 |
Omega-3 Relieves Depression In Some Individuals
Author: Darrell Miller  | Posted: 09-11-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 16 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
Omega-3 oils contain fatty acids that are known as essential fatty acids because they cannot be manufactured in your body but have to be taken in your diet. They provide many benefits to your body, and are also believed to relieve depression in some individuals. First, however, an overview of the more conventional benefits of omega-3 oils.
Obtainable in your diet from oily fish such as mackerel, herring, salmon and the like, omega-3 fatty acids play an important part in your normal growth and development, and are also crucial to normal brain function. They can reduce inflammation and protect you from heart disease and some cancers. Studies have shown the fatty acids to be particularly concentrated in the brain and to be important for cognitive processes and memory.
The effects of omega 3 fish oils on the brain are well documented, and they are known to be effective treatments in some cases of bipolar and schizophrenia. It is believed that they could also be used as a treatment in other disorders such as attention deficit disorder and dyslexia, but there is as yet no evidence that this is the case.
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the so-called 'bad' low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and increase the high density lipoproteins (HDL) that take the cholesterol back to the liver for destruction. The end result is a reduction in the cholesterol content of the blood that can be deposited on the artery walls and promote atherosclerosis. Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids appear to lower blood pressure in those suffering from hypertension, and so reduce their chances of heart attacks and strokes.
Omega 3 oils are also natural inflammatories, and help prevent conditions involving inflammation such as arthritis, asthma and menstrual cramps. They appear to help the immune system to fight these conditions and reduce the inflammation and its causes.
They are also important in the formation of prostaglandins that are responsible for the regulation of important functions such as blood pressure, blood clotting and immune response. They are hormone-like substances and also control the synthesis in the body of other hormones. If the balance of fatty acids in the diet is not right, then the subsequent imbalance in prostaglandin and hormone production can lead to disease.
It is in its effect on depression and mood, however, that has surprised many in the medical, profession. Ethyl-eicosapentaenoate, known as ethyl EPA, is a constituent of omega-3 fish oil and many studies have demonstrated that this substance helps cases of depression and related disorders. However, are people justified in turning to ethyl EPA to help them be cured of this condition?
In one study involving 20 people, six out of ten people given the supplement displayed significantly reduced symptoms of depression after four weeks. The effects were noticed as early as two weeks and many of the depression symptoms, such as worthlessness and insomnia, had improved after three weeks. This conformed with the results of many other studies that have been carried out world wide. In Scotland, a number of patients were studied who had failed to respond to traditional antidepressant drugs. Of the seventy patients involved in the trial, all of the patients who were treated with EPA displayed significant improvements in all the symptoms of their depression after four weeks whereas those with the placebo showed no improvement.
Of the two main components of omega-3 fish oil, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), only the EPA has this property, and the EPA works best alone when the DHA has been extracted. Studies and tests have indicated that the DHA appears to be important for the brain's structure, but the EPA for its function, hence the reason for the ineffectiveness of the former in relieving depression which is a function of the brain rather connected to its structure. In fact, depressed people have been found to be deficient in EPA in comparison to those not suffering from the condition.
The original idea for this originated with the late Dr. Horribin who was pioneer in researching the effects of lipids on the biochemistry of the brain as far back as the 1970s. Since then the world-wide research has confirmed his theory. However, the reason why this theory works in practice is not yet understood. It has been established that a diet rich in trans fats can unfavorably affect the hormones in the brain that stabilize mood, possibly due to the fats slowing down the system of messaging within the brain. This kind of effect can cause depression.
This is likely due to the slowing down of the messages passing between the synapses. Brain cells communicate by means of chemicals that cross the synapses, or small gaps between the individual cells. They are not directly connected like normal electrical circuits. It has been theorized that the EPA speeds up the passage of these messages between neurotransmitters and neuroreceptors. Other theories have also been promoted, such as that the EPA has properties of its own that cure depression by another route altogether.
A possible clue could be in the findings of one study on a man aged 21 years old whose brain was scanned before and after EPA treatment. The result showed in increase in the mass of brain cells after the treatment. This was contrary to the belief that brain cells could neither be generated nor grown once a person reaches maturity.
An individual suffering depression who would like to treat themselves with EPA would have to buy a lot of oily fish since high doses are needed for this level of therapy. However, it is found in high concentrations in a few supplements available on the market, and when choosing you must use the highest grade of EPA you can get, with as low a DHA content as you can find.
There is little doubt now; however, that the EPA content of omega-3 relieves depression in some individuals, although more work is needed to prove without doubt that it is effective with all forms of depression.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/omega3-relieves-depression-in-some-individuals-255907.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Omega 3 Fish Oil Benefits The Heart And Much More
By: Darrell Miller | 05/03/2007 | Health
Researchers in the early 1980's noticed cultures that consumed a lot of deep cold water fish had very little occurrence of heart disease despite their high fat diet. After much research it was discovered that fish are rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. (1,2) In this article, we...
