Depression is a sad, blue, unhappy feeling that many of us experience at some point in life for short periods of time; however, prolonged periods of depression that affect everyday activities may lead to true clinical depression characterized by restlessness, fatigue, excessive weight gain or loss, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Treatment generally involves medications and psychotherapy. A healthy diet and reduced intake of certain sugars such as fructose may also help manage depression.
About Fructose
Fructose is a type of monosaccharide, or simple sugar, which occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables, their juices and honey. Crystalline fructose obtained by processing corn has been used as a nutritive sweetener in a variety of foods and is 1.2 times sweeter than the regular table sugar, according to the American Dietetic Association. It is, however, important to note that crystalline fructose is different from high-fructose corn syrup, or corn sugar, which contains equal amounts of glucose and fructose. This is commonly found in sodas and fruit-flavored drinks. Excessive intake of the syrup and fruit juices in children, chemotherapy, family history and certain inheritance disorders may increase the risk of fructose malabsorption or fructose intolerance disorder defined by bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Untreated fructose-intolerance or malabsorption is also associated with depression.
Link Between Fructose and Depression
Apart from treating the gastrointestinal symptoms, lowering the amount of fructose in the diet can also help improve mood and early signs of depression in individuals with fructose malabsorption, says a study published in the October 2000 issue of the "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology." The authors of the study found that following a low-fructose diet for 4 weeks led to significant improvement in the symptoms of depression. Another study published in the April 2001 issue of the same journal also reveals that fructose malabsorption leads to increased levels of the sugar in the colon. This interferes with the metabolism of the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor of the neurotransmitter seratonin, and although the mechanism is not completely clear, altered levels of seratonin may be responsible for the mood changes. A review article published in the February 2007 issue of the journal "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics" also states that fructose intolerance may lead to depression in young women, and restricting the intake foods rich in the sugar may help prevent depression.
Low-Fructose Diet
If fructose malabsorption or intolerance is the cause for your depression, you may have to limit the amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoid honey, sports drinks, flavored water, sodas and processed foods. All meats, fats, dairy products, eggs and beans can be consumed as they have little fructose in them. You may have to follow the diet for 4 weeks or more, depending on your symptoms. Consult a dietitian to establish a time frame that works for you.
Precautions
Avoiding fruits, vegetables and honey may lead to the deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals in the body. Also remember that fructose is a valuable source of energy and is sweeter than other sugars and, hence, may provide the same taste with fewer calories. So, always talk to a doctor before going on a low-fructose diet to determine if it is right for you. Also, inform the doctor about any other pre-existing conditions or medications you might be taking before making an informed decision. Ask your doctor if you should take a multivitamin supplement to compensate the deficiencies.
References
- Nutrition Fact Sheet: Facts About Fructose
- "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology"; Fructose- and Sorbitol-Reduced Diet Improves Mood and Gastrointestinal Disturbances in Fructose Malabsorbers; M. Ledochowski, et al.; October 2000
- "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology"; Fructose Malabsorption is Associated with Decreased Plasma Tryptophan; M. Ledochowski, et al.; April 2001
- PubMed Health: Depression
- "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Fructose Malabsorption and the Bigger Picture; P. R. Gibson, et al.; February 2007
