The Drug-Free Solution for Depressed Seniors
By
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
Posted June 21, 2019
Depression is often a taboo topic, especially among seniors.
But even though no one is talking about it, clinical depression is sadly very common in older individuals… with estimates putting the number at around 6 million people over 65.
But you don’t have to suffer through the sadness.
There is one surprisingly simple way to keep late-life depression at bay.
It doesn’t involve a single drug… and it tastes delicious, too!
Many studies have demonstrated the benefits of following the Mediterranean diet.
While I think that the diet can be beneficial, I generally don’t promote the overall diet because there are parts of it I don’t agree with.
For example, the diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain, nuts, and legumes. So far so good.
But it also advocates avoiding red meat and limiting consumption of poultry and fish. That’s where I differ.
I say eat all the red meat you want (as long as it’s organic and grassfed), and the more fish you eat (especially cold–water fish like salmon), the better.
But with this in mind, a recent study presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual meeting found that overall, the Mediterranean diet could help prevent depression in older individuals.
This was an especially important study because 1). Depression is a major problem in older individuals, but 2). Most studies investigating the impact of the Mediterranean diet have focused on middle-aged people.
This is one of the first studies to look at the diet’s impact on older people – and the results were very encouraging.
Specifically, for every additional unit of fruits and vegetables consumed, the probability of developing depression dropped by 20%.
This adds evidence to a 2017 study showing that following a Mediterranean diet improved symptoms and quality of life in people with severe depression.
It’s also another feather in the cap of the diet when it comes to promoting overall brain health, as other studies have shown its ability to help prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
Top 4 Nutrients to Supercharge Your Brain Health
Lifestyle choices go a long way toward reducing dementia risk. Regular exercise, prioritizing sleep, supporting your natural circadian rhythm, and eating a healthy whole foods diet are vital. But sometimes, you want a little extra “brain” insurance. You can get that in the form of supplements with a proven track record of reducing the risk […]
Surprising Veggie Hack for Better Heart Health
High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for heart disease—and heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S.A. This is a big problem for the nearly 120 MILLION Americans with hypertension and a catastrophe for the three-quarters of those people who don’t have their blood pressure under control. But if your […]
Study Spotlights a NEW Alzheimer’s Risk Factor
The best way to beat Alzheimer’s is to stay ahead of it. Certain risk factors are out of your control… like your age or family history. But there are MANY other risk factors that you can influence. These include lifestyle choices such as diet, weight, and activity level. More recently, researchers have added a NEW […]
Is STRESS Destroying Your Gut?
We all know stress is a killer. It can cause heart disease, wreck your sleep, and even make you gain weight. But what if I told you that stress is also DESTROYING your gut? And I’m not just talking about a few butterflies in your stomach. I’m talking about a full-scale assault on the very […]
The SHOCKING Link Between Diabetes and Your Mind
We’ve all been there. Feeling down, anxious, or just “off.” And what do we often tell ourselves? “It’s just a bad day. I’ll get over it.” “I just need to toughen up.” “It’s all in my head.” But brushing off your mental health could be putting your physical health at serious risk. Especially if you’re […]
Timing Trick Supercharges Your Cancer Treatment
Cancer is notoriously difficult to treat. And sometimes, what works for one person doesn’t work for another. MANY factors are at play here, but one in particular has flown under the radar… that is, until now. It’s not about WHAT drug is being administered… but WHEN. Modern medicine is finally starting to wake up to […]
Load Up on This Dementia Buster
When it comes to protecting your brain and reducing your risk of cognitive decline, every little bit helps. But this doesn’t necessarily mean overhauling your lifestyle. It can include simple steps like getting more sleep, spending more time with friends, or regular massages to reduce stress levels. (Sounds pretty good, right?) Today, I have another […]
CAUTION: Are You Living In a “Cancer Zone”
You have a lot more control over cancer than you realize. Lifestyle factors like avoiding ultra-processed foods, getting plenty of movement, and not smoking can reduce your cancer risk. But even if you’re doing “everything right,” you could be exposing yourself to something that can increase your cancer risk as much as smoking. When it […]
Fiber Fix Reduces Risk for THIS Terrifying Condition
Everyone knows that fiber is great for digestion. But fiber can do MUCH more than reduce your risk of constipation or hemorrhoids. Over the years, we’ve discovered fiber has other added benefits like lowering blood sugar, reducing heart disease risk, weight management, and more. Today, I have another one to add to the list—and it’s […]
“Breath of Fresh Air” Cancer Pain Relief
When it comes to pain, cancer patients can be hit with a double whammy. Cancer itself often causes pain—and so can the treatments. In fact, PAIN is one of the most common symptoms reported by cancer patients, with 30 to 40 percent experiencing ongoing pain. The last thing they need is to load even MORE […]
