Many people think of fish oil as a natural treatment for cardiovascular disorders and arthritis. However, this useful supplement can play a vital role in emotional health. Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids play a crucial role in the functioning of the brain and can have positive emotional benefits. This is because of the two main chemicals: docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. The combination of these two chemicals can have positive emotional benefits.
Depression
Omega-3 increases serotonin and acts like an antidepressant, according to Stephen S. Ilardi Ph.D., author of "The Depression Cure." When serotonin is increased, depression is decreased. One of the reasons that fish oil works so well is that DHA and EPA help neurons communicate. They play an important role in the brain and treating depression. Both DHA and EPA can promote a general feeling of wellness and elevate moods.
Relieving Anxiety
Fish oil is brain food and can help relieve anxiety, according to Harold Bloomfield, author of "Healing Anxiety Naturally." Proper brain function can help reduce anxiety. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for anxiety as the DHA helps aid in normal brain development. The brain is comprised of over 60 percent fatty acids. The depletion of omega-3 fatty acids can trigger a series of emotional issues, including anxiety. Anxiety can lead to high blood pressure and other medical conditions. Thus, making sure you take a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil as directed can help with your health, which will help reduce anxiety even more.
Reducing Stress
Fish oil such as omega-3 can reduce stress because it lowers the stress hormone cortisol, Andrew L. Stoll M.D writes in "The Omega-3 Connection." Stress has a variety of symptoms that can include headaches, tension and muscle aches. These symptoms can be due to essential fatty-acid depletion. A pharmaceutical-grade fish oil taken as instructed can help balance the mind and reduce stress, which can help create an overall feeling of balance and emotional wellness.
References
- "The Omega-3 Connection"; Dr. Andrew Stoll, M.D.; 2001
- "Healing Anxiety Naturally"; Harold Bloomfield;1998
- "The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression Without Drugs; Stephen S. Ilardi, Ph.D.; 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Depression: Fish Oil Supplements: Can They Treat Depression?
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