It may sound fishy, but its not. According to a rigorous new research study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry omega-3 fats found in fish oil is one of the most effective natural ways to relieve depression. If the reported results continue to be supported by future studies, it will be good news for the twenty one million American adults who are suffering with depression -- and also trying to deal with the often negative side effects of their anti-depression medications.
In this study, a group of people experiencing serious bouts of depression were given a high-potency fish oil supplement, or a placebo, for eight weeks. They found that the fish oil improved depression about 30% more than the placebo beating the effectiveness of prescription Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac. An earlier Finnish study found a potential, but inconclusive, link between fish intake and depression in a group of 5000 men.
Heres how scientists surmise it works: omega 3s alter the brains cell membranes, making them more fluid and permeable. (BTW: thats why the same cell ability allows fish to avoid freezing in frigid water!) Biochemically, omega-3 fats make brain cells more likely to accept serotonin a neurotransmitter thats known to combat depression. In fact, many studies have found that eating lots of omega-3s increase serotonin levels in the brain.
