Posts tagged ‘depression’

Discover the Best Omega-3

You’ve probably heard it a hundred times.  Fish and seafood are arguably the best omega-3 sources in the world.  But, for many reasons, people may be concerned about eating fish and seafood on a regular basis.

That’s probably one of the reasons that so many people take fish oil supplements.  It is the biggest selling dietary supplement in the US, according to surveys.  It’s more popular than green tea, ginkgo biloba or ginseng.  Only standard multi-vitamins are better sellers.

But, are people really getting what they are paying for?  Are they getting the best value for their money?  Would it make more sense just to eat a little fish every day?

As long as you stay on top of the consumption advisories for fish that are high in mercury or other contaminants, then including seafood in your diet is a good choice.  It is usually lower in total fat than other meat choices and it provides a variety of different nutrients.  But, if you want to be sure that you are getting enough EPA and DHA to meet your body’s daily needs then a fish oil supplement is the best choice.

The amount of total omega-3s in seafood varies, as does the DHA and EPA content.  Although you need both and some ALA, too, the best omega-3 is probably DHA.

DHA or Docosahexaenoic acid is found in large quantities in the brain and in the back of the eye.  Numerous studies have shown that fish oil lowers total blood triglycerides and increases the blood content of HDL (good) cholesterol.  At least one study has shown that DHA has a greater effect on those two health factors than EPA.

In studies concerning depression, DHA has been more effective than EPA, but the greatest benefits have been seen when both DHA and EPA are given to depressed individuals.  So, the best omega-3 for depression is a fish oil supplement rich in DHA and EPA.

What about other types of supplements?  Well, flax seed provides only ALA, which means it is not a “complete” supplement.  Marine algae provide only DHA.  So, it’s not complete, either.

The better fish oils provide DHA, EPA and the lesser known DPA or Docosapentaenoic acid, which is believed to be important to good cardiovascular health.  That’s truly the most complete supplement that you can get.  ALA is found in a number of different foods.  So, supplementation is really unnecessary.

In terms of getting value for your money, the best omega-3 supplement is one that is rich in DHA.  Looking at the grams of DHA per bottle and looking at the cost per bottle will help you determine value for your money.

You’ll also want to be sure that the supplement you choose is free of contaminants, such as mercury or PCBs.  The better manufacturers post a copy of an independent laboratory analysis proving the supplement’s purity, freshness and nutritional content.

So, while seafood is the best omega-3 source, a supplement is a better choice for most people.  It’s a more affordable and simply an easier option for insuring you are well nourished.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/discover-the-best-omega3-1432980.html

How Omega3 Significantly Improves Mood and Behaviour in Adults and Children

Many recent studies are backing up previous claims about how omega3 and mood are closely connected, helping to greatly improve serious conditions like anxiety and depression and even schizophrenia. With our omega3 intake at a historic low, it is essential for us to increase our consumption of the right ones.

Some amazing results have been coming out of the UK but still more research and funding is needed. Dr Alex Richardson from the University of Oxford confirms that omega3 and mood improvements go hand in hand, having a positive impact on mood disorders, behaviour and learning.

In children, significant improvements have been made in areas like ADD, ADHD and autism and a reduction in violent disorders too.

It is believed that omega3 is one of the most important additions you can make to a child’s diet and an adult’s for that matter, as they provide crucial nutrients for brain development, especially the DHA omega 3 fatty acids.

In adults their effects are so powerful it is believed that taking a daily supplement could actually help you avoid such diseases like Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia altogether.

As fish are the best source but are full of contaminants today, health experts recommended a daily fish oil supplement, but careful selection is needed to obtain the maximum benefits.

In fish oil you have the two main fatty acids DHA and EPA and as you can see, the DHA is the most valuable and you should always have a minimum of 270mg per capsule and about twice the amount of EPA.

 DHA is crucial for brain health and mental well-being and has been shown to lift depression and help to restore balance to the brain.

Purity is very important too and a distilled oil will have all the toxins like arsenic and lead removed and be concentrated with higher omega3 levels to provide more benefits to you.  Check the label to ensure this has been done otherwise you may ingest these toxins and they are especially harmful for kids.

Many manufacturers avoid distilling to save money and say that it’s not necessary, but it is!

