Everyday we are bombarded with nutritional advice and new supplements for various health conditions, but one in particular is making great strides in combating a multitude of health issues!
Omega-3 has been known for it’s cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory properties but studies are now demonstrating that a diet rich in Omega-3 helps protect levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain! Doctors don’t really know exactly why that is, but it’s certainly exciting! It means that if you suffer from depression type symptoms, you may greatly benefit by adding Omega-3 to your diet either through food sources or supplementation. Not only will your heart be happier but so will your mood!
Now that we have proof of how important adequate amounts of Omega-3 is to our body, lets take a look at how to make sure we are getting enough! This can be done through food sources, which in my opinion is always a great place to start. Your body knows what to do with whole food as far as breaking it down and processing it naturally. Eating an Omega rich source like oily fish 2-3 times a week would be sufficient for most. If you find you don’t particularly care for the food sources, perhaps a simple supplement would be a better fit.
Food Sources
- Sardines
- Wild Caught Salmon
- Flaxseeds
- Chiaseeds
- Walnuts
- Soybeans
Choosing an Omega-3 supplement can be a daunting task. Understanding what it is help determine the best fit for you. Omega-3 is comprised to two main components – EPA which is the anti-inflammatory aspect and DHA which is the beneficial brain component. So when you’re searching for the right one, read the label! We like Nordic Naturals ProOmega due to their low mercury levels, testing, and quality. I also really like that they add natural flavor (lemon or strawberry) to them so if they happen to repeat a little while your body adjusts to them, it doesn’t leave a fishy aftertaste in your mouth.
If you decide to add Omega-3 supplements to your daily routine, talk to your doctor to be sure there aren’t any interactions with any other medications you may be on. However, studies have shown that the administration of Omega-3 in conjunction with antidepressant treatment is superior to antidepressant treatment alone.