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.
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