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Menopause, Mood, and Refined Carbs

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Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that refined carbs, such as white bread, white rice, and soda, can trigger depression in postmenopausal women, with symptoms that include mood changes and fatigue. These are side effects of the body’s hormonal responses to reduce spiking levels of blood sugar that result from such foods, according to a study of more than 70,000 postmenopausal women that was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In contrast, eating a diet that is high in fiber, vegetables, whole fruit (not fruit juice), and some whole grains can decrease risk.