Having Bouts Of Depression? Try Adding Omega 3 To Your Diet
Are you having a bout of depression? Not due to the drop in the stock market indices or some other trivial problem
. I am talking about the type of depression that could lead to unstable behaviour, mood swings, and possible serious results.
It has been found that our western diet could possibly be contributing to these bouts of depression. Our diets consist of high amounts of omega 6 and very low if any amount of omega 3 fatty acids. Did you know that in countries such as Japan and Iceland they fewer cases of depression? The difference is, they eat a lot more fish than people eating a western diet. The per capita consumption of fish in Japan is 147 pounds, whereas in Iceland it is 225 pounds. I know that is far more fish then I eat. It is very much possible that our high intake of omega 6, and a low intake of omega 3 could be the main cause behind our depression
Blood tests were performed on the people showing signs of depression. It was discovered that people whose blood levels had a higher percentage of omega 6 compared to omega 3 seemed to be experiencing more depression. It is also a fact that people suffering from depression tend to be careless about eating balanced diet resulting in even lower amount of omega 3. Studies have shown good results in adding omega 3 to their diet. Participants who added it to their diet showed less mood swings and stress. The end result, not nearly as depressed.
You don't need to overdose to get these results. Taking merely 1 to 2 grams a day of omega 3 by supplements is quite sufficient. You can also get your omega 3 by eating fish twice a week. They need to be cold water fish and the best amongst them is salmon. If you are pregnant or worried about the possible mercury content or other toxins in fish , then you can rely on supplements. Flax seeds and fish oil are the two very good options for the supplements that you can take. They can both be found at your pharmacy or in a health food store.
You should not take depression lightly. It's a very serious problem. We are not saying that proper amounts of omega 3 in your diet will cure it. You should still go by doctor's advice and take medicines prescribed to you. Adding omega 3 as an additional preventive measure will help these medicines work better.
If you are not suffering from depression, then adding proper amounts of omega 3 to your diet may help keep you from developing it.