Finding the right treatments for depression is extremely important. An omega-3 depression treatment, where diet is supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, offers many advantages besides being a seemingly effective and safe option.
Depression is an unbalanced state of mind characterized by symptoms such as sadness, despair, feeling isolated or lonely and lack of self-confidence. Usually, depression appears when an individual encounters certain troubled events in life or faces problems such as extreme stress and anxiety. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, depression can be broadly categorized into mild, moderate and chronic. Usually, chronic case of depression needs medical intervention or treatment using antidepressants. In case of mild and moderate depression types, one can easily avoid use of medicines by adopting holistic treatments for depression.
In the recent times, alternative treatments for depression are becoming increasingly popular because these methods encompass a vast number of treatment modalities, yet are still effective and safer than many of the mainstream drugs. In fact, holistic treatments for depression are being considered as a complete approach for treating depression because in this method of treatment targets include symptoms of depression, its causes, possible effects and other related aspects. Some examples of holistic medicine include homeopathy, Ayurveda, use of herbal remedies for depression, Meditation, Yoga, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Psychotherapy, changes in lifestyle pattern and physical exercise. Apart from these, depression can also be treated by making subtle changes in general nutrition and diet of the patient. One such change is use of Omega-3 depression treatment.
How is Omega-3 Depression treatment beneficial? Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids that are found commonly in fish oils. Below are mentioned some major advantages of Omega-3 fatty acids.
- There are two different types of omega-3 fatty acids that include EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA or decosapentaenoic acid. Both these types of omega-3 fatty acids are useful in regulating the brain and aid in stabilizing moods.
- More than 50{c66b10e9cbb0dd4ae322bbe8793aef26e887819d9224ac46799d38bddff29d80} of brain is made up of fats. Interestingly, some of the fats present inside the brain are essential in the formation of cell membranes and also help in the normal functioning of the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids come under this category. They help stabilize the membranes of nerve cells and keep them flexible.
- Omega-3 fatty acids also prevent chemical imbalance in the brain as these are essential in regulating the normal flow of neurotransmitters and other hormones between neurons.
- Depression in individuals also results due to use of medications for some long-term illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disorder. With omega-3 depression treatment method, one can easily avoid the excessive use of depression-causing medications. Omega-3 fatty acids ensure overall well-being of the person, help in lowering body cholesterol levels, regulate heart beat, and reduce the incidence of heart-related disorders.
As per the depression statistics, incidence of depression symptoms is lowest among countries like Japan where fish is considered as a staple diet and heavily consumed. Some common fish varieties where omega-3 fatty acids are abundantly available include cold-water fishes such as sardines, mackerel, salmon, tuna and wild game. Interestingly, one can also minute amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts, and certain varieties of seeds and vegetables.
Although, Omega-3 depression treatment seems effective, a lot of research needs to be done so as to prove its efficacy. Remember to consult your physician and consider his/her opinion if you plan to use this method of treatment.
