Fish Oil Supplementation
Post Partum Depression has gained a lot of attention in the past few years, thanks in part to celebrities openly admitting they struggle with the mental illness after giving birth to their children.
It has also been publicized in rare instances when mothers with untreated post partum depression or post partum psychosis actually become so ill that they inflict harm upon their children.
Antidepressants might not be the best option
Antidepressants can be effective in treating post partum depression, but nursing mothers may be hesitant to take antidepressant medications because of unknown effects they will have on their babies.
Therapy can be helpful in helping new moms work out unexpected depressed feelings, but for clinical post partum depression therapy alone may not be enough. This is where omega-3 essential fatty acids in the form of fish oil supplements can be extremely useful.
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital
Fish oil supplements provide omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are necessary for the human brain to function at its optimal level. The body cannot produce these omega-3 EFAs on its own (what a cruel joke played on us by Mother Nature, to have such a beneficial building block only be available from outside sources!), so they must be obtained through food intake and other supplementation.
These omega-3s benefit the body in so many ways; they improve the joints, heart, brain, immune system, vision and even skin and hair.
Fish oils have been proven to be effective
Research has proven they not only alleviate symptoms of general depression but can help prevent and eliminate symptoms of post partum depression as well, without the scary potential side effects antidepressant medications may cause.
Not only that, fish oil has been proven to help promote optimal brain function in babies when nursing mothers are taking fish oil supplements.
What about mercury and those other dangers?
“But,” you may be thinking, “what about the high levels of mercury in fish? Aren’t pregnant women supposed to limit their fish intake to prevent mercury poisoning?”
Yes, this is true when eating fish, as the heavy metals and toxic substances are found in the fish meat (however, studies have shown that the heavy metals and toxins are not found in the fish oil).
Pregnant mothers are recommended to take omega-3 supplements
Pregnant women are recommended by the United States federal government to limit their servings of certain types of fish to no more than 12 ounces per week. However, fish oil supplements have been proven to not only be safe, but to be extremely beneficial for both mom AND baby.
And, it is worth noting that when choosing a fish oil supplement, pregnant women should make sure to find a natural, bio-available fish oil supplement that is 50% exceptionally pure, natural hoki fish triglyceride oil and 50% highly purified molecularly distilled ethyl ester tuna oil.
This is the ideal combination in a fish oil supplement to ensure all the excess substances (mercury, heavy metals and toxins) are not present.
If you’re interested in learning more about best fish oil supplements, visit my website, where I share what products I personally use and recommend.
Henri K. Junttila is a health researcher, and believer of using the best natural options to stay healthy and young. Visit his website http://www.fish-oil-advice.com/ today to learn more about the powerful benefits of omega-3 fish oils.
