Fish Oil For A Better Mood

Author: Ivan Red Jr. Time for reading: ~2 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

In this article, learn more about Fish Oil For A Better Mood. What is the "positive side effect" of one of the fish acids?.

Researchers at Indiana University recently found evidence that the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) has a strong effect on emotional health and mood.

Both acids are found in oily fish and products such as fish oil. They have been shown to lower blood triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, atherosclerosis and stroke . The latest discovery about the usefulness of fish oil revolves around its ability to fight depression and bipolar disorder .

The Indiana State University team found that in controlled laboratory tests, DHA successfully reduced the symptoms of depression and mania , and after several weeks of regular intake of DHA supplements, the threshold of sensitivity to stress increased significantly.

In a thorough MRI scan, the researchers observed how DHA normalizes function in areas of the brain where only strong psychiatric medications usually work .

There is another result that scientists call a " positive side effect ": the fact that taking DHA greatly reduces the desire, demand and use of alcohol . Although unexpected, this effect is extremely beneficial - many people suffering from depression and personality disorders reach for sedation to alcohol, which creates additional health and emotional problems.

Another study conducted by medics at Tehran University focused on the effectiveness of EPA on severe depressive symptoms. Patients suffering from severe depression are divided into three groups and treated as follows: I g - 1000 mg of fluoxetine, also known as prozac; II g - 1000 mg EPA; III g - with a combination of the two compounds. After 8 weeks of intake, both substances are equally strong - in groups I and II there is almost 50% relief of symptoms. However, the combination of the two results in over 80% relief of depressive symptoms .

These beneficial properties of DHA and EPA are due to their ability to enhance the development of neuroprotective factors, the production of new brain cells and reduce inflammatory reactions in the body, many of which are closely related to mood.

When there are no depressive states available to alleviate or personality disorders to control, the effect of acids is concentrated in the regulation of many biochemical reactions, such as the synthesis of acetylcholine . Acetylcholine is a transport molecule for electronic nerve impulses - a neurotransmitter and serves both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Although not its main function, acetylcholine has a strong effect on mood, heart rate and muscle tone.

If you do not want to consume dietary supplements with fish oil, you need to know the dietary sources of both acids. 100 g of common salmon contains 500-1500 mg of DHA and 300-1000 mg of EPA. Depending on the heat treatment, from 10% to 25% of this amount is lost. Other good sources of omega-3 acids are mackerel, tuna, herring, sardines. Vegetarians can get them from several types of seaweed with different concentrations of DHA and EPA.

Fish Oil For A Better Mood

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