Fish oil is a dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids, an unsaturated type of fat that is beneficial to cardiovascular health. Fish oil also plays a part in healthy brain functioning, and it appears that people with depression have lower blood levels of chemicals found in fish oil. This may indicate that fish oil can help treat mood problems. The University of Minnesota (UMN) states that fatty acid deficiencies are correlated with increased anxiety as well, implicating fish oil in the treatment of anxiety as well as depression. More research is needed, but ingesting fish oil may help ease mood disturbance, including anxiety.
Step 1
Increase your consumption of fatty fish. Consuming salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and snapper a few times per week is likely the best way to obtain appropriate levels of healthy fish oil, says MayoClinic.com. Ingesting fish oil via whole foods rather than supplements also provides you with other beneficial nutrients, such as protein.
Step 2
Try fish oil supplements for additional omega-3 fatty acids, particularly if you do not enjoy the taste of fish or cannot eat enough of it to obtain its mental health benefits. UMN recommends beginning with 1 g of fish oil per day. Of course, always discuss taking fish oil for your anxiety symptoms with your physician.
Step 3
Eat a balanced diet in addition to your fish oil consumption to obtain the greatest benefit from fish oil. A healthy, nutrient-rich diet will heighten the positive effects of fish oil on your health and well-being.
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