Mental Health and the Connection to Omega 3 Fish Oil

Based on scientific studies, the medical community has come to the conclusion that over the last fifty years, there has been an increase in the number of people who suffer from some form of mental illness. There are many schools of thought that feel there are various causes including societal stress associated with the pace of today's life style in western countries. Others attribute this problem in part to the constant news cycle high lighting negative news stories continuously. Though various causes for the increase in clinical depression, bipolar disorder, anger issues and other forms of mental illness are hotly debated, one area of agreement in the medical community revolves around diet.

Is fish oil the natural cure?

Over the last half century, the decrease in Omega 3 fatty acids has coincided with the increase of processed foods high in saturated fats. This has caused the ratio of omega 6 to Omega 3 to becoming imbalanced. Omega 6 comes from soy and corn primarily. This fat intake can be attributed to the increase in the rate of depression according to Dr. Joseph Hibbein of the National Institutes of Health. Other data supports the conclusion that rates of depression are lower in countries that have a much higher absorption rate of foods rich in Omega 3 fish oil.

The role of Antidepressants

The role of antidepressants and the side effects associated with the use of some popularly prescribed mood enhancing drugs has drawn some criticism from those that believe that a diet rich in Omega 3 fish oil is an all natural way to stimulate the proper functioning of the nervous system. Omega 3 fish oil contains the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These particular fatty acids are deemed essential for balanced nutritional health and are found deficient in patients suffering from clinical depression.

What about fat reducing medications?

While reducing bad cholesterol with the use of statin drugs is a noble goal, there is evidence that using this method of reducing (LDL) levels in the blood may in fact cause higher incidence of liver damage, but also increased levels of Omega 6 while preventing adequate levels of Omega 3. The evidence shows that high levels of fish oil will help to lower cholesterol naturally without causing potential damage to your liver. At the same time, with higher levels of Omega 3 intake, the body will receive the correct dosage of necessary fatty acids to help simultaneously fight depression and other mental disorders.

Conclusion

The evidence seems clear, with the increasing number of patients suffering from mental disorders, it's important to protect you and your family by supplementing a healthy life style with the addition of foods rich in Omega 3 fish oil. Study after study indicates that several health afflictions including mental illness can at least be checked if not completely avoided with this simple all natural remedy.