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Depresson and the Caviar cure

Reference #: 540
Submit Date: 18 Mar 2003
Browse Category: depression
Author: none
Email Address: none
Treatment used: caviar
You can buy this remedy at: any food store
Remedy will cost you: unknown
Country of Remedy: USA
Remedy Source: folklore
More Links about this Remedy: http://www.menstuff.org/issues/byissue/depression.html
# Comments posted to this remedy: 0
Complaints Reported: 0
# of times remedy read: 13,647


Dosage Info:
Typical Dosage: unknown
Dosage should be related to weight: unknown
 
Dosages used in clinical trials are significant: unknown
Maximum dosages in relation to side effects and serious side effects: unknown
Other foods/nutrients/medications that can affect absorption or utilization: unknown
Foods that provide the nutrient recommended as a remedy (or reference giving same): unknown



Ratings:
Total # reviewers: 0
Average Rating: 0.00
 
Effectiveness: 0.00
No Side Effects: 0.00
Ease of Use: 0.00
Effective after long term use: 0.00
Cost Effectiveness: 0.00


Browse: depression

Remedy Description

It might sound a little fishy, but there is growing evidence that caviar

can help chase away the blues. Early research suggests that people

suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health

problems can benefit from diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids -- found in

abundance in certain types of fish.



In one study, people with bipolar disorder -- previously known as manic

depression -- had significantly fewer depressive episodes when their diets

were supplemented with omega-3. And earlier research comparing 10

countries found that depression was much lower in areas where fish is a

dietary staple.



Omega-3 -- abundant in cold-water fish (such as salmon and mackerel), some

nuts, and flaxseed -- has already been shown to protect against heart

disease. The evidence is so strong that the American Heart Association now

recommends eating salmon or tuna at least twice a week. Studies also

indicate that the fatty acid may benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis,

stomach or intestinal diseases, and even certain cancers.



"We know that omega-3 is good for your body, and there is certainly enough

evidence to suggest there is at least something there to improve mood,"

says Andrew Stoll, MD, who directs the psychopharmacology research lab at

McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass. "Almost every patient in my practice has

tried [fish oil] supplements, and most are still on them."



In a 1999 study, Stoll and colleagues gave 30 patients with bipolar

disorder either 10 grams of omega-3-rich fish oil capsules a day (the

equivalent of 30 cans of tuna), or placebo capsules containing olive oil.

All of the participants had experienced bipolar episodes within the

previous year, and all but eight were on medication during the study.

People with bipolar disorder have episodes of depression alternating with

times of mania -- when their bodies are so revved up and hyper that they

can't even sleep.



After four months, half of the patients given placebo capsules had

relapsed into depression, compared to just two of the 15 patients taking

fish oil supplements. Stoll is now conducting a four-year study involving

120 patients in an effort to confirm the results. And he says several

other studies examining fish oil and depression should be published soon.



"Our earliest study used very high doses, but it looks like 1 to 2 grams

per day of EPA, which is the active ingredient in fish oil, is all you

need," Stoll tells WebMD. "But all fish oil supplements are not equal, so

you have to read the labels to find out how much EPA [one type of fish

oil] you are getting."



Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies are the fish with the highest

amounts of omega-3, Stoll says.



A serving of salmon contains about a gram of omega-3. Certain brands of

eggs are also rich in omega-3, and flaxseed and walnuts are also good

dietary sources.



While some heart studies suggest that food sources are more protective

than supplements, most people in this country get very little omega-3 in

their daily diets. In that case, Stoll favors supplements and recommends

that people take vitamin E and C as well. He has written a book on the

health benefits of fish oil titled The Omega-3 Connection.



"Omega-3 is not intended to replace other medications for depression,"

Stoll says. "But the evidence is mounting that it can play a role in

treatment. And there is no downside to eating an omega-3-rich diet."



Source: Salynn Boyles, my.webmd.com/content/article/1674.53106

http://www.menstuff.org/issues/byissue/depression.html

This remedy can also be used for:



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