Fish Oil And Depression
Depression is a recurrent and life threatening psychological complication of the brain, which is affecting millions of people every year.
In fact, there has been an alarming increase in the incidence rate of this disease over the last couple of decades owing to changing lifestyles, nutrition deficiencies, and stressful work environments.
Although advancements in the fields of medicine have resulted in the development of many effective antidepressant drugs and therapies, numerous depression patients are still resistant to any treatment. Regular intake of fish oil for depression seems to be an effective alternative for such individuals.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the incidence of depression was found to be 60 times higher in countries where average fish consumption was less.
Although recommending fish oil for depression may be a premature suggestion, fish oils do provide numerous mental health benefits, some of which are listed below.
1. Stimulate Neurons – Fish oils extracted from cold water fishes such as sardines, mackerel, salmons, tuna, and hoki stimulate the normal growth of neurons in the frontal cortex region of the brain, which determines the behavior and mental stability of an individual.
2. Membranes – Fish oil for depression are rich in omega 3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA, a group of long chain polyunsaturated oils that are essential for the formation of neuronal membranes and play a major role in improving brain function. In fact, omega 3 fats are an integral component of phospholipid acyl chains located in the cell membranes of neurons.
Presence of these lipid bi-layer chains is required for stabilizing the tertiary and quaternary conformation of proteins and receptors that are embedded on the membranes. Omega 3 fatty chains help in maintaining the membrane fluidity and flexibility, thereby ensuring effective neurotransmitter signaling between and within the neurons.
3. Dopamine and Serotonin – Consumption of fish oil for depression prevents the disruption of dopamine and serotonin signaling system, which in turn helps in pacifying troubled moods, reducing suicidal tendencies, aggressive behavior, anxiety, and irritability.
4. Anti-inflammatory – Fish oils also contain various anti-inflammatory molecules and antioxidants that can effectively neutralize the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines, free radicals, and other toxins, whose levels normally increase during depression.
5. No Side-Effects – Lastly, intake of fish oil for depression is advantageous because fish oils do not cause any side effects unlike other antidepressant drugs.
If you’re interested in learning more about fish oil for depression and the best supplements, visit my website, where I share what products I have personally been using daily for several years.
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.