Fish Oil and Depression: Can Omega 3 Help Depression?

Ever wondered about fish oil and depression? Well, pardon the pun, but there is nothing fishy about using omega 3 fish oil to help relieve depression. Numerous clinical studies have shown that fish oil may be an effective anti-depressant.

Depression affects over 20 million people in the United States alone and is more common in women. About 15% of women experience postpartum depression after childbirth. Depression is believed to be due to the decrease in the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. Prescription drugs aside, fish oil can be an effective supplement for the treatment of depression.

Fish Oil and Depression

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, the benefits of fish oil go beyond the prevention of heart illnesses and relief of arthritis and skin problems. In fact, fish oil is a safe and proven natural alternative for treating depression and other brain-associated problems such as bipolar disorders, Alzheimer's disease, postpartum depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even schizophrenia.

Many people diagnosed with depression have been found to have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body. A deficiency of omega-3s may limit serotonin, a neurotransmitter that the brain needs for optimal function.  Increasing your intake of omega 3 can help boost serotonin levels.

Benefits of Fish Oil for Mental Health

Numerous clinical and statistical studies have shown the positive effects of fish oil in treating depression as well as other mental health problems. Statistical data reveal that depression rates are much lower in countries where seafood constitutes a huge portion of their diet, such as Japan.

This is compared to countries with a very low dietary portion of seafood, such as in the United States. These findings link to the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body, which play an important role in brain function and mental health.

The human brain is comprised of about 60% fats. Docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), also known as Omega-3 fatty acids, make up a good portion of those fats. The brain needs these essential fatty acids in order to function properly. However, the human body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids, so adequate consumption of plant and marine-based foods is essential.

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish oil is an excellent source of DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), another omega3,which also aids in proper brain function. Eating more fish such as tuna, salmon, trout,mackerel and anchovy as well as other sources such as soybeans, flaxseed and canola oil is recommended.

To get a good dose of these essential fatty acids, it is recommended that you consume three or more servings of fish as well as other DHA and EPA-rich food sources per week. However, it is advised that you start with smaller portions considering the possible dangers of mercury intake following the consumption of fresh, cold-water fish.

Because fish oil comes from cold-water fish, some people may not be able to get adequate amounts of these essential fatty acids in their diets, particularly those living in North America. Moreover, many food processing companies get rid of omega-3 containing fish oil to keep their products fresher. This is because fish oil tends to spoil faster.

As a result, you may be consuming fish but are not actually enjoying the health benefits of fish oil. In addition, there are also some people who do not like the taste of fish. Consequently, they may not be getting the omega-3 fatty acids that their body needs.

Why Take Fish Oil Supplements?

In this case, quality fish oil supplements are your safest and easiest alternative. There are omega-3 supplements that you can buy at health food shops and drug stores. When looking to buy fish oil supplements make sure that your brand contains at least 500 mg of DHA and 1000 mg of EPA per serving. These amounts have been found helping in treating depression.

Another advantage of using fish oil to treat depression is that it can be used with medications. In fact, it can work well with antidepressant drugs and have no serious interactions with such.

But not just any omega-3 capsule will do. The best fish oil product is fresh, pure, and highly potent, and will deliver the results you desire. XTend-Life, a nutritional supplements company based in New Zealand, offers perhaps the best fish oil on the market today. Visit their site to find out more.

The Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement We Personally Use and Recommend . . . 

Xtend-Life Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil The purest fish oil in the world. Sourced from the Hoki fish in the pristine ocean waters off the coast of New Zealand, it's so fresh that it contains no additives or flavoring like other inferior products. At less than $20 per bottle, it's easy on the pocketbook, too. Learn more about Xtend-Life's Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil . . .