Omega 3 & Depression: The Truth behind this Fatty Acid

As antidepressant drugs are at the peak of concerns regarding their serious side effects such as unusual behavior and suicide, clinical depression is at the top of leading risks. According to the FDA, it was instructed that all pharmaceutical manufacturers must add black box warnings to antidepressant pills, which is the most serious level of warning labels for all prescription medicines.

With more findings to these side effects, both patients and doctors are looking for other safe alternatives and may have found it in Omega-3. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to help alleviate depression without any form of serious side effects.

Here, we will unveil the base of growing evidence that proves how effective omega-3 is in restoring structural integrity and improving moods to brain cells that are crucial in performing cognitive functions of the body.

Most of us already know that omega-3 is known for its ability to protect our bodies against cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. It may also be highly effective in managing as well as preventing depression and decline in cognitive functions.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the recommended treatment with the use of omega-3 appears to carry the strongest form of evidence in managing major symptoms of depression, making it more effective if not greater than antidepressant medications.

Antidepressants such as Brintellix are being marketed as one of the best in its kind as it’s exceptionally safe to use. Although according to a few Brintellix reviews there are still potentially harmful effects due to the use of SSRIs, which are selective serotonin receptor inhibitors. This may not only destroy your life but can also turn you into a murderer.

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Omega-3 & Depression

Studies show that consuming proper amounts of omega-3 fatty acids may stand as a powerful protection against depression and decrease its risk of mental distress. A large study in Norwegian observed almost 22,000 participants revealed that those who had diets that are rich in omega-3 were 30% less likely to experience symptoms of depression.

During a recent study at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 49 patients with a history of harming themselves were studied with the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. As subjects were assigned to receive placebo or 1200 mg EPA + 900 mg DHA for 12 weeks, the ground who received omega-3 has shown a significant amount of improvement when compared to the place group in scopes for suicidal, stress, and depression.

As more studies claim that patients who still suffer from depression despite the use of antidepressant medications, omega-3 supplements may have reduced the intensity of anxiety, sleep issues, sexual dysfunction and depression.

How does Omega-3 Fight Depression?

According to research, omega-3 fatty acids are used to promote a healthy mood level. As new studies reveal that a deficiency in omega-3 may also aggravate depression, it appears that DHA deficiency can cause hormonal effects on a corticotrophin-releasing hormone that works to moderate emotions. More evidence is increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids is known to enhance brain function which includes aspects of personality and mood control.

As Omega-3 fatty acids might worsen some chronic illnesses, the FDA is now taking the quantity of omega-3 into consideration as to what is the recommended serving. While there is no current standard, they do classify 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids a day is safe.

Brain tissue is rich in omega-3, especially in the membranes of three different types of brain cells. While this link between omega-3 and brain health is far from surprising, the essential fatty acids are essential for proper development, growth, and function. Due to the lack of dietary omega-3, this may force the brain cells to use other fatty acids which will result in cells constructed with weak building material. This will affect the brain and result in issues of emotional and cognitive disorders.

What You Must Know

As low intake of omega-3 fatty acids is linked to depression, impulsive behavior and hostility, high intake is also linked to an increase in gray matter volume in the brain controlling regions of mood and depression. With low levels of omega-3, this will result in poor performance on memory and cognitive decline that comes with aging. According to various studies, patients suffering from depression that is randomly assigned to omega-3 consumption have shown great improvements when compared to those using a placebo.

Omega-3 fatty acids are quite essential for a healthy brain function and structure as it may be critical for keeping mental stress at bay and maintaining a strong, healthy mood. As this powerful fatty acid is used to help ensure a healthy brain development throughout life, it will also protect the brain against dementia and cognitive decline. By optimizing your omega-3 intake, this will not only be essential for a healthy mind but a healthy body as well.

Also Watch: What You Really Need to Know About Depression?

Reference

1. http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2007/10/report_depression/Page-01

2. http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/011012p22.shtml