It's Monday and time to promote some mental health. I've been doing some research on Omega-3 Fatty Acids through Fish Oil Supplements. I started taking them myself, to see if there is a difference in my focus and retention of information (a weak spot for me!). So let me enlighten you on some of the recent research I have found :
Where Do They Come From?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are found in certain fish and seafood that includes, salmon, halibut, tuna, mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, algae, krill, and nut oils. They are considered an essential fatty acid, which means that they are essential for human health, but our bodies aren't able to produce them. We have to get them through eating food.
What Roles Does Omega-3's Play Specific To Our Brain Functions?
Omega-3's are crucial in human development. Pregnant women need to make sure they are supplementing properly for optimal growth of their fetuses. Check with your physician to make sure your prenatal vitamins have enough omega-3's in them. Fetuses short on omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems. Keep up on your omega-3's, mom's-to-be! :-)
Research has shown also that brain function relies heavily on those omega-3's, being that there is a high concentration of them in our noggins. This research has also shown that omega-3's can effect cognitive and behavioral functions-especially in the areas of Depression, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
Depression-Different results have been found with Depression. Several studies showed improvement of depression as an addition to prescribed antidepressants and other studies found no benefit at all. Remember, depression is a serious illness. Do not try to treat it on your own. See a qualified physician for help.
ADHD (Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder)-ADHD has also had some mixed study results. One study showed that in nearly 100 boys, those with lower levels of Omega-3 fatty acids had a higher incidence of behavioral and learning issues (this included poor sleep behaviors and tantrums) than boys with normal levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. There hasn't been any conclusive evidence yet that Omega-3's help improve some behavioral symptoms with or without prescribed stimulants. But, it doesn't hurt to add them in with this disorder. Check with your doctor for any contraindications if there are other medications taken along with the stimulant prescriptions.
Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia-There are mixed results with studies on Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia and Omega-3 fatty acids, as well. One study showed a 4 month improvement of less mood swings and relapses, but another study found that Omega-3's didn't help reduce symptoms significantly. However keeping up with your daily uptake would be a reasonable approach to a healthy supplemental regime.
Other Benefits
The American Heart Association (AHA) is a big proponent of Omega-3's and eating a balanced weekly diet of fish, and recommends eating fish at least two times a week. The AHA has found that these fatty acids help may reduce the risk of chronic disease such as heart disease, athritis and cancer, as well as reducing inflammation found in the body.
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry skin, brittle hair, fatigue, heart problems, poor memory, poor circulation, depression, or mood swings, this could be signs that you have a deficiency of Omega-3's. Remember to check with your doctor if one or more of these symptoms are happening.
So now that you are up on the latest info of Omega-3's, grab some supplements today and remember to add fatty fish to your weekly menu. And feel the power of the benefits!
Enjoy your Monday and make it a great day!
Yours In Health,
~Merri Lou
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