I hope this article about the relationship between omega3 and mood has shown you what an incredible natural substance it is and why we should all try to make sure we get more of it.

If you would like to learn more about the high quality DHA omega3 supplements I personally take daily, visit my website today.

Discover the best omega-3 fish oil today.

Rich Hawkins is a dedicated researcher of nutrition, diet and the amazing health benefits of high-quality fish oil. Take a moment to visit his site now at www.best-omega-3-supplement.com and discover the very latest and effective omega-3 fish oil supplements Rich recommends after extensive research.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/how-omega3-significantly-improves-mood-and-behaviour-in-adults-and-children-1429372.html

Omega 3 ADHD Study and The Benefits of Fish Oils

There has been a lot of press recently about an omega 3 ADHD study from the University of South Australia that showed many improvements were found, but much more research is needed. Here are the main benefits and how to find the right oil.

Although improvements were shown, there is still a long way to go to prove that fish oils are beneficial for ADHD. On a more personal levels however, I know that they work.

I have a four year old son who was recently diagnosed with mild autism, which I know is not the same but many of the characteristic from ADHD overlap. After six months on DHA fish oils, I have seen significant improvements that weren’t down to just normal development, especially in verbal skills and comprehension, his two main problems.

DHA is the main brain fatty acid if you like and far more important than the other main one called EPA. The problem is manufacturers still put in more EPA as it’s cheaper to produce and they are not up-to-date with the latest research.

Over 30% of an adult brain is made up of DHA fats and they have been proven to significantly lessen the affects of depression, bi-polar disorders and schizophrenia, and even thought to help you avoid them altogether with a daily supplement.

I am sure we will see many more omega 3 ADHD studies in the future, using higher DHA levels with even more positive results. As these natural oils are already proven to help with children’s development, coordination and verbal ability, it can only be a positive thing to include them in the diet.

Prevention of heart disease, lower cholesterol, better vision and prevention of breast and prostate cancer are just some of the other benefits to be had.

To get these, look for fish oil supplements high in DHA, at least 270mg per capsule, and no less or you won’t get all the benefits.

A distilled oil, especially for kids, is essential to have removed all the toxins, leaving only safe and pure oil, just check the label.

If you follow these steps you will soon be able to enjoy all the wonderful benefits these oils provide without the risk, and help to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and many other health issues.

If you would like to learn more about the high quality DHA omega 3 supplements I personally take and give to my son daily, visit my website today.

Discover the best omega-3 fish oil today.

Rich Hawkins is a dedicated researcher of nutrition, diet and the amazing health benefits of high-quality fish oil. Take a moment to visit his site now at www.best-omega-3-supplement.com and discover the very latest and effective omega-3 fish oil supplements Rich recommends after extensive research.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/omega-3-adhd-study-and-the-benefits-of-fish-oils-1429377.html

Why You Need the Correct Balance of Essential Fatty Acids

Did you know what are commonly referred to as essential fatty acids are those fatty acids that cannot be constructed in an organism from other components via any known chemical pathways?  The term essential refers to those fatty acids that are involved in various biological processes in the body.  These nutrients must be gathered from our diets, and we must take care that we have the correct balance between n3 and n6 fatty acids.

Both of these families of fatty acids are essential to the proper function of the body, but you must take care that you are taking in equal or higher levels of n3 fatty acids to n6.  Both of these families cause inflammation, with n3 fatty acids being the less inflammatory of the two.  Some inflammation is necessary for productive immune system function, but too much inflammation can lead to disease.

Both of these essential fatty acids are vying to be the chosen inflammatory agent that the immune system uses to heal.  The problem with n6 fatty acids is that they do not have an “off switch”, and so when the healing is done the inflammation continues at full strength.  This constant inflammation leads to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease, allergies and asthma, and arthritis.

N3 fatty acids are considered less inflammatory that n6 fatty acids, because when the healing is done they simply stop attacking the areas where the illness or injury occurred.  This is why it is recommended that your focus be on increasing the amount of omega-3s in your diet, so that they will be the predominant fatty acid used by the body.  High levels of DHA and EPA omega-3s has been shown to produce some truly wonderful disease preventative benefits.

It has been proven that high levels of DHA and EPA omega-3 essential fatty acids prevent the development of a variety of common ailments.  These include cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, allergies, asthma, arthritis, and gout.  Omega-3s have also been found beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and in colon, prostate, and breast cancer.

