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Thursday, January 14, 2010

Omega 3 for depression - raising serotonin levels is really a new approach?

The "chemical imbalance" theory - that claims that depression is caused by an imbalance of serotonin in the brain - has already been criticized by psychiatrists and researchers but it appears in different healing process like Omega 3 supplements:

"Why Fish Helps Aid the Blues

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger in the brain) that is thought to affect one’s moods including depression and anxiety. Studies show that long-chain Omega 3s play a vital part in the brain’s reuptake of serotonin. Mood-elevating drugs work much in the same way, which may be why studies indicate that for individuals who take omega 3 depression is less of an issue or isn’t an issue at all

This is from this site.

I see a huge benefit: Omega 3 is not addictive like antidepressants SSRI/SSNIs and does not promote all the hideous side effects these type or psych-drugs do since only 5% of the serotonin that is reuptake remains in the brain and 95% travels the body easy-rider.
But the theory is the same and it is supposed to be used with an antidepressant.

How Soon Will I See Results?

When taking Omega 3 depression will usually begin to alleviate within a couple of weeks and sooner in many cases. However, if you’re taking other medications for depression it’s important that you don’t stop those medications without consulting your doctor first.
Still at Dr. Omega site.

4 comments:

Meg said...

I use Omega 3 fish oil with my son and I don't know technically how much it helps but it doesn't hurt. I've had friends say they have had success with it for depression and also fertility.

Ana said...

Maybe it's because it works in another way and not reuptakes serotonin in the pre-synaptic gap as the SSRIs do and those who are promoting Omega 3 only know to explain it using the "chemical imbalance" hypothesis.
I will search more.
Thank you for the input and I am glad someone is getting better with something that don't have side effects or causes addiction.

Meg said...

I know it does help the hormone system work better in one's body and that in turn can impact so many other areas, including mood.

Ana said...

Yes. It's also known to help to low bad cholesterol.
I have already taken it but it is too expensive so I stopped.