Omega 3 Bipolar Disorder Benefits

Information about important omega 3 bipolar benefits could be very useful if you or someone you know is suffering from bipolar disorder, or manic depression.

Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by both "high" or manic episodes, as well as periods of feeling low and depressed. These alternating periods can last from hours to weeks. Usually, one extreme dominates, with the other extreme only occurring briefly.

There is much evidence to suggest that omega 3 fatty acids have a positive impact on many mental and psychiatric disorders. These include personality disorder, child behavioral issues, and even schizophrenia. Numerous studies show the beneficial link between consuming omega 3 and depression relief, too, including for bipolar disorder.

Omega 3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, which are found in high amounts in fish oil, help to stabilize and improve the moods of persons who may be depressed. A study conducted at the University of Sheffield, for example, found that the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids helped to alleviate the symptoms of bipolar disorder or manic depression

Another double-blind study which was conducted on persons suffering from bipolar disorder, this one 4-month long, found that these essential fatty acids were able to markedly reduce symptoms.

Omega 3 bipolar benefits apply to prevention, too. Some studies analyzed the blood of depressed persons and found that they have lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids, as compared to their happier counterparts. It has also been put forth that diets rich in fish helped to significantly lower depression rates, supposedly to only 10% the rate of non-fish-eaters.

How omega 3 bipolar disorder or depression benefits come about is not totally clear. Much could be down to the fact that omega 3 fatty acids are critical for brain health and proper function. They also help in the brain's re-uptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter which is important in mood regulation.

Bipolar disorder, as is in the case with all forms of depression, can have a significant adverse impact on a person's ability to live a happy and fulfilling life. In this regard, omega 3 fatty acids may be nature's answer for an effective, safe, and powerful antidepressant.