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.
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