| Hormones and diet major contributors to women’s depression, anxiety FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8th November, 2019. Multiple studies into mental health confirm that women are up to three times more likely to be affected by major depressive disorders than men, and twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Before reaching for a prescription, experts say the first step should be analysing the individual’s hormones and diet. The onset of mental health struggles is usually blamed on family history and life events, however experts say that imbalances in hormones and the gut can trigger debilitating symptoms including memory loss, mood swings, low motivation, brain fog and high stress levels. The gut and brain are very closely linked and this connection sees the two constantly sending messages to each other. According to Harvard Health, it’s important to pay attention to this as the gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to emotion. Therefore, a person’s stomach discomfort or gut imbalances could be caused by, or a product of, anxiety, stress or depression. In addition, a study supported by the University of Otago investigated the dietary habits of some 422 young adults from the United States and New Zealand, and found those who consumed more fresh fruit and vegetables had higher levels of mental health and wellbeing. Simply slowing down and taking a moment to rest, relax and reflect is also important for mental health, particularly in today’s world with life constantly moving at a hectic pace. Editor in Chief for Happy Hormones magazine, Nicki Williams, said listening to your body and investigating signs and symptoms could be the key to alleviating some mental health issues. “Take time to review your lifestyle and reflect on how you treat your body. It’s a worthwhile exercise that will help you to identify what you’re feeling. From there, start your investigation. Have your hormones tested, find out if you have any vitamin deficiencies, analyse your diet and look into supplements if necessary,” she said. “Be kind to yourself. Sprinkle Epsom salts into a relaxing bath and enjoy the benefits of magnesium, indulge in meditation, spend some time soaking up the sun for a vitamin D boost, or simply slow down and take a walk outdoors. Giving yourself permission to care and love yourself is part of the process,” Ms. Williams said. For more information on how your hormones might be affecting your feelings of wellbeing, pick up a copy of Happy Hormones magazine, available from http://happyhormonesmagazine.com/ For further interviews, images or information, please contact: Nicki Williams Editor-In-Chief http://happyhormonesmagazine.com/ media@readpublishing.group |
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