Did You Know?

Omega 3 fatty acid supplements are another good way to increase Omega 3 intake.

Omega 3 Depression

In 2003, a study done by the American Journal of Psychiatry found an interesting connection between fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids) and lowered rates of bipolar disorder and symptoms of depression. This led to additional studies. In recent years, people have been forced to reduce their seafood intake due to mercury and other harmful toxins. As people are relying less on Omega 3 rich foods, rates of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder have skyrocketed throughout the United States and many other countries in the western hemisphere.

Some studies have had surprising outcomes. A group of infant monkeys were fed the same formula, but half of those monkeys received a dose of Omega 3 fatty acids mixed into the formula. Almost instantly, the monkeys on the Omega 3 formula showed signs of being stronger, more active, and more perceptive.

It is believed that Omega 3 fatty acids improve cell growth, and researchers are certain that brain cells are among the cells helped by Omega 3 fatty acids. Brain cell growth may play an important part in preventing depression and bipolar disorder (manic depression).

Postpartum Depression

Additional research has been completed further strengthening this belief. When New Zealand and countries in Asia were compared, researchers found that in New Zealanders tended to eat only a quarter of the seafood that some Asians eat. As a result, the number of people diagnosed with depression in New Zealand is more than sixty times higher. They've also discovered that women who do not take Omega 3 supplements during pregnancy are fifty times more likely to develop Postpartum depression.

Does it Really Hep?

Scientists think they understand what is happening. When Omega 3 levels in the bloodstream are low, the body switches to Omega 6, another group of fatty acids. Omega 6 is helpful, but it cannot help cells that regulate the brain chemistry like Omega 3 can. For this reason, Omega 6 isn't capable of helping repair or grow cells related to brain function. Omega 3 is the only fatty acid that can help with cell growth.

In 2001, researchers took a group of seventy volunteers who were clinically depressed. The study group was divided into three sections. One group received a placebo, another group received one gram of Omega 3 per day, and the other group received two or more grams of Omega 3 per day. Those taking one gram felt much better, while those taking more than one gram or on the placebo either dropped out of the study or found no difference. This has led the medical profession to wonder how much Omega 3 is necessary and if higher doses are just wasteful.

It is suggested that every man and woman take one gram of Omega 3 fatty acids per day. Fish oil pills are tasteless and provide immeasurable benefits to the health. Those with depression and ailments related to depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, etc.) should find their symptoms becoming far more tolerable and even manageable. Even if it doesn't help with your depression, the other health benefits make the pills extremely worthwhile.