubules, small, fluid—filled channels that connect the outer surface of the tooth to the internal nerves, become exposed to the external environment.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.