Since Dr Basant Puri, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer at London's Imperial College MRI unit, released his findings on Omega 3 and its effect on brain function and depression, many studies have been performed regarding the beneficial effects of this fatty acid. Studies over the past two years have consistently confirmed that Omega 3, a substance lacking in today's "diet" is a key component in the brain's development and proper functioning.The notion that Omega 3 was linked to depression and other mental illnesses came about based on studies conducted at Harvard University in 1999 on people with bipolar and a 1996 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association studying the prevalence of depression across ten countries. The Harvard study found that fish oil was an effective treatment for bipolar. The study conducted by the Journal of the American Medical Association was expanded upon in 1998 when it was discovered that depression was lower in countries that consumed higher levels of fish. Omega 3 As Part Of A Healthy DietOmega 3 is a substance found most commonly in fatty fish such as fresh salmon, tuna, mackerel, pilchards and sardines.
Over the last 100 years the western diet has shifted radically to include far less fish and thus the Omega 3 fatty acid. During the same time depression is estimated to have increased up to 100 fold.To maintain ideal health, the average person should consume five grams daily of essential fatty acids (divided between Omega 3 and Omega 6). As this is not likely to change at any point in the near future some recommendations have been laid out for those who choose to take Omega 3 supplements. These recommendations will be listed further below in the section titled, "Omega 3 Supplements".Omega 3 And The BrainWhile the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids can be noticed on many levels, the biggest breakthroughs documented have occurred in improved mental functions and health. Omega 3 has been reported to be effective in the treatment of depression.
Numerous studies have indicated that during double-blind tests, patients suffering from depression who take Omega 3 over a placebo report significant benefits.Similar results have been reported in the treatment of bipolar and schizophrenia. There are theories that Omega 3 could be used to treat other mental conditions such as attention deficit disorder, borderline personality disorder, dyslexia and cognitive impairment however at the time of this writing these beliefs are unsubstantiated by anything more than preliminary data.Omega 3 And The BodyThe main reported benefits of Omega 3 for the body occur in the heart. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice per week in order to reduce the likelihood of heart disease.While research is still ongoing into the effects of these fatty acids on the heart, research to date has shown that they:?decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death?decrease triglyceride levels?decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque?lower blood pressure (slightly)Additionally, Omega 3 has been reported effective as an anti-inflammatory. And according to an article by Judith Horstman for Arthritis Today, "There's strong evidence that fish oil supplements with omega-3 fatty acids can ease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, help prevent Raynaud's syndrome spasms and possibly relieve some lupus symptoms.There is some limited evidence that the reduction in Omega 3 in the average western diet can be a contributing factor to the rise in:?asthma?chronic fatigue syndrome?cystic fibrosis?osteoporosis?prostate cancerOmega 3 SupplementsAny good doctor or nutritionist will tell you that the best way to get any nutrient is to go right to the source and eat it through the foods they originate. In the case of Omega 3 this would most likely be in the form of fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil.
That said, this is not always possible given the average westerner's diet and lifestyle. Additionally, for those suffering from sever depression or using Omega 3 to combat an existing condition, the amount contained in the foods we eat may not provide enough of this fatty acid. If this is the case then it is important to know what you are looking for.The supplement should be high in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA, along with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are the two active ingredients in Omega 3. EPA is considered to be the therapeutic element.
It is thus important to purchase a supplement higher in EPA than DHA.Additional NotesDue to the recent developments and study of Omega 3 and all of its potential health benefits, the majority of studies and information on it are preliminary and based on smaller test groups. Additional research is underway and should provide additional insight into how it works and exactly what its role is in the brain's functioning and development.Currently additional studies are ongoing into the roll of Omega 3 in brain and nerve regeneration, depression, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, neck and back pain, stress and an assortment of other mental and physical conditions..
About The AuthorInformation on Omega 3 and its properties provided by Mind1st.co.uk. Mind1st in the sole distributor of PuraEPA with 90% pure EPA. Visit their website for more information on Omega 3 fish oil and how it works.Reduce Depression With These Free Tips
In this article, I am going to explain methods on how to reduce depression. There are ever increasing daily pressures facing people and it is very easy to become down and depressed. I am a person who was often feeling low, sorry for myself and basically was very unhappy, however I have now managed to pull my life around and am now able to cope and enjoy what life brings. I hope you enjoy reading the article and if you are one of the many people who suffer from depression, I hope the advice is beneficial.