So far as the effect these essential nutrients have on your mental function, they have been proven to help manage depression, ADHD, aggressive behavior, and suicidal tendencies.  They have also been shown to prevent the formation of the amyloid plaque that is a primary precursor to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.  It is suspected that the prevention of Parkinson’s disease is also possible.

In order to guarantee that you are getting sufficient amounts of DHA and EPA essential fatty acids in your diet, you must use a high quality dietary supplement.  Raising the level of these omega-3s through increasing the amount of fish in your diet is not an option, because of the toxins present in these fish.  A process of molecular distillation must be performed on the oil, in order to ensure its purity.

Make no mistake about it.  It is simply amazing what a significant increase in DHA and EPA omega-3 essential fatty acids can do for you.  Take advantage of these benefits by getting your hands on a high quality DHA rich dietary fish oil supplement as soon as you are able.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/why-you-need-the-correct-balance-of-essential-fatty-acids-1412564.html

Discover the Benefits of Increasing Omega 3 Fish Oil in your Diet

If you pay any attention at all to the scientific or medical news, then you have more than likely heard about some of the benefits that can come from increasing the amount of omega3 fish oil you consume.  Omega-3 fatty acids can be a boon to your health in many ways, as it is now known for its effectiveness in treating and preventing a variety of ailments.  You have to be careful where these omega-3s are coming from though.

The consumption of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, flounder, sardines, and lake trout was for years considered the best way to increase the level of DHA and EPA fatty acids, but this is no longer the case.  We have filled the waters that these fish swim in with toxins and carcinogens, so it has come to the point now that the consumption of large amounts of fish could be more hazardous to us then beneficial.

DHA and EPA omega3 fish oil has been proven in many clinical studies conducted over the last few decades to greatly benefit heart health.  It has been shown that no matter what the fat content of your diet these essential fatty acids lower your triglyceride levels, and lowers your blood pressure.  They will also slow your heart rate, reduce heartbeat irregularities, and promote circulation.

It has been discovered that omega-3 fatty acids help you to avoid thrombosis by preventing blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots.  They help prevent atherosclerosis, which is where an artery wall thickens as a result of a build-up of fatty materials.  These essential nutrients have also been found to have a positive effect on your mental health as well.

Both DHA and EPA omega3 fish oil have been proven to be highly instrumental in both the cognitive development of an individual, and in the maintenance of normal brain function.  They are very effective in the treatment of mood disorders such as depression, and there is evidence that they are powerful preventatives of diseases like Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Studies conducted on pregnant women have shown that those that maintain high blood levels of DHA throughout the pregnancy give birth to more intelligent children.  Peak supplementation levels are especially important during the third trimester, when the most dramatic cognitive development takes place.  These children have an advantage early in life that their peers born with low levels of DHA don’t enjoy.

The best source of DHA rich omega3 fish oil is high quality molecularly distilled dietary fish oil supplements.  The reason that you require a formula that has undergone molecular distillation is because the levels of toxins such as arsenic, mercury, lead, dioxins, PCBs, and chlordane is high in natural fish oil.  This particular form of vacuum distillation is the most effective way to separate the DHA and EPA from the toxins.

Make no mistake about it, purity is the most important factor when considering an omega3 fish oil supplement.  If you are dealing with a company that will not discuss the purity level measurements on the independent party Certificate of Analysis, then you need to buy from someone more reputable.  Your ensured health depends on it.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/discover-the-benefits-of-increasing-omega-3-fish-oil-in-your-diet-1412572.html

Learn the Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Let me tell you a quick story.  You would think that all of the reported benefits of omega-3 fatty acids would be too much for people to ignore, yet there are many people not taking advantage of these wonder nutrients.  These essential fatty acids play a role in the treatment and prevention of many of the inflammatory ailments that affect us all, and each of us can become healthier simply by including higher doses of omega-3s in our diet.

Omega fatty acids come from what are referred to as “oily” fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, and flounder.  These fish do not naturally create their own oil through some biological process, but acquire oil through the smaller, algae consuming fish on which they feed.  These “prey” fish obtain omega fatty acids through their diet, and pass them on to the fish which feed on them.

