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Fish Oil for Depression

Does taking fish oil for depression work?

An article on CBC News stated that “scientists in the U.S. say omega-3 fatty acids, present in fish oil, seem to act as an anti-depressant.”

Apparently, Omega-3 raises the level of serotonin which influences mood in a positive way.

Dementia can also be alleviated by fish oil according to some studies. We have all heard the bit of folk wisdom: fish is brain food. And now there is growing evidence that this is true.

Omega-3 fatty acids are very abundant in our brains, so if we are deficient in them, brain and nerve function can be affected adversely, hence the connection between fish oil and depression.

Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are present in fish. Regarding omega-3 foods, and if you want to take fish oil for depression, the best fish to eat are salmon, herring, sardines, tuna, anchovies, mackerel and cod livers; all fatty fish high in omega-3 oils.

There is a catch though (pun?)

Studies have found high levels of mercury, PCBs, dioxin and other toxins in farmed fish. It appears that fish pellets fed to the farmed fish is the main source of these toxins.

Depression can be one of the mercury poisoning symptoms.

It is important to check before purchasing to see if the fish is wild instead of farmed. Wild fish has been shown to have far fewer contaminants.

Taking commercially extracted fish oil for depression is a very effective alternative to eating farmed fish. Look for pharmaceutical quality to guarantee purity. I like Nutra Sea, available in most health food stores, as it is pure (using third-party validation) and has a lemon flavour which neutralizes the fishy taste you might experience after consuming it.

I can eliminate this after-taste if I chew a tiny piece of licorice or candy. However, I get this fishy taste very rarely. By taking your spoonful or capsule of Omega-3 fish oil during a meal, you will avoid any after-taste.

It is recommended that you take one teaspoon daily, but I take a soup spoon of it daily as I really believe that it benefits me. And I have had no side-effects at all.

Note: A friend of mind claims that his daily intake of fish oil has greatly improved his hemorrhoid problem.

Now, does it work?

Can fish oil for depression be effective in boosting your moods?

I can’t prove for sure that it does work, that there is definitely a connection between fish oil and depression. However, given the latest news on health matters, it really supports my approach which is to find ways, such as liver cleansing, to build up health incrementally in order to counteract and alleviate depression.

Fish oil can fit nicely into a detox plan.

I believe that you can influence the mind positively by supporting the body: the body-mind connection.

You don't have to suffer from fish oil indigestion

There are more Omega-3 benefits

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