Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted July 13, 2025

Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body.

The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline.

Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes.

But this new research reveals that depression’s impact goes way beyond what we previously understood…

A study published in PLOS Medicine uncovered a disturbing link between depression and accelerated aging. It turns out depression does far more than darken your mood—it ages your entire body at an alarming rate.

Researchers tracked over 170,000 adults and found those with depression developed conditions—including osteoarthritis, hypertension, and acid reflux—about 30 percent faster than those who were depression free.

In other words, depression isn’t just making you feel sad—it’s accelerating aging and shaving years off your life.

The findings challenge the traditional view of depression as strictly a mental health issue. Instead, the research shows that it should be considered a whole-body condition with far-reaching physical consequences.

If you suffer from depression, these five drug-free hacks can reduce your risk of a relapse:

1. Get moving: Commit to 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least three times a week to reduce depression symptoms.
2. Hit the hay: Maintain regular sleep and wake times to support healthy circadian rhythms.
3. Stay connected: Spend time with supportive friends and family, even when it feels difficult.
4. Embrace nature: Spend more time outdoors, as studies show this can improve your mood.
5. Let the light in: When you don’t get enough mood-lifting sun exposure (such as during the fall and winter), using a light therapy box to mimic natural sunlight can help.

But don’t stop there—tweaking your diet can also help you manage your depression.

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats is associated with a reduction in depression symptoms. On the other hand, a diet high in processed foods, refined grains, and sugary drinks can increase your risk of relapse.

Then consider supplementing your diet with even more proven depression fighters:

• Omega-3s: These fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, reduce depression risk and ease symptoms.
• Vitamin D: If you don’t get enough sun exposure, a supplement can increase low vitamin D levels, which are linked to worsening depression and anxiety symptoms.
• B vitamins: Low B levels raise the risk of depression. Eat more leafy greens and meats or take a B-complex supplement.
• Magnesium: Studies show that increasing magnesium, found in dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, and leafy greens, can reduce symptoms of depression.
• Zinc: Lower levels of this vital mineral are linked to depression and anxiety, but increasing your daily intake by eating more oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and lentils can improve symptoms.
• Probiotics: Support gut health, which is increasingly linked to mental health, by incorporating more probiotic foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha into your diet.
• Rhodiola rosea: This adaptogenic herb has long been used to ease stress-induced depression and fatigue
• Ashwagandha: This adaptogen influences serotonin and dopamine levels, which are involved in mood regulation.

This new research changes how we should view depression. It’s not just a mental health problem—it’s a whole-body health issue.

However, with numerous natural and accessible options available, you have more control over your mental and physical well-being than you might have imagined.

Remember, every step you take to support your mental health is also an investment in your physical well-being.

P.S. “Salad Solution” slashes depression symptoms (FAST!).

Source:

Kelly J. Fleetwood, Bruce Guthrie, Caroline A. Jackson, Paul A. T. Kelly, Stewart W. Mercer, et al., Depression and physical multimorbidity: A cohort study of physical health condition accrual in UK Biobank, 13 February 2025, PLOS Medicine.

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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