This is how these larger fish accumulate the omega-3 fatty acids in their system, but that is not all that they accumulate through eating these algae feeding fish.  These smaller fish are also full of toxins obtained from their environment, and these also build up in our sources of dietary fatty acids.  The higher up a fish is in the food chain, the higher the level of toxicity.

The toxins typically present in these commonly eaten fish include mercury, cadmium, lead, chlordane, dioxins, furans, and PCBs.  Although PCBs were banned from use a number of years ago, they are still present in our water.  Like the other chemicals found that are present, PCBs are toxic, and they have been directly connected to the formation of liver cancer.

The best suggestion for obtaining high levels of omega-3 fatty acids is to get them through molecularly distilled fish oil capsules.  This way you are guaranteed that the toxins in the oil are no longer at measureable levels, and you can simply concentrate on enjoying the many benefits that these nutrients offer.  Let’s take a quick look at what these essential fatty acids will do for you.

First of all, DHA and EPA omega fatty acids will eliminate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.  They will improve your circulation, lower your blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, prevent arrhythmia, and thwart the formation of blood clots.  They also stop the formation of fatty tissue in the arteries that is known as atherosclerosis.

High doses of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids have also bee proven to improve cognitive function, and to prevent mood disorders such as aggression, depression, and they help in the treatment of suicidal tendencies.  Scientist are very excited by research that shows that these essential fatty acids may be beneficial in the prevention of memory related disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease.

Now that you know this, these are just some of the things that DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids can do, and there is even some evidence that they may play a role in the prevention and treatment of cancer.  Studies are still ongoing to determine the extent to which these nutrients can help with that, but no matter how these studies work out there are too many benefits for you not to be taking a quality fish oil supplement.  Wouldn’t you agree?

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/learn-the-benefits-of-omega3-fatty-acids-1406200.html

Discover an Effective Fish Oil Concentrate

Let’s face it.  In order for you to achieve an optimum level of health, you are going to have to start supplementing your diet with a DHA rich high quality fish oil concentrate.  Over the last few decades we have been discovering the amazing benefits of increasing the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in our diets.  Once you find out exactly how much they can do for you, it will be easy to see why it is imperative that you get these essential fatty acids in your diet.

We have known that omega-3s produced some health benefits for us since the 1930’s, but it wasn’t until 40 years later that we began to recognize the extent of what these essential fatty acids could do.  Since then, we have found that omega-3 fatty acids provide a wealth of benefits towards the treatment of certain diseases, and the prevention of many others.

The daily consumption of a high quality DHA rich fish oil concentrate can virtually wipe out any incidence of heart disease.  It has been proven that you can have lower triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, slow your heart rate, decrease the incidence of potentially life threatening arrhythmia, stimulate blood circulation, increase the breakdown of clot and scar producing fibrin, prevent atherosclerosis, and prevents blood platelets from sticking together and causing clots to form.

Cardiovascular health is not all that is improved by an increase in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids in the diet.  They are also important for the cognitive development, and the maintenance of normal brain function of humans.  It has been proven that incidences of depression, aggressive behavior, and suicidal thought and tendencies can be reduced through an increase in dietary fish oil.

It has also been shown that a DHA and EPA fish oil concentrate reduces the odds of the development of age related memory loss.  These essential nutrients aid in preventing the formation of the amyloid plaque that forms in the neuro-pathway’s of the brain.  These two omega fatty acids have also shown some promise in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

The main reason that it is recommended that you supplement your diet with a DHA and EPA rich omega fatty acid supplement instead of simply increasing the amount of fish that you eat is simple.  Our waters have become so polluted that the fish are becoming more and more toxic to humans.  In order to lower the risk that these toxins pose, fish oil supplements are the delivery method of choice.

This is because a high quality fish oil concentrate has gone through a purifying procedure known as molecular distillation.  This is where the toxins in the fish oil become separated from the ethyl esters by way of lowering the pressure above the fish oil to below the level which results in the vaporization of the volatile compounds present.  This leaves you with pure, highly concentrated ethyl ester oil.

By taking advantage of a DHA rich bio-available ethyl ester fish oil concentrate, you can expect significant improvements to your health.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/discover-an-effective-fish-oil-concentrate-1406209.html

Natural Testosterone Supplements for an Improved Libido and Overall Health

There is nothing in a man’s body that influences him more than Testosterone. It is the hormone that makes men men and gives them their male traits and characteristics.

