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Fish oil and anxiety

Taking fish oil supplements high in the Omega 3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can reduce and possibly even prevent the symptoms associated with anxiety, sadness, depression and many other mood-related conditions. Researchers don't yet know exactly how it works but there is sufficient evidence to suggest that Omega 3 fatty acid deficiencies play a significant role in the onset of such conditions.

Dr Andrew Stoll, director of the Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory at Harvard Medical School, explains in his book "The Omega-3 Connection" how our diet or basically, a lack of Omega 3 fatty acids in our diet, is affecting how our brain functions. Low blood levels of EPA have been found in people suffering from anxiety and depression suggesting that a lack of this essential fatty acid is certainly a significant factor.

It is also now well established that Omega 3 fatty acids have an impact on the development and functioning of the brain. Adequate amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for example, are essential during pregnancy and in the first few years of life for healthy brain development. However, most studies now point to EPA as being the one that is most beneficial for ongoing and healthy brain function as results continue to demonstrate the positive effect that EPA has on mood, memory, concentration, learning and mental health in general.

EPA has anti-inflammatory properties; it also improves the blood flow to the brain and enables greater inter-connectivity between the neural networks. If there is a lack of EPA in the diet then the brain will use replacement fatty acids that are not cut out for the job and it is believed that in this way the mechanisms affecting mood, behaviour and even learning are consequently impaired.

We all need Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids in order to survive and as the body cannot synthesise these, they have to be obtained from the diet. Unfortunately, the Omega 3 to Omega 6 ratio is way out of balance in most western diets with Omega 6 in plentiful supply and our intake of Omega 3 severely lacking.

It is believed that this imbalance, which has got worse over the years, is largely responsible for many conditions affecting the mind and body. It is also believed that some kind of inflammation or inflammatory response is present in all disease so decreasing consumption of Omega 6 fatty acids, which are pro-inflammatory, and increasing intake of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory, is vital for good health.

For example, the higher the concentration of Omega 6 Arachidonic acid (AA) we have in our cells, the greater the number of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (PGE2) we produce. High levels of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids are found in those suffering from anxiety and depression, so the suggestion is that if we increased our consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids then we increase production of the anti-inflammatory eicosanoids and redress this imbalance.

Furthermore, EPA and AA basically compete with each other so we have to ensure that we get enough EPA in order to make a difference. One way to do this is to supplement with quality fish oil containing concentrated EPA. Fish oil would appear to be brain food and as the evidence grows, many are now turning to fish oil to successfully treat anxiety and other mood-related conditions.

Omega 3 fish oils Pure EPA is available exclusively from mind 1st.

Mind1st Information Line: 01772 883950