Sunday, January 26, 2014

Depression and Omega-3 Fish Oil Treatments - Do They Really Work?


You may have heard that omega-3 fatty acids are the up and coming treatment for depression. But when it comes to truly improving how you feel, it is important to understand that not just any source of omega-3 will have a positive an effect on this debilitating condition.

The research into the use of essential fatty acids for treating depression was pioneered about 10 years ago by researchers associated with Harvard Medical School.

The scientific studies conducted by these researchers revealed that, indeed, omega-3s did have a beneficial effect on relieving symptoms of depression in subjects suffering from bi-polar disorder. However, there were two additional findings that came out of subsequent studies that were worth taking note of:

1. The only source of omega-3's that has been put to the test is fish oil. Krill oil, microalgae, and flaxseed oil have not been tested in formal clinical trials as a treatment for depression.

2. Fish oil works as an addition to doctor-prescribed therapy, not as a substitute for it.

In other words, if medications are not working for your depression and you want to try something else, don't stop taking the medications your doctor ordered and start taking fish oil. Continue taking the medications prescribed by your doctor and simply add a daily dose of a high quality supplement.

How much fish oil is enough for fending off depression? In the studies that got the best results, people with depression took about 5,000 mg of omega-3's per day.

Since the capsule itself weighs something and there are a few components in the oil that are not pure omega-3, that is roughly equivalent to eight 1,000-mg capsules every day.

When people took less, as little as one capsule per day, they got better. However, it's important to note that with this particular finding it was not possible to determine how much better taking fish oil was compared to taking a placebo.

If you have been doing everything you can to deal with depression but your symptoms persist, try taking fish oil in addition to your current prescription medicine. As long as you don't change your medications without your doctors knowledge or advice, the worst that can happen to you is that you will have a healthier heart and fewer aches and pains which is something that can help lift your spirits just by themselves.

Furthermore, there is a good chance that you will feel better without triggering the destructive downside of depression treatment with more and more prescription medications.

Make no mistake about it! A great source of omega-3 fish oil is worth a try, and may be the one thing you need to overcome depression for good. I have done extensive research into the best sources of omega-3 oil from fish. As a result, I've discovered an exceptional brand whose high production standards make them a stand-out in the field of nutritional supplements. I've been taking it myself for sometime now and can attest to its mood-boosting benefits. Visit my website now to find out how you, too, can start feeling better.

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