Increase testosterone production during puberty is what leads to the additional growth of external male genitalia, growth of facial and torso hair etc., Testosterone is the hormone that governs sex drive, sexual and erectile function in men. Not only this, it also regulates your reproductive function by controlling the production of sperm.

Your higher muscle mass and strength factor and aggressive behavior are also a contribution of this male hormone.

I think it is apt to say “Men would not be men without testosterone.”

However, testosterone levels begin declining with age and this leads to a whole lot of changes in the body as well as your behavior.

Reduced sex drive, impotence or erectile disorder, loss of lean muscle, increased fat content and weight gain, mood swings, depression are all effects of low testosterone levels.

However, restoring testosterone levels can help you overcome all the above effects. This is what years of research has revealed.

However, testosterone replacement therapy comes with some serious side effects such as development of male breast, fluid retention, enlargement of prostate, increase in red blood cells resulting in higher chances of heart strokes and diabetes etc.,

However, there are some herbal or natural supplements that can help boost testosterone levels without any side effects.

Natural Testosterone Supplements

There are some natural testosterone supplements that are formulated with finest herbal extracts and other natural ingredients that have been used since ages to enhance testosterone and male libido.

Some of such herbs that can do wonders for your testosterone levels include  Tribulus Terrestris and Tongat Ali or Long Jack.

Tribulus Terrestris is also known as the Puncture Vine. Under the Indian Medicine Syetm of Ayurveda it is called Gokshura and is used to treat various sort of male health problems includes sexual dysfunction and lack of ejaculatory control.

Tribulus Terrestris helps increase the production of Lutenizing hormone that helps stimulate and increase the production of testosterone by the testes.

It is one of the most important ingredients in may herbal male enhancement pills.

Tongat Ali or Long jack is another herb that can boost testosterone levels.

Natural testosterone supplements combine these herbs with other natural herbs and nutrients so that your body not only produces more testosterone but your blood circulation can also be increased. Moreover, they have a therapeutic effect on your mental or emotional state and are likely to reduce stress.

Here it is important to note that stress is one of the major factors that can diminish testosterone production.

Some of the benefits of natural testosterone supplements include:

  • improved libido and powerful erections
  • increased energy levels
  • gain in lean muscle
  • reduced fat content and weight loss
  • better mood and improved sleep quality
  • improved mental alertness and memory etc.,

There is hardly anything ion your body that remains untouched with these supplements.

Though natural supplements are not regulated by FDA it is important that they should be clinically approved. Moreover, they should be manufactured in a cGMP certified or FDA approved lab facility.

High quality supplements are clinically approved and recommended by doctors as well. Moreover, they are free of side effects and come with an iron clad money back guarantee.

Find out more on the best Natural Testosterone Supplements for men that are clinically approved and have helped thousands of men boost their testosterone levels without the side effects of testosterone replacement therapy.

Matt Penn is a leading health expert and has helped many a men get over various health problems with natural supplements and cures. Find out more on the Best Natural Testosterone Booster for men.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/natural-testosterone-supplements-for-an-improved-libido-and-overall-health-1406913.html

Discover the Benefits Associated with Fish Oils and Depression

I was concerned when I heard that many doctors are missing the boat by not advising their patient as to the proven benefits associated with fish oils and depression.  It seems as though whenever you visit the doctor for any reason, they are quick to want to prescribe some sort of chemically based drug to you in order to treat the problem.  None of the formulas designed to treat ailments such as depression are without their side effects though.

It seems as though no medical professional is willing to even discuss the findings of thousands of clinical studies that point out that a high level of DHA omega-3 fatty acid is just as effective at treating depression and other mood disorders as the medication currently being prescribed.  The only difference between fatty acids and those prescription medications is that fatty acids do not present any risk.

The connection between fish oils and depression is cemented in the fact that so many studies have proven that the cause of depression and other mood disorder stem from a deficiency in DHA omega-3 fatty acids.  It has been shown that low levels of DHA in the frontal cortex of the brain can cause a lot of things to happen, with depression, aggressive behavior, hostility, and suicidal tendencies topping the list.

