Fish Oil Essential for Depression and Mental Health

 Patty Butts, Ph.D, LPC
Omega-3s are a safe, simple, natural treatment for depression, mental health, and enhancing mood without side effects. Andrew Stoll, a psychiatrist and director of the Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory at McClean Hospital, is author of the book The Omega-3 Connection. The book is designed to educate about benefits of fish oil and help readers restore their natural balance of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in high concentrations in the brain.
Over the past century, people in the United States have largely eliminated omega-3 fatty acids from their diet, due to the huge consumption of processed foods and a low-fat diet craze.
However, there is reason to be concerned about bad fats. Sixty-eight percent of people die from three degenerative diseases that involve fatty degeneration. They include cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Some fats are absolutely required for good health, while others detrimental. The most dangerous fats are those found in margarines, shortenings, heated oils, cheese, and some meats, but we need the healing fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential for optimal function of every cell in our bodies and we cannot manufacture them internally. They can be obtained only through our diet.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have seen amazing positive results with depressed persons who are taking fish oil supplements. I think that the Kyani Sunrise,
with the Vitamin E tocotrienols and Omega 3’s may be one of the best fish oil supplements on the market.
Stoll, on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, was interested in alternatives for bipolar patients. He conducted extensive searches on medical research papers to find substances with properties similar to standard mood stabilizers, lithium and valproate. After he and his colleague, Dr. Emauel Severus, reviewed hundreds of papers, they pulled up one match time and again—common fish oil.
Fish oils are already known for their roll in preventing heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn’s disease. They may also be responsible for protecting against arthritis, diabetes, and some psychiatric disorders. The brain requires more omega-3 and fatty acids than any other system in the body. According to Dr. Stoll, without omega-3s, the brain cannot function normally, so even the most powerful antidepressants will be unable to improve mood. For optimum health, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids should be eaten in nearly equal proportions. Omega-6 fatty acids are contained in vegetable and seed oils, including olive oil, sunflower oil, and safflower oils. Omega-3s are more difficult to obtain, and are most often from fish oil. Flax oil and seed contains some Omega-3s.
In addition, omega-3s are safe and effective supplements for pregnancy, nursing mothers, and postpartum depression. Blood levels of omega-3s decrease during the later stages of pregnancy and stay low, because the fetus receives these essential lipids preferentially (especially if there is a shortage). Lack of omega-3s can damage a mothers health after birth and cause major postpartum depression. These fatty acids are so important in cell-signaling pathways, and are vital to the function of many brain systems, including those neural systems regulating mood and emotions. Research indicates that a lack of omega-3s during pregnancy may impair development of the visual system of a fetus, and may also compromise future intelligence.
Evening Primrose is another Omega 3 that is particularly helpful for PMS (premenstrual syndrome), irritability, mood swings, and cramps.
There is some evidence that attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be rooted in a deficiency of the omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers noticed that in two groups of children it was found that those who had omega-3 deficiency and ADHD had similarities. Both had excess thirst, greater frequency of dry hair and skin, and an increased need to urinate. When they tested the blood levels of the ADHD subjects they found that 40 percent had low levels of omega-3s.
Dr. Stoll recommends 1 to 2 grams (1000-to 2000 milligrams) of fish oil daily for health, mood, or cognitive improvement.

Overcoming depression

Overcoming Depression
Several times in my life I have suffered major depression. The first time was after the birth of my fourth child who was born two months after her father died. Grief and postpartum depression were major contributors. If I had known about fish oil supplements and how essential they are for brain health it could have helped me. Also, the homeopathic Ignatia is a good remedy for grief.
The second time I encountered depression was over 20 years ago when I ...had chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia for five agonizing years. Chronic fatigue is not death but it takes your life away.
After four years I learned that candida is a major player in chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia and Neem pills and a change of diet can help get rid of candida. An alkaline diet helped me recover.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nutritional Consultant with a Ph.D in Holistic Nutrition it has been my passion to help other people recover from both depression and chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Over the years I have counseled and consulted with hundreds of people who have recovered or improved their health by changing their diet and adding supplements I do believe that mental health and most physical health problems begin in the gut as discussed in the books, "Gut and Psychology Syndrome," by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride
and also "Nutrition and Mental Illness, " by Dr. Carl C Peiffer.
I think if someone is seriously depressed they should have blood tests to check for histamine levels, MTHFR, hormones,
pyroluria. blood sugar, zinc and copper levels, and more, depending on the existing symptoms.
Elan light therapy can be helpful for depression. I have seen amazing results using "The Emotion Code," by Dr Bradley Nelsen.
The important thing is there is help available. Most people with addictions have high histamine levels.

We are children of God

We are spirit children of God and could not progress without obtaining a body. We had to come to earth to gain a body and knew we would have to face trials here on earth. Just as diamonds are forged and polished with trials and adversity, we knew we would face trials and chose to do so. We were promised if we did this well we could obtain eternal life. We were eager to do this and some chose more trials than others. We are children of God on a divinely appointed earthly mission...n and that mission was assigned to us by God. He has promised He will not leave us comfortless and He would guide us and help us. He has promised us peace....not as the world giveth peace, but as He can give. He loves each of us....reach out and touch hold of the hem of the garment of Christ and feel virtue (healing) flow through you. If you are depressed or ill, visualize doing this.