A link found between Omega 3 and depression relief

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The Truth About Omega 3
by Dave McEvoy

Since Dr Basant Puri, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer at London's Imperial College MRI unit, released his findings on Omega 3 and its effect on brain function and depression, many studies have been performed regarding the beneficial effects this fatty acid. Studies over the past two years have consistently confirmed that Omega 3, a substance lacking in today’s “diet� is a key component in the brain’s development and proper functioning.

The notion that Omega 3 was linked to depression and other mental illnesses came about based on studies conducted at Harvard University in 1999 on people with bipolar and a 1996 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association studying the prevalence of depression across ten countries. The Harvard study found that fish oil was an effective treatment for bipolar. The study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association was expanded upon in 1998 when it was discovered that depression was lower in countries that consumed higher levels of fish.

Omega 3 As Part Of A Healthy Diet

Omega 3 is a substance found most commonly in fatty fish such as fresh salmon, tuna, mackerel, pilchards and sardines. Over the last 100 years the western diet has shifted radically to include far less fish and thus the Omega 3 fatty acid. During the same time depression is estimated to have increased up to 100 fold.

To maintain ideal health, the average person should consume five grams daily of essential fatty acids (divided between Omega 3 and Omega 6). As this is not likely to change at any point in the near future some recommendations have been laid out for those who choose to take Omega 3 supplements. These recommendations will be listed further below in the section titled, “Omega 3 Supplements�.

Omega 3 And The Brain

While the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids can be noticed on many levels, the biggest breakthroughs documented have occurred in improved mental functions and health. Omega 3 has been reported to be effective in the treatment of depression. Numerous studies have indicated that during double-blind tests, patients suffering from depression who take Omega 3 over a placebo report significant benefits.

Similar results have been reported in the treatment of bipolar and schizophrenia. There are theories that Omega 3 could be used to treat other mental conditions such as attention deficit disorder, borderline personality disorder, dyslexia and cognitive impairment however at the time of this writing these beliefs are unsubstantiated by anything more than preliminary data.

Omega 3 And The Body

The main reported benefits of Omega 3 for the body occur in the heart. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice per week in order to reduce the likelihood of heart disease.

While research is still ongoing into the effects of these fatty acids on the heart, research to date has shown that they:

· decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death

· decrease triglyceride levels

· decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque

· lower blood pressure (slightly)

Additionally, Omega 3 has been reported effective as an anti-inflammatory. And according to an article by Judith Horstman for Arthritis Today, “There’s strong evidence that fish oil supplements with omega-3 fatty acids can ease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, help prevent Raynaud’s syndrome spasms and possibly relieve some lupus symptoms.

There is some limited evidence that the reduction in Omega 3 in the average western diet can be a contributing factor to the rise in:

· asthma

· chronic fatigue syndrome

· cystic fibrosis

· osteoporosis

· prostate cancer

Omega 3 Supplements

Any good doctor or nutritionist will tell you that the best way to get any nutrient is to go right to the source and eat it through the foods they originate. In the case of Omega 3 this would most likely be in the form of fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil. That said, this is not always possible given the average westerner’s diet and lifestyle. Additionally, for those suffering from sever depression or using Omega 3 to combat an existing condition, the amount contained in the foods we eat may not provide enough of this fatty acid. If this is the case then it is important to know what you are looking for.

The supplement should be high in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA, along with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the two active ingredients in Omega 3. EPA is considered to be the therapeutic element. It is thus important to purchase a supplement higher in EPA than DHA.

Additional Notes

Due to the recent developments and study of Omega 3 and all of its potential health benefits, the majority of studies and information on it are preliminary and based on smaller test groups. Additional research is underway and should provide additional insight into how it works and exactly what its role is in the brain’s functioning and development.

Currently additional studies are ongoing into the roll of Omega 3 in brain and nerve regeneration, depression, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, neck and back pain, stress and an assortment of other mental and physical conditions.

Information on Omega 3 and its properties provided by Mind1st.co.uk. Mind1st in the sole distributor of PuraEPA with 90% pure EPA. Visit their website for more information on Omega 3 fish oil and how it works.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

[robina]

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I took antidepressants (Effexor) for seven years. I suffered form depression for more than 20 years.

I am happy to say I am now medication -free, and I am managing my depression with Omega-3 oils, vitamin D, vitamin B, and magnesium. (and daily exercise, and a sugar-free diet)

All of these vitamins and minerals have been found to be in very low supply in the bodies of people who suffer from chronic depression.

I'm now a true believer in alternative approaches to the treatment of depression. I can't speak to whether these approaches would help bipolar or Schizophrenia, but I know it is working for me, and I am very thankful for that.

Robin

[shutterbug]

Thanks Robina for sharing your success! That's so wonderful.

I've read some stuff about vitamin D and plan to get more into my system and I think i'm gunna try the omega-3 oils, but I haven't heard anything about vitamin B or magnesium being low in depression sufferers? Could you tell me more about that?

I would love to do the sugar-free diet thing, but i have such a huge sweet tooth that i don't think I could do it if I tried

Anyway, thanks again! And here's hoping to a continuance of your happy health!

[Bozo]

I believe that is correct about the magnesium. A couple of weeks ago I was surfing the net and I do recall an article concerning mag.

