A British study found that a poor diet, especially of fatty, fried foods, may contribute to irritability and even depression because it deprives the brain of needed nutrients.
"It doesn't cause depression, but it may contribute to the severity of depression," said Dietitian Jessilyn O'Bannon. She maintains that the key is more vegetables and natural foods, and less sugar and processed foods.
"A diet that's not complete with all nutrients does contribute, such as a diet low in Vitamin D can contribute to bouts of depression," she said.
Scientists point out that a lack of nuts and whole grains in your diet could affect serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that controls mood.
Despite all the research, however, it's not clear if depressed people are more likely to eat poorly, or if eating poorly leads to depression.
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