The Importance of Omega 3’s for Fatty Heads - Being Called a Fat Head is a Good Thing
By: Lois Smithers | 08/10/2007 | Nutrition
We know the brain is about 60% fats so when someone calls you a “fat head” that literally is the truth. The question is, what fats are you feeding your fat head?
The Wonders of Omega-3 Fish Oil
By: John Roland | 09/10/2007 | Health
Who among us does not want to be healthy? Among other things Omega 3 is said to improve circulation, help with diabetes, artritis and depression. Aid the immune system, help with learning and behavioural problems and improve memory in old age. Omega-3 in fish oil has recently also been shown to be beneficial during pregnancy.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids: the Incredible Health Benefits
By: Alan Jacobson | 03/11/2007 | Medicine
Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential nutrient, meaning that they are required for normal growth in children. However, it is the benefits to adults that have received more attention lately. Back in 2006, the United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) gave what is called a "qualified health claim" to...
Do We All Need Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
By: Sandra Lightowler | 12/11/2007 | Supplements and Vitamins
Omega 3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids are found in the brain in high concentrations and are particularly essential for behavioral and cognitive function.
How to Get Your Kids to Eat Fish
By: Michael Byrd | 18/01/2007 | Health
With all the evidence supporting the healthy benefits of eating fish, it seems almost like abuse not to feed your children fish on a regular basis.
Natural Ways To Improve Mobility
By: Michael Byrd | 23/04/2007 | Health
Arthritis is the number one reason for disability in the United States. And, it's not only painful, it can also be extremely frustrating.
Fish Oils For Cardiovascular Health
By: Darrell Miller | 29/11/2007 | Health
It's usually a common fact that what is best for your body is also what is best for the planet. Eating organic foods instead of processed foods; eating less food overall; and using natural medicine from herbs and nutrients to heal illnesses instead of hazardous pharmaceuticals: are god for the...
More from Darrell Miller
Can Fiber Boost My Intestinal Health and Wellness?
By: Darrell Miller | 25/07/2008 | Health
We have been told that we must eat a certain amount of fiber with our meals because it is 'good for us'. Most of us have been led to believe that this is because fiber promotes bowel motions and prevents us from suffering from constipation. It is also good for...
Does Diindolylmethane From Broccoli Help With Estrogen Balance?
By: Darrell Miller | 23/07/2008 | Health
Diindolylmethane from broccoli can help with estrogen balance: There is plenty of evidence to suggest that, but before discussing the whys and wherefores, let's first have a look at the substance, where it comes from and why it should have any effect on estrogen or its balance.
Diindolylmethane is an indole...
How Important is it to Have Proper Digestion?
By: Darrell Miller | 18/07/2008 | Health
The part played by food in the health of your body is to furnish it with the nutrients needed for the biochemistry that keeps you alive. The digestive process breaks the food that you eat down into a form that can be absorbed by your bloodstream, and from there to...
Does Garcinia Cambogia Really Help Me Lose Weight?
By: Darrell Miller | 17/07/2008 | Health
Garcinia cambogia is a small tree bearing a small pumpkin-like fruit of the citrus family, and is steadily appearing in an increasing number of weight loss supplements. It is indigenous to parts of Africa and Asia, and the rind is commonly used in Indian cookery.
Although the fruit is particularly...
Does Pyruvate Help in Weight Loss?
By: Darrell Miller | 16/07/2008 | Health
There is currently a debate as to whether or not pyruvate can help in weight loss. There are two distinct camps, although the body of evidence favors those that believe that they can lose weight by taking a pyruvate supplement.
However, pyruvate is not an essential substance, which means that it...
How Do I Find An Inexpensive Domain Authority Registrar?
By: Darrell Miller | 15/07/2008 | Domain Names
Learn what to look for when searching for a good domain name registrar and how to pick a good domain name for your company.
Do Your Body a Favor and Detoxify With Dandelion
By: Darrell Miller | 14/07/2008 | Health
Just about everybody knows what a dandelion is. In the western world it is a weed, but in many other societies it is an important herb that is used to treat many common diseases and conditions of the human body.
It is also a food, being used in salads and...
Tryptophan and Mood Enhancement
By: Darrell Miller | 12/07/2008 | Health
Serotonin has not only been shown to regulate sleep, but it also is responsible for controlling mood, including feelings of optimism, relaxation, general sense of well-being, and the ability to focus and concentrate. When serotonin levels drop, it can lead to a lowered mood, which is what people experience with...
|
|
Health 
