Can fish oil help Bipolar Disorder

Posted on 11/02/2013 by Webmaster

Can fish oil help Bipolar disorder?

Scientists have been interested in the fact that in Japan there appears to be much lower rates of bipolar disorder compared to the US and the UK. One interesting factor which may help to explain this apparently is fish!

Japanese people tend to centre their diets on fish. Statistics have shown that on average, Japanese individuals eat a lot more fish than US and UK individuals. Fish is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and strong links have been found with the consumption of these fatty acids and brain health.

The Archives of Psychiatric Nursing (2008) conducted a systematic review looking at Omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for bipolar disorder and concluded that some results do depict that these fatty acids found in fish can alleviate some of the symptoms of bipolar.

Although the evidence is not wholly convincing yet, adding fish into your diet is definitely a healthy way to possibly improve your mental state. Omega-3 supplements are also available in stores; however a natural source (as from fish) is obviously the healthiest way to go about it. Fish is also great for your heart as well as your brain!

Fish Oils provide Omega-3 fatty acids, which are naturally found in oily fish such as Mackerel, Salmon, Herring and Trout . They are classed as 'essential' as they cannot be made within the body. Fish Oil supplements are an ideal way of increasing your intake of these essential fatty acids, without having to eat large amounts of fish. They are also pure and free of contaminants.