My name is Stephen Hill and I am from England. Looking back on my life, as I often do, I now find it hard to believe the way in which I used to think and approach life.
I was a very negative person, I would stress about seemingly everything and believed that I was so unfortunate compared to other people.
I would always be comparing my life with those of my friends and family. These people seemed to really enjoy life and did not seem to have a care...
Stress and the City
Today's hectic pace of life has not been kind to our bodies. In fact, modern day city life seems to add more and more stress to the mix. We run ragged from one thing to another and sacrifice our mental peace in the process. But what exactly is this entity called stress?
Medically, stress is a psychological and physical response produced by our body when the demands faced by it are more than what it can cope with. It manifests itself in fatigue, insomnia, general irritability, hypertension and in some cases, even depression.
Prolonged nervous tension is especially harmful to the body as it can lead to heart disease and even neurologicall damage.
The reasons for stress are many. They can be related to your work or your personal life. This kind of anxiety can lead to a poor job performance and even impair your ability to cope with daily life. Most patients have been found to suffer from work related stress disorders.
The sources of this kind of tension are...
Pfizer Health Solutions And Gateway Community Health Center Launch Diabetes Health Education Program
Laredo, TX (ContentDesk) October 09, 2003?? In an effort to improve health outcomes among Hispanic patients with diabetes, Pfizer Health Solutions and the Pfizer Foundation, in partnership with Gateway Community Health Center, today launched Amigos en Salud, a comprehensive health education program designed to reach out to Hispanics with diabetes and other commonly occurring medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and depression. The launch event took place from 10 a.m. at the South Clinic located at 2007 South Zapata Hwy. Amigos en Salud, translated as "Friends in Health", focuses on Hispanic cultural perceptions central to successful diabetes management. As part of this initiative, bilingual health promoters also called promotores work with healthcare practitioners at the South Clinic to provide individual and group health education and support to diabetic patients.
In addition, the promotores work with patients to develop and implement culturally relevant behavior...
Pfizer Health Solutions And Gateway Community Health Center Launch Diabetes Health Education Program
Myth Busting: What Causes Mental Breakdown?
Are you one of over 40 million people suffering a personal nightmare caused by stress, depression and anxiety? These illnesses are the modern plague and they ruin lives. And year in, year out, more and more people are affected. I came out of a nightmare 5-year period of anxiety and depression and I did it without taking any drugs. What frustrated me is that despite advances in understanding as to why people become stressed, depressed and anxious, sufferers are still told numerous myths about what causes their illness. This raises an important issue: How can people rid themselves of the pain of these illnesses if they don't know what is at the root cause? Surely, if progress is to be made, understanding must come first? Well in this article, I'm going to bust the myths and reveal what, EXACTLY, is at the root of these illnesses! The first myth I want to bust is that a period of serious illness can cause you to become depressed.
This could be anything from a nasty virus which confines...
Myth Busting: What Causes Mental Breakdown?
What Exactly is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a member of the steroid family of hormones called androgens. More and more, this family is derived through chemical conversion from the steroid ring-structure of cholesterol. This hormone plays a vital role in the bodies of both men and women.
There are only minor differences between this hormone and others such as estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, cortisone, and androstenedione. They are small molecules, which becomes important when we look at what routes of administration are available.
As commonly known, testosterone stimulates the development of the penis and testes, growth of facial and pubic hair, deepening of the voice, changes in body shape, growth of bones, and increased muscle mass and strength in males. It helps maintain sex drive and the production of sperm cells, and it may play a role in balding.
Mood is also affected by testosterone, and low levels of the hormone can cause severe and prolonged depression as well as fatigue,...
What Exactly is Testosterone?
Helpfull postpartum depression tips
are you trying to learn more about postpartum depression well we have gather some helpful hints and tips about postpartum depression, so feel free to read this body language article as much as you want. Hopefully you find these postpartum depression tips and hints helpfull to you.
Become aware of your self-talk. Stop telling yourself how depressed you feel. This will only add to your misery and is very counter-productive. The word 'depression' is a vague term and does not in anyway help solve your problems.
Rather than use the term 'depression', get more specific about how you are feeling. Are you feeling grief because a loved one has died or is injured' Are you feeling anger because your spouse has been unfaithful' Are you feeling stressed because there you have too much work to do' Telling yourself you are feeling very sad because your Son has passed away is far less debilitating than telling yourself you are depressed. It is natural to feel sad at the passing...
Helpfull postpartum depression tips