Depressed? The National Institute of Health suggests we put down that can of soda – diet or regular. Soda and depression…really?

A study by the NIH, reported at the annual American Academy of Neurology in March, reported that people who drink four cans or more of soda daily are about 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed with depression later in life than people who don’t drink soda! Fruit punch had an even greater effect, with participants who drank four cans, or cups, a day 38 percent more likely to develop depression, according to the study.

The study also showed a greater occurrence of depression with drinking diet sodas rather than sugared drinks although drinking many sugar sodas can contribute to obesity.  Obesity and depression are linked:  people who are obese have a 25% greater risk of mood disorders such as depression.

A study by the NIH, reported at the annual American Academy of Neurology in March, reported that people who drink four cans or more of soda daily are about 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed with depression later in life than people who don’t drink soda! Fruit punch had an even greater effect, with participants who drank four cans, or cups, a day 38 percent more likely to develop depression, according to the study.

The study also showed a greater occurrence of depression with drinking diet sodas rather than sugared drinks although drinking many sugar sodas can contribute to obesity.  Obesity and depression are linked:  people who are obese have a 25% greater risk of mood disorders such as depression.