Researchers in a recently conducted study have found that consuming too much of refined carbohydrates can increase the risk of depression. Researchers found that women going through postmenopausal period could be at higher risk of improving depression.

The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that intake of refined carbohydrates decreases blood sugar levels, and causes alteration of hormones which are linked to symptoms of depression.

The study by the Columbia University Medical Center was led by James Gangwisch. Researchers during the study studied the medical data of more than 70,000 postmenopausal women.

Researchers noted that study participants who had higher GI scores had 22%higher chances of having depression. Researchers also studied the types of carbs consumed by the woman and whether any of them had been diagnosed with depression.

The results showed that refined carbs not only leads to depression but it also causes fatigue, mood swings and many other symptoms.

Researchers added that the study participants who consumed higher amounts of dietary fiber, vegetables, whole grain carbs, and non juice fruits had a lower risk of developing depression.

The study findings confirm that following a healthy diet could serve as a natural treatment and preventive measures for depression.

According to the study researchers, their study is preliminary, but the research team confirmed that further studies would be needed to verify the findings. A larger population samples including men as well should be considered in further studies, said researchers.