Fish oil can be consumed either through eating fish or by taking supplements. Fish oil is considered a “brain food” according to Medline Plus because fish and fish oil consumption has been used by some to treat depression, attention deficit disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and other similar disorders. There have been preliminary studies showing the benefits of fish and fish oil consumption for treating depression, but the research is limited. Fish oil is not considered an acceptable substitute for antidepressants, but there are also no known conflicts between depression medication and fish oil.
Fish Oil
Fish oil can be obtained from a variety of fish or as part of a supplement. Fishes high in fish oil include salmon, sardines and albacore tuna. Fish oil is known for its high omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with a number of health benefits. According to Science Daily, Dr. Barbara Levine from Cornell Medical College considers omega-3 fatty acids to be a natural antidepressant. While preliminary evidence is supportive of omega-3 fatty acids for helping treat depression, there is still insufficient evidence to guarantee any benefits. Consult your doctor to determine the best course of treatment if you believe you are suffering from depression.
Benefits
According to Medline Plus, fish oil has been demonstrated as being possibly effective for treating certain mental disorders. These disorders include bipolar disorder, psychosis and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Medline Plus also lists Alzheimer’s disease, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, schizophrenia and overall cognitive function as being common diseases associated with fish oil as a potential treatment, but which lack sufficient scientific study to rate its effectiveness. Fish oil is not considered an acceptable substitute for conventional medication for treating any of these conditions.
Medication Conflicts
Potential medication conflicts include birth control pills, medications for high blood pressure and anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. If you are taking any of these medications and are considering increasing your fish oil consumption, talk to your doctor before doing so. As well, speak with a medical professional before you begin taking fish oil supplements as a treatment for any type of condition.
Considerations
Fish oil is considered likely safe for most people. It can also be safely consumed by pregnant and breast-feeding women, so long as the dosage is below 3 grams per day. Side effects of fish oil include bad breath, heartburn, nausea, belching, looser stools, rashes and nosebleeds. Taking fish oil supplements with food can significantly reduce these side effects. To avoid potential complications, however, consult a medical professional before you begin taking fish oil supplement for any condition.
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