Don`t Let Depression Keep Dragging You Down
- By: David Cromby
Depression is curse on modern society and if left to take a hold of your personality and everyday thoughts will soon drag you down deeper and deeper into a living hell. However help is at hand. Omega-3 essential fatty acids can play a vital role in eradicating it.
New research has shown that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can effectively treat and prevent depression and other mental disorders.
The research, published in February issue of the "Biological Psychiatry" journal, has actually shown that Omega-3 fatty acids and foods where as good as (and often better) than anti-depressant drugs.
A high profile article, published by the Harvard University, put Omega-3 in the mental health limelight by offering solid proof that fish oil could significantly reduce the effects of mental disorders.
Doctors studied patients whether eating fish oil or Olive oil in conjunction with regular medication stabilized the patient's moods.
After 4 months, patients taking fish oil showed a significantly longer period of remission from the disorder than those eating olive oil.
In a related study, 30 schizophrenic patients were given fish oil as their sole treatment. After 12 weeks the fish oil decreased one third of their symptoms, enough that they postponed taking antipsychotic drugs.
Deficiencies in Omega-3 and other fatty acids have also been associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD).
Epidemiological, experimental and new clinical studies have all shown a strong connection between omega-3 fatty acids and depression, or a lack thereof, and major depression.
Omega-3 Intake Declines, Depression Rates Climb.
There has been a significant drop in the intake of Omega-3 fatty acids in the western world over the last 3-4 decades. The opposite can be said of Omega-6 intake.
Although essential, omega-6 oils are found in abundance in our modern world, (Corn, safflower, sunflower, cottonseed, sesame). The omega-6 oils are now outnumbering the omega-3 intake by 20:1.
The true recommended balance should be 1:1.
In direct contrast to the depletion of omega-3 fro the Western food supply, the rates of depression have dramatically increased. In addition depression is now occurring more commonly in younger persons.
Researchers such as Udo Erasmus cite the huge increase in the intake of highly refined saturated fats and a huge decrease in the consumption of essential fatty acids as the defining factor in the corresponding rise in the number of people diagnosed with mental illness.
Fish Consumption And Depression.
Doctor Joseph Hibbeln of the National Institutes of Health is a major pioneer in this area. He has shown that higher national consumption of fish equals lower rates of depression.
Fish consumption is associated with lower risk of depression and higher mental health. Researches are now observing increasing rates of depression in regions of the world that are moving away from traditional omega-3 rich diets.
This comprehensive study revealed that there was a significantly reduced chance of developing depressive symptoms if we consume fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis.
A further study in 2003 which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition stated that elderly patients suffering depression had very low levels of omega 3 in their bodies.
About the Author
David Cromby is an avid researcher of Omega-3 and its use in today’s society. Why not find out more facts about Omega-3 and the benefits to your health and well being by going to his website 1st Omega-3 or have a read of the news letter. Free Newsletter and decide for yourself. In good health.
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