Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings, according to Mayo Clinic. Bouts of depression during which you may lose interest in friends, family and activities are followed by bouts of mania when you may feel euphoric and unable to sleep for days at a time. The condition is usually controlled by medication and psychotherapy, but people have been looking to natural remedies for a long time.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Fish oils are a source of omega-3 fatty acid which is thought to be significant in the prevention of diseases such as cancer, heart disease and a multitude of other conditions. The Center of Genetics, Nutrition and Health suggest that while human beings evolved on a diet with equal quantities of omega-3 and omega-6 oils, the average American now consumes around 16 times more omega-6 oils than omega-3 oils.
Fish Oils and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 oils can be found in baked foods, red meat and egg yolks while omega-3 oils are found in fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and oily fish such as sardines, salmon, mackerel and tuna. Fish oils contain two types of omega-3 fatty acids which is why you hear so much about them. According to Psych Education, EPA, or eicosapentaenoic, and DHA, or docusahexaenoic, have both shown strong positive results for the treatment of bipolar and other disorders.
Can Fish Oils Treat Bipolar Disorder?
Studies into fish oils and bipolar disorder have produced mixed results and the debate is ongoing. The Nutrition Journal published a study which concluded one or two grams of omega-3 fatty acid may help decrease irritability in bipolar sufferers, while a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry concluded that one component o-f fish oils--EPA--is a well tolerated and effective intervention in bipolar disorder. In 2006 Pubmed published a study which concluded that there was no evidence to suggest EPA can be used to treat bipolar disorder.
How Can Fish Oils Be Taken?
Increase the amount of fish oils you consume by adding oily fish to your diet or consider taking supplements. Never take supplements without consulting a health professional first. Fish oils and fish oil capsules are available, but always be sure to buy from reputable companies that can attest their products are not contaminated with heavy metals such as lead or mercury.
What if I Am Taking Other Medication?
Speak to your healthcare provider to ascertain whether fish oils will react with your medication. Fish oils have been shown to interact with a number of medications including blood thinning medications like aspirin and warfarin, diabetes medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and medications for lowering cholesterol.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Bipolar Disorder
- Pubmed: The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids
- Nutrition Journal: Omega-3 fatty acids decreased irritability of patients with bipolar disorder in an add-on, open label study
- British Journal of Psychiatry: Efficacy of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid in bipolar depression
- Psych Education: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
