Mental Health Linked to 30% FASTER Aging [6-Step FIX]
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 23, 2025
Your mind and body are more connected than you might realize—and a groundbreaking new study proves just how profound that connection really is.
In fact, it’s this mind-body link that helps explain why battling depression can put you on the fast track to physical decline.
Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide.
We’ve long known depression is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, and diabetes.
But this new research shows its impact goes way beyond what we previously understood.
Here’s what scientists discovered…
A new study, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, uncovered a disturbing link between depression and accelerated aging.
It turns out depression doesn’t just affect your mood—it accelerates aging throughout your body at an alarming rate.
And it isn’t just a minor correlation. The numbers are staggering.
Researchers tracked over 170,000 adults and found that people with depression accumulate physical health conditions about 30 percent faster than those who don’t battle mental health.
The study found that people with a history of depression develop chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, hypertension, and acid reflux faster than their non-depressed peers.
In other words, depression doesn’t just make you feel sad—it speeds up aging and shortens your life.
This challenges the traditional view of depression as solely a mental health issue.
If you suffer from depression, there are some simple ways to reduce your risk of a relapse. Start by committing to at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise several times a week. And keep your sleep and wake times consistent to support healthy circadian rhythms.
Spend time with supportive friends and family, even when it feels difficult. Head outdoors whenever you can, as studies show spending time in nature can significantly improve mood. And limit alcohol and ultra-processed foods, both of which are linked to worsening depression symptoms.
Next, focus on nutrition. Several nutrients are linked to mood:
- Omega-3s: These fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are associated with a reduced risk of depression as well as symptom relief.
- Vitamin D: Spend more time in the sun or take supplements to increase low vitamin D levels which are linked to worsening depression and anxiety.
- B vitamins: Eat more leafy greens and meats to boost low B vitamins, which are linked to depression.
- Magnesium: Studies show increasing magnesium, found in dark chocolate, avocados, nuts, and leafy greens, can reduce depression symptoms.
- Zinc: Lower zinc levels 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 eating more probiotic foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha.
Consider adding some science-backed herbs to your routine as well.
Several studies show St. John’s Wort can effectively manage mild to moderate depression. Rhodiola rosea has a long history of use for easing stress-related depression and fatigue. And the adaptogen Ashwagandha helps balance serotonin and dopamine to reduce anxiety and stress.
Depression isn’t just a mental health issue—it’s a whole-body health emergency that demands immediate attention. Remember, every step you take now to support your mental health is also an investment in your physical future.
P.S. Try this 20-minute trick to SLASH your depression risk.
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.
View More Free Articles
Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends
Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...
A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk
If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....
When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)
I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...
Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car
We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...
Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?
“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....
Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%
Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...
This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger
Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...
Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?
The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...
This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar
Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...
Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics
Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...