297. Study suggests vegetarians are more likely to be depressed
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
A new study is gaining lots of attention by suggesting that vegetarians are more likely to become depressed. In the study, published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, Brazilian researchers surveyed over 14,000 adults to learn about their diets and to identify episodes of depression. They observed that regardless of socioeconomic, lifestyle factors and nutrient deficiencies, those who ate meatless diets experienced depressive episodes twice as often as those who eat beef. Further studies are needed to know if this association is real. I believe that following a vegetarian diet can be a healthy option for many people, assuming that they have a balanced diet that provides all necessary nutrients and food groups.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
