Healthy lifestyle ‘key for preventing depression – regardless of genetic risk’

This recent article, from The Independent, written by Nilima Marshall, delves into research and reasons why a healthy lifestyle can be key for preventing depression.

Data shows that a good night’s sleep – between seven and nine hours a night – reduces the risk of depression by 22%.

A healthy lifestyle is crucial for helping prevent depression – regardless of a person’s genetic risk, research suggests.

Scientists have found that the following can impact the immune system and metabolism, which in turn increases the risk of depression:

  • poor diet

  • low-quality sleep

  • lack of physical activity

Data showed that a good night’s sleep – between seven and nine hours a night – reduced the risk of depression by 22% while regular social connection cut the risk by 18%.

Professor Barbara Sahakian, from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, said: “Although our DNA – the genetic hand we’ve been dealt – can increase our risk of depression, we’ve shown that a healthy lifestyle is potentially more important.

“Some of these lifestyle factors are things we have a degree of control over, so trying to find ways to improve them – making sure we have a good night’s sleep and getting out to see friends, for example – could make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The researchers were able to identify seven healthy lifestyle factors associated with a lower risk of depression:

  • moderate alcohol consumption

  • healthy diet

  • regular physical activity

  • healthy sleep

  • never smoking

  • low-to-moderate sedentary behaviour

  • frequent social connection

Blood tests showed problems with the immune system or metabolism increase the risk of depression.

Markers of poor lifestyle included high levels of fat in the blood (triglycerides) and a molecule known as C-reactive protein which is produced by the body in response to stress.

Dr Christelle Langley, also from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, said: “We’re used to thinking of a healthy lifestyle as being important to our physical health, but it’s just as important for our mental health.

“It’s good for our brain health and cognition, but also indirectly by promoting a healthier immune system and better metabolism.”

Summit Digitalhealth, fitness