Food and exercise are linked to your mood

Is there a link between food and mood?
In 2006, 31 million prescriptions were written for anti-depressants. The burden of mental illness on our health system is on the brink of being overwhelming, therefore it is not surprising that researchers are looking at simple dietary nutrient modifications to prevent and treat it.
Omega-3 oil consumption (from fish) has become a particular point of interest in the treatment of mental illness. Observations from epidemiological studies show that there is a strong negative correlation between depression and fish consumption (lower incidence with higher fish consumption).
It is also known that people who suffer from depression have lower amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood and other body tissues.
Japanese researchers have also found a link between diet and stress levels.


University students supplemented with fish oil reported no change in stress-induced hostility from the start to the end of the exam period compared with the control group who reported a 58 per cent increase in hostility.

Is there a link between exercise and mood?
There is no research looking at the effects of exercise on mood in children. However, evidence from adult studies shows a significant beneficial effect on exercise on mental health.
An Australian study showed that high intensity progressive resistance training reduced the depression rating by half in more than 60 per cent of participants. The results indicated that the effect of exercise may be dose dependant as the higher the relative intensity of the training, the greater the reduction in depression. This type of exercise may not be recommended for children, but the research demonstrates the benefits of exercise.


// Dr Andrew Sinclair, B Agric Sci, PhD, Nutrition Consultant. Ms Daniella Tassoni, B Sci, Science Consultant. //

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