Written Assignment Unit 1 BIOL 1301 Introduction to Biology PDF

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Written Assignment Unit 1 BIOL 1301 Introduction to Biology...

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Written Assignment Unit 1 University of the People BIOL 1301: Introduction to Biology

Modified Mediterranean Diet (ModiMed) as the Treatment for Depression In this assignment, we will identify and described an unconventional treatment for depression. That treatment is called Modified Mediterranean Diet (ModiMed) (Ede, 2017). We will write about the treatment and the reasons why people are choosing ModiMed. We will describe the basic nature of this diet including the reasoning for how it works. We will then analyse it for any scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. We will then proceed to design a controlled experiment to test the effectiveness of the diet. Our assignment will include the potential benefits of the ModiMed as a treatment for depression as well as any potential side effects or risks. Depression Depression is a mental health condition marked by a persistently depressed mood or lack of interest in tasks that cause everyday life to be seriously affected (Legg, 2020; Torres, 2020). A mixture of biochemical, psychological and social sources are the cause and potential triggers of depression. Increasingly, research indicates that these causes, including altered activation of certain neural circuits in the brain, can trigger changes in brain function. A variety of behavioural and physical symptoms may result from the constant sense of distress or lack of motivation that characterizes major depression (Legg, 2020; Torres, 2020). Changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, attention, everyday behaviour or self-esteem can include these. Depression may be associated with suicidal thoughts as well. Describe the basic nature of the diet including the reasoning for how it works: Modified Mediterranean Diet (ModiMed) as the Depression Treatment ModiMed diet encourages the use of foods which are whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, low-fat and unsweetened dairy, lean red meat, raw unsalted nuts, fish, chicken, eggs and olive oil (Ede, 2017). ModiMed diet discourages the eating of foods which are refined cereals, sweets, fast food, fried food and processed meat. In terms of allowed beverages, there is a maximum limit of only two sugar-sweetened drinks per week and a maximum of two alcoholic drinks per day, and red wine is preferable. Analyse the diet for any scientific evidence to support its effectiveness

As the treatment for depression, the ModiMed diet has been demonstrated to help people with moderate to very severe depression to improve their mood and come out of depression by eating a healthier ModiMed diet (Ede, 2017) as described above. ModiMedi diet works as follows: 1. It is tremendously low in refined carbohydrates such as flour, sugar, refined cereals, etc. These dangerous non-foods places one’s blood sugar and insulin, as well as hormones and the brain’s neurotransmitters on a perilous instability. The mood is then destabilised and there is also an increased risk for causing insulin resistance, which has the ripple effect of brain damage as time progresses (Ede, 2017). 2. It has an abundance of natural fat and cholesterol which aids the brain to function optimally and properly.

3. It is very low in oils which are processed from seeds like safflower, cottonseed and corn 4. It has animal sources of protein and these are extremely rich in vital brain nutrients like zinc, iron and vitamin B 12. 5. It is based fundamentally and mainly on whole foods which we, as humans, are used to eating.

Design a controlled experiment to test the effectiveness of the diet To test our hypothesis, we will measure the outcome of the experiment by identifying both the independent and dependent variables and we will do this by recruiting 50 men and women who have moderate to severe depression and who are notorious for eating a fairly unhealthy diet. We would then divide these depressed patients into two groups and the first group would be on a modified Mediterranean diet (ModiMed) and must attend mandatory dietary support meetings with a nutritionist. The other group would be allowed to continue eating their unhealthy diet as usual and must attend gatherings of social support called befriending sessions. To test and ascertain the effectiveness of the ModiMed diet, prior to and post 12 weeks of this study, every person’s depression symptoms would be graded and measured using numerous varied tests. We will use a test

called MADRS scale which stands for Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and is used to rate and determine mood on a scale starting from 0 to 60, and 60 is regarded as the most severely depressed. The effectiveness of the ModiMed diet would be when the group on it score very low on from their initial high scores with 11 points degrees after a period of 12 weeks. This would be deemed highly effective and the treatment highly successful. Conversely, those who are not on the ModiMed diet and who continue eating very unhealthy foods would score very high and see no improvement in their depression. Conclusion In conclusion, the ModiMed diet is undoubtedly greater, better and superior to a junk food diet which consists of processed food, fast food and refined carbohydrates. It is very helpful in managing and even eliminating depression (Ede, 2017).

References Ede, G. (2017). Clinical trial finds diet works for depression: Pioneering new study suggests healthy food can be a powerful antidepressant. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/diagnosisdiet/201702/clinical-trial-finds-diet-works-depression Legg, T. J. (2020). Everything You Want to Know About Depression. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/depression#causes Torres, F. (2020). What Is Depression. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patientsfamilies/depression/what-is-depression...