Just for kicks and grins, I checked my multi vitamin label. The magnesium in the vitamin is only good for 25% of the recommended daily allowance.

Wonder why not 100%?

Interesting connection with depression though..............

[Wolfstarr]

Does anyone know what the dosage for benefit is for Omega 3?

I heard that 3000mg is a good dose to start with. I am taking 2000mg daily right now.
I also find that B vitamins help. B vitamins are depleted quickly through the body when the body is under stress, either physical or emotional. Therefore supplements are a tremendous benefit.
I didn't know that about Mg. Thanks for the info, Jenna!

[shutterbug]

Seems like I heard something about 3000 mgs, but I'm only about 20 percent sure on that. But also seems like I remember something about taking it in two doses each day, but again not sure. Although, I do know that some vitamens...like Vitamen C....only a certain amount can be absorbed into the body at one time...so maybe the Omega 3 is like that too....dunno.

That's interesting about stress and Vit. B, Wolf. Maybe I should load up on that stuff since stress seems to be my second biggest concern right now (next to the depression).

Thanks guys for all your imput and comments!!!!!!!!

[Grimnar]

I try and take some omega-3 each day.

Whatever you take make sure they are made by a company with the USP approval. That means they contain what the label says. The FDA does not regulate supplements and thus the labels may not be accurate.

Learn more for yourself at this page.

Here is a list of approved companies.

[shutterbug]

Thanks Grimmer....good suggestion

[Bozo]

There is a possible benefit for the lowering of triglycerides as well.

For the time being I am cautiously reducing my intake of Zoloft, and have added Ginkgo Biloba as a supplement.

I am investigating Ginseng, Hawthorne, Omega 3, Magnesium and GABA.

Also am still investigating the Bach Flower Essences.

Even though it drives us nuts, isnt it great we are all focused on health and continual self improvement?

[Bozo]

Originally Posted by shutterbug

Thanks Grimmer....good suggestion

Ditto.

[bikewench]

I am managing my depression with Omega-3 oils, vitamin D, vitamin B, and magnesium. (and daily exercise, and a sugar-free diet)

bing bing bing....


sugar is such a burden to the body...
and it is the main culprit in the growth of toxic candita albicans....


http://www.candidafree.net/pages/1/index.htm

and this beats up on sugar.... the ... undrug...

http://www.curezone.com/foods/sugarpage.asp

and this is just general links for candita...
http://www.panix.com/~candida/


What I know for myself today is that I was totally uncaring and oblivious to what I was doing to my body... and my mind... with the actions I was taking and the thinking I was thinking...

and then I was beating myself up all over creation cause my life was so messed up and my thinking so skewed...

but.. I know today ... that it was because of a toxic soup in my body and my mind...

and the toxic soup in my body helped create the one in my mind.

It was so empowering to get the glimmer of understanding one day that I DO have the power to get myself well...

and daily activity...
essential...

and yes...
I too take suppliments...
1000 mg Omega 3.6.9
linseed oil 2000mg
b6
b12
zinc
folic acid
evening primrose oil
bromalin
lecithin..
vit D3

I know that when I get shipshod about taking my vits... I go downhill pretty fast...
and the other bad behaviors start up ... and it's that ole slippery slope...

I'd urge anyone with head issues to research the use of suppliments...


AND GET OFF THE SUGAR... !! ;O)

[shutterbug]

Thanks guys and Bikewench....thanks tons for listing what all vitamens you take. I've been wondering what all other peeps take like that.

Question for anyone: I've been drinking hot tea lately and that's one of the things that I can't drink without putting sugar in it (Ice tea...no problem though). Anyway I went shopping last night and needed some sugar so I looked at all the diff. varieties and found an "organic" type of sugar that says it doesn't use any un-natural processes or ingrediants. It was about 75 percent more expensive, but I bought it. I figured it HAS to be better for you......what do you guys think? Still really bad for you????

[Wolfstarr]

Jenna,

My Dr suggested a sweetener called "Stevia". Not too sure on the actual spelling, but it can be found in any health food store. It's sweetening power is high so be careful when you measure! Also it has NOT been approved by the FDA but it is considered a supplement.
Here is a link for more info. I have not tried this sweetener yet...

http://www.cspinet.org/nah/4_00/stevia.html

[shutterbug]

thanks wolf

[Bozo]

Am not happy with the fact that about an hour after taking it I had some indigestion and "burping" up a little of the fish taste.

Is there a particular brand that is guaranteed to be odorless and tasteless?

[shutterbug]

Ya no bozo....I was just gunna ask about this. In college, I bought into an expensive, but effective weight loss program where you take about a gazzillion pills every day (hence why I stopped it cux swalling that many vitamins wasn't my gig), but one was a clear, yellow capsel and it caused the same thing.

Really gross. I went to Wal-mart last night to buy some Omega 3 and besides all the pills being gigantuous, horse pills....I wondered about this....so i haven't bought any yet.

I just remembered that back then, my aunt suggested taking that oil pill at the very last moment before you lay down to go to sleep and it would keep you from "experiencing" that fishyness. As I remember, I think it worked great except for if I couldn't fall asleep, but if I fell asleep within 15-20 minutes then I was none-the-wiser.

[Bozo]

Perhaps a peppermint oil capsule would counteract? Just a thought.

[shutterbug]

:S
pepperment and fish oil????

ewwwwwww