Why is it that so many people nowadays suffer from lowered levels of DHA, and omega-3s in general?  A lot of it has to do with what is in our diet.  DHA is an essential fatty acid, and although the body can produce some DHA by deriving it from EPA, it is much more efficient for us to obtain our DHA through the foods that we eat.  This is where we run into problems.

The connection between fish oils and depression may have come to the forefront specifically because of our diets.  We have moved away from the healthy, natural, omega-3 rich foods that we used to eat, and instead now subsist on vast amounts of foods containing soy, corn, palm, and cottonseed oils.  The consumption of soy oil alone has increased a thousand-fold over the last 100 years.

What this has done is totally throw the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids out of whack.  We are consuming far more omega-6 fatty acids now than omega-3s, and this is very bad.  While we need both types of omega fatty acids and the inflammation that they cause in order to have a strong immune system, omega-6s produce far more inflammation than the body needs, which can be harmful.

Omega-3 fatty acids balance out the harmful effect that can be caused by unchecked levels of omega-6s.  Your levels of omega-3 fatty acids will ideally be higher than those of omega-6 in order to prevent the diseases caused by chronic inflammation.  Low levels of DHA omega-3 fish oils and depression will be remedied once a DHA rich omega-3 dietary supplement is added to your diet.

Make no mistake about it, the connection between fish oils and depression has been made and omega-3 fatty acid fish oil supplements are the answer to all of your problems.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/discover-the-benefits-associated-with-fish-oils-and-depression-1398572.html

How to Help Postpartum Depression

Did you know postpartum depression is a condition affecting an estimated 5-25% of mothers, right after or around the time of birth?  There is no better estimate, because researchers believe that many women fail to report the symptoms, possibly due to embarrassment or concern about being stigmatized, considered a “bad” mother.

There is reason to believe that the cause of the condition, particularly when no depressive disorders were present prior to the pregnancy, may actually be inadequate nutritional intake.  Hormonal changes have been blamed for the “baby blues” for many years.  But, inadequate nutrient intake will also have a negative effect on hormones.

The body can only produce hormones when essential fatty acids are present in the diet.  While most people in the US and other developed nations get enough omega-6 fatty acids, they do not get enough omega-3s.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in walnuts, kiwi, olives and canola oil.  They are found in other fats, as well, but not in very large amounts.  Most fats provide more omega-6s than omega-3s.

Of all of the dietary sources, the best is fatty fish.  Fatty fish also provide two unique omega-3s that are not present in other foods.  One of those is DHA and low levels of DHA, specifically may be the underlying cause of postpartum depression.

Inadequate intake of the B vitamins, iron and calcium may also be a problem.  There are plausible links between a lack of selenium and zinc, as well.

In general, a woman should take a good multi-nutritional supplement, whether she is pregnant or not.  She should also take a good fish oil supplement, because that is the best source of DHA.

Low levels of DHA have been linked to a variety of depressive disorders and behavioral problems.  The brain needs DHA to repair damage done to cells during the day.  Not only could a DHA supplement reduce a woman’s risk of postpartum depression, it could insure that her baby’s brain develops properly.

It could reduce the child’s risk of developing allergies, asthma and attention deficit disorders in later life.  But, it is absolutely essential for normal brain development in the fetus.

How the baby gets enough DHA when mom doesn’t get it in her diet is still a mystery.  It is believed that the body converts ALA, a shorter omega-3 that is more abundant in the diet, to DHA and directs that to the developing fetus.  High levels of DHA are known to be present in the umbilical cord, at birth.  So, obviously the mother’s body is directing all of her nutritional reserves to the developing infant.

That could be the underlying cause of postpartum depression.  It could make many women feel a lot better to know that it is not their fault for feeling sad or depressed after giving birth.

That’s one reason that researchers would like for all pregnant and recently pregnant women to know that some affordable dietary supplements, readily available in any drugstore or on the internet could be highly beneficial for postpartum depression.  Since they are completely safe, there’s no reason not to try them.  They could only help.

Laurel Cohen is a strong advocate of natural health in all its forms: skin care, supplementation, and farm fresh foods. She enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily. Visit her site http://www.omega-3-for-health.com to learn about the omega 3 fish oils Laurel uses daily for optimal health.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/how-to-help-postpartum-depression-1398577.html