20-Minute Trick SLASHES Depression Risk
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 22, 2023
Depression is becoming more and more common.
The condition effects millions every year and older folks aren’t immune from the surge.
In fact, more than two million of the 34 million Americans 65 and over suffer from some form of depression.
But new research reveals a 20-minute trick that can SLASH your risk. And even better, it couldn’t be easier to do.
Depression is a serious mood disorder that can change how you think, feel, and act.
Battling the blues is a major problem all by itself, of course. But depression can ALSO lead to serious long-term problems, like memory loss, heart disease, and chronic pain.
Even worse, the disorder increases your risk of early death and suicide.
Depression IS a common problem for seniors, however it’s NOT a normal part of aging.
But even if you HAVE battled the condition before, it can be avoided in the future. In fact, researchers recently confirmed you can SLASH your risk of developing symptoms by devoting just 20 minutes a day five days a week.
The secret is to fill those minutes with a moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking.
The study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found folks who do, have a significantly lower risk of depressive symptoms or suffering from major depression.
The researchers found that 20 minutes of exercise a day…
- dialed down the risk of depressive symptoms by 16 percent and
- slashed the odds of major depression by 43 percent.
And the MORE exercise you get, the BIGGER the effect.
If you like to tug on your shoes and go for a brisk walk or run, then more power to you. Set your watch for 20 minutes and head out the door.
But if you’re like many people who get tired even hearing the word “exercise,” and quit before you begin, I want to change that.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a big production. And to fight back against depression it doesn’t even need to resemble traditional exercise at all.
Exercise can be as simple as…
- cleaning your house
- weeding your garden
- dancing around the couch during commercial breaks
- doing laundry
In fact, any of your daily errands can count as exercise and reduce your depression risk. Just speed up the pace a bit and sustain the activity for at least 20 minutes.
P.S. Beware of this disturbing dinner-plate link to depression.
Source:
Eamon Laird, et al.,“Physical Activity Dose and Depression in a Cohort of Older Adults in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing,” 10 July 2023, JAMA Network Open, DOI: 10.1001 /jamanetworkopen. 2023.22489
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...