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A moderate-sodium DASH-type diet improves mood in postmenopausal women
A moderate-sodium DASH-type diet improves mood in postmenopausal women
This study compared the effects of two healthy diets on mood: a moderate-sodium Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style diet that included lean red meat (Vitality Diet [VD]) and a general healthy diet (HD) characterized by reduced fat intake and increased whole grain consumption. In this randomized, parallel intervention study, postmenopausal women followed either the VD or HD for 14 weeks. Mood was assessed biweekly using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), while dietary adherence was evaluated through 24-hour urine collections. Data were analyzed using one-way between-groups multivariate analysis of variance and correlation tests. A total of 46 participants completed the VD, and 49 completed the HD. Both groups showed significant mood improvements over time, including reductions in anger, confusion, depression, fatigue, and tension, along with increased vigor and overall POMS scores (P < 0.01 for time). However, a significant diet-by-time interaction was observed for anger (P < 0.05), with greater improvements in the VD group. Across both diets, lower sodium intake correlated with improved overall mood (r = 0.267, P < 0.05). Additionally, red meat consumption (a component of the VD) was linked to reduced depression (r = -0.21, P < 0.05), while higher fruit intake was associated with decreased confusion (r = -0.26, P < 0.05). Beyond its known benefits for blood pressure and bone health, a moderate-sodium DASH-style diet may also enhance mood in postmenopausal women.
Year: 2012
