Fish Oil and Depression Relief
Discover the Benefits of Fish Oil for Depression Relief
A variety of studies have shown that fish is really excellent brain food and may be a natural antidepressant. Omega-3 fish oil can help with depression, memory and other brain issues. Researchers in Massachusetts supplemented the treatment of 30 patients who were suffering from bipolar disorder with either olive oil or fish oil, which is high in the fatty acids omega-3.
In the results of this study, researchers found that depression symptoms were improved for 65% of patients taking a fish oil supplement as compared to 19% of those taking the olive oil.
In locations like New Zealand were diets are typically low in omega-3 oils, depression is 60 times greater than in Japan where the average consumption of cold water seafood is about 150 pounds per year.
A study in Israel showed that the effects of fish oil depression supplements significantly improved the symptoms in patients diagnosed with clinical depression.
There are many more studies which show the association between deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids levels like those found in fish oil and the link between brain disorders like depression, anxiety, ADHD, ADD and memory problems.
Two important components found in omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The body uses EPA in the creation of cell walls and structures within the brain and other places in the body.
According to the most current research theories, when omega-3 fatty acids are unavailable the body will substitute omega six fatty acids like those found in corn oil and other unsaturated vegetable oils.
Research seems to be showing that a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids may be partly responsible for the rise in the incidences of depression, ADHD, schizophrenia and other brain disorders.
Here are four key roles omega-3 fats play in the body:
*they build cell membranes.
*they reduce inflammation.
*they balance blood sugar levels.
*they stimulate increased neural cell connections and new cell growth.
Omega-3s and Diet
While it’s important to make healthy diet changes anytime you’re not feeling well, some nutrients may be hard to get simply by diet alone. Omega-3 fatty acids are usually underrepresented in a typical modern diet. With a strict organic, natural diet plan which includes fish and free range meat, omega-3s will more likely be present to some degree.
If you enjoy cold water fish like salmon several times a week, this can be a good starting point. But, to get omega-3s at the level necessary to ease depression, anxiety and stress symptoms may take additional supplementation to achieve. This is an issue to bring up with your health care provider.
It’s also known that omega-3 fats may be helpful in addressing postpartum depression. DHA is an essential component of a mother’s breast milk. Women who have higher levels of omega-3 fats in their bodies may have lower rates of postpartum depression.
Depression and the Abdominal Brain
Another interesting and important point to consider with depression and other mood disorders is diet and digestive health. It’s been known for some time in certain areas of natural health that the stomach and large and small intestines have a sensitive nerve network which is called the enteric nervous system. More research is needed on this but for now some researchers believe the enteric nervous system is so important that it can be called “the second brain”or the “abdominal brain”.
In practical terms, it’s easy to see how negative emotions and stress affect not only emotional health but physical health as well. Have you ever been “hit in the gut” after hearing some bad news? This may be a good example of the abdominal brain at work. if your life is busy with little time to relax and unwind, the stress may build up in the abdominal area. This may lead to different health issues like indigestion, acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome.
Diet changes can help, especially when combined with other tactics like relaxation training, biofeedback and counseling therapy. Concerning diet modifications, a few things to consider are:
1. As much as possible, switch from processed food to natural, organic food. If you have little time for preparing food, many grocery stores have health food sections where you can even find ready made prepared foods.
2. Check for possible food allergies or sensitivities. Some common allergens include, refined sugar, highly processed fats (trans fats), dairy products, grains (gluten).
3. If hypoglycemia is involved in your symptoms try to get adequate protein and healthy fats consistently with your meals. For guidelines on recommended carbohydrate, protein and fat ratios, see The Zone diet or another variation.
4. A naturopathic physician or other natural health care provider can offer guidance with these issues if you feel you need more assistance.
If you decide that fish oil supplements are an option, it’s important to understand that quality standards may vary widely between different brands of supplements. A low quality fish oil supplement may be exposing you to toxic substances like PCBs, mercury and impure or rancid oils resulting in an increase in harmful free radicals.
Cold water fish are some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. However due to the pollution of the ocean waters now worldwide, the FDA advocates limited consumption of fish. One way to get around this problem is to use fish oil supplements which have been molecularly distilled which purifies the fish oil to remove any contaminants.
If you’re interested in effective omega-3 fish oil depression supplements and how they may help with depression or other brain problems, we believe that it’s best to avoid supplements that are sourced from cod liver oil due to their high vitamin A content which could lead to vitamin A toxicity issues.
The Fish Oil product we here at i-health-info recommend after doing extensive research is Xtend-Life’s Omega 3 Esters made from Fish Oils. They are very inexpensive and top of the line quality.
Wishing You Good Health!
The Editors i-health-info.com
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