In this issue we’re covering the exciting topic of nutrition and mental balance. While there are a number of factors that affect this, nutrition has been found extremely important, especially according to recent research.
Here is news that appeared on ABC a few years back:
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, may hold the key to naturally easing depression.
In the past, studies have shown that in countries where large amounts of fish are consumed, rates of depression are low as compared with countries where little fish is consumed. This has led researchers to examine whether omega-3 fats found in the fish are responsible for the decreased evidence of depression.
One study followed patients with bipolar disorder. Half of the participants were given fish oil tablets and the other half received a placebo. After four months, half of those on the placebo had fallen into depression, but only two out the 15 people given fish oil were depressed.
Other studies have shown similar results indicating that omega-3 fatty acids may in fact relieve depression, and some psychiatrists are now recommending that their depressed patients increase their consumption of these fatty acids.
In addition to its positive effects on depression, studies have linked omega-3s with improved cardio-vascular health, as well as shown them to be a potential prevention and treatment tool for certain cancers an inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
(Source: ABC News of Sept 17th 2002)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READING:
The Omega 3 Connection by Dr. Andrew L Stoll, M.D.
A must-read for anyone dealing with depression, The Omega-3 Connection by Andrew L. Stoll, M.D., strikes yet another blow against the standard American diet. We already know that years of noshing on highly processed foods have saddled us with sky-high rates of heart disease, obesity, and related conditions. But, as we’re starting to understand now, our eating habits may also be subtly altering our brain chemistry, leaving us vulnerable to anxiety disorders and depression. Only in this case, it’s not just what we’re eating–it’s what we’re not eating: foods containing omega-3 essential fatty acids–the “good fats” that help maintain optimal brain function.
In his book, Stoll, the director of the psycho-pharmacology research lab at Boston’s McLean Hospital and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, suggests that restoring our body’s natural balance of omega-3s may help alleviate (and prevent) many types of depression. Omega-3s may also prove helpful with other problems, such as the inability to handle stress, memory loss, and cognitive decline. The book contains a “renewal plan” designed to help readers put Stoll’s concepts into practice, recipes for omega-3-rich dishes, advice for choosing supplements, and dosages for therapeutic use.
OTHER FACTORS OF IMPORTANCE
Exercise, sunshine and blood sugar levels can all play significant roles in mental equilibrium.
Other factors such as stress-causing personalities in the family or workplace can unbalance some people. However, nutritional factors can have a huge impact. Bringing the levels of omega-3 nutrients up to optimum can help the individual withstand more stress.
Our hats are off to Dr. Stoll and others doing this vital nutritional research. With recent discoveries about the role of nutrition and basic environmental factors in mental balance, it is becoming abundantly clear that drugs are unnecessary for the treatment of depression and other mental disorders.
To Mother Nature we are once more indebted!