Omega 3 and Fish Oil to Help Treat Depression

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are bountiful in particular fish oils. But what fascinating is that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the symptoms of depression. In people who are depressed, studies have shown there is a significant lack of omega-3's in the red blood cell membranes of patients with depression. Another study that was performed administered 10 grams of fish oil per day for four months described a pronounced improvement in depression symptoms.

In lands where the ordinary fish intake is high there are reduced rates of depression. It is widely known that omega-3 does impacts the membranes and alters performance. Additionally, increasing omega-3 affects serotonin levels in the brain.

Diet and Depression:

Foods that are high in omega3s include:

• Red meat


• Eggs


• Fish

Foods low in omega-3s

• Corn


• Soybean


• Sunflower oils

Supplements or fresh fish?

Although omega3 fatty acids derived from fish are beneficial for the treatment of depression, the unfortunate thing about this is the amount of mercury and other harmful substances that now exist in fish. Therefore, fish oil supplements are cleaner due to the companies that manufacture them filter these substance out of their supplements.

However, Omega-3's could exacerbate some chronic diseases, and is why it is advisable to consult with your health care provider before taking these supplements. Packaged fish oil supplements are the easiest and safest way to add this supplement to your diet

Other good sources of omega_3s:

It is not advisable to take the amount of cod liver oil necessary to obtain three grams per day of omega-3's, due to the dangerous level of vitamin A that much cod liver oil would contain.

An excellent source of omega-3's is flaxseed oil. It can be taken as a supplement or used in salad dressings. Unlike fish oils, which contain a different combination of omega-3's, flaxseed oil should not be cooked because heat can destroy the omega-3's.

Benefits of the omega-3:

• Omega 3 helps avoid and combat


• heart disease


• Depression


• Arthritis


• Alzheimer's disease


• Ulcers


• Diabetes


• Hyperactivity


• Increases capability to focus as well as your vitality level

Research has found that people who afflicted with depression and take one gram of an omega-3 fatty acid such as cod liver oil for 12 weeks got a reduction in their symptoms, such as anxiety, unhappiness, and sleep difficulties. Patients who participated in the study had already tried prescription drugs before entering in the study, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac, or medications from tricyclic antidepressants, all of which are regarded as standard regimens for depression.

Omega 3 and diabetes:

Three months of daily supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - found in cod liver oil and plain fish oil, produced a major improvement in insulin sensitivity in overweight study participants.
Before taking any fish oil supplement, please clear this with your health care provider first to avoid any possible complications and/or interactions with other medications you may be taking.

by Barb Hicks, RN