Mental Health
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November 29, 2021EPA’s Impact on Mood
This meta-analysis of 26 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials concluded that a daily dosage of ≤1 gram of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) provided in omega-3 formulations consisting of at least 60% EPA showed significant benefit in 2160 with depression or depressive symptoms, compared to placebo. The authors discussed several mechanisms for the efficacy of EPA in addressing mood.
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September 27, 2021Social Dynamics Guide Gene Expression and Immune Balance
Humans are remarkably attentive to environmental inputs—objectively as well as subjectively—and there is increasing interest in the long-term health impacts of changing social conditions. This review describes how our genetic programming allows us to adapt to social experiences and explores why negative social inputs have especially persistent effects on human physiology.
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June 28, 2021Targeted Dietary Change Nourishes Mental Health
Connections between mood and diet have long been proposed. However, there are only a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that specifically look at the link between diet and depression. One recent RCT in depressed adults was published in 2019 in Nutritional Neuroscience, and helps to shed light on this important topic. In this study, strategic dietary improvements, including adoption of a Mediterranean eating pattern and long-term supplementation with omega-3 fats, were linked to better scores in validated assessments for depression, mood, and quality of life.
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May 10, 2021Cortisol Traces Mental Health Impacts on Immunity
This review and meta-analysis examined recent studies for associations between the diurnal cortisol slope (DCS) and mental and physical health outcomes.
