Depression and Diet: Lack of Omega 3's?
by Gabe
Mirkin, M.D.
zone3
In some people depression may be caused by omega-3 deficiency which
results from not eating enough nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans or
deep-water fish.
Many psychiatrists treat depression with drugs that raise brain levels
of serotonin. Now we learn that a diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids
may lower brain levels of serotonin and can cause depression. Studies show
that depression is associated with low levels of red blood cell membrane
and low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, that increased ratio of omega-6 to
omega-3 fatty acids is associated with increased severity of depression.
Depression is 60 times more common in New Zealand (6 percent) than in
Japan (.12 percent); the difference may be explained by the high intake of
omega-3-rich fish by the Japanese.
Post-partum depression is common in women after they give birth.
Pregnancy uses up huge amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Women with the
lowest blood levels of omega-3s are the ones most likely to suffer
post-partum depression.
Depression increases a person's chances of getting a heart attack.
Depressed people often have low blood levels of omega-3s, and so do people
who are likely to suffer heart attacks. So the association of depression
with heart attacks may be explained by both being caused by low omega-3
fatty acid levels. If these studies can be supported by further studies,
some cases of depression may be prevented and treated by eating plenty of
deep-water fish, nuts, seeds, beans and whole grains.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
For journal references on the studies mentioned in this article. Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and
practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four
specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his
fitness and health reports at http://www.drmirkin.com/
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