Did you know taking DHA omega-3 fish oil for depression may be just as effective, if not more effective, than anti-depressant drugs? Additionally, none of the negative side effects associated with anti-depressant drugs accompany supplemental omega-3s in the diet. There are, however, lots of positive side effects.
Your joints should feel better. You may have more energy. It could be easier to focus on your daily tasks. Your skin might clear up. You could even see a reduction in wrinkles.
Because of its anti-inflammatory activity, it is considered an anti-aging supplement. Chronic inflammation, along with free radical damage and glycation, causes cellular aging.
It is believed that changes in dietary habits and decreased nutritional value of the foods that we eat, has caused a population that is suffering from nutritional deficiencies. These are not severe enough to cause overt illnesses, in most cases. True fatty acid deficiency occurs primarily in anorexic patients.
But, chronically poor nutritional intake contributes to a variety of different diseases and emotional disorders. Some researchers believe that the high incidence of depressive conditions in the US is a direct result of low intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
In fish oil depression studies, benefit has been seen when the supplement is used as an alternative or an adjunctive therapy. In other words, it can be used instead of or along with prescription anti-depressants. If you are currently taking anti-depressants, you should talk to your doctor about slowly reducing the dosage. Quitting “cold-turkey” causes sometimes distressing withdrawal symptoms.
As someone that was, at one time, taking anti-depressants, I can vouch for the benefits of omega-3 supplementation. Until I learned about the benefits of omega-3s to the brain, I was unable to function, without medication.
Fatigue often accompanies depressive symptoms. Pain throughout the body is another symptom. Those are both symptoms of omega-3 deficiency, as well.
Your doctor might not recommend fish oil for depression, because it is not the accepted treatment and also because it is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for that use. If it is used to treat a medical condition, it must be classified as a drug.
All of the studies that have been conducted may lead to the development of new, more effective drugs. But, the pharmaceutical companies would only be interested if they could come up with a patentable molecule.
What we have learned from the fish oil depression studies is that anyone can benefit. But, the benefits vary, depending on how much DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is in the dose.
Research has also shown that the supplement is more effective if both Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA are given. Before you buy a supplement, be sure to read the label, to determine how much of each fatty acid is present. Most brands provide more EPA than DHA. While both are important, DHA is a primary component of brain cells and neurons.
So, you want DHA-rich fish oil for depression? Do a little research and you can find one.
Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily.
Visit her site
http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.
