Bipolar disorder is a common illness characterized by alternating, recurrent episodes of depression and mania. A growing body of scientific evidence has accumulated over the past 10 years suggesting an association between insufficient dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids (such as those found in fish oil) and several psychiatric illnesses, particularly those involving mood disorders.
The few available scientific studies show results that, while difficult to interpret, seem to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids do improve depression symptoms in patients affected by bipolar disorder, and other depressive conditions (Lin & Su, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 2007). Effects on manic symptoms, on the other hand, do not appear from these studies. Research on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and bipolar disorder continues, however, spurred by evidence of a connection provided by different types of scientific studies:
Physiological and biochemical evidence. The brain is one of the organs with the highest level of lipids (fats), and omega-3 fatty acids make up approximately one third of the lipids of the brain cortex (the gray matter). It is known that nutritional deficiencies of these nutrients affect brain function. For example, experiments measuring the neurological and intellectual performance of babies fed formula milk that varied in omega-3 fatty acid content revealed a significant connection (Bourre JM, Medical Science (Paris), 2005) .
Epidemiological evidence. The prevalence of bipolar, and other disorders in different countries is lower where fish oil intake, through fish consumption, is higher, an indirect measure of omega-3 fatty acid intake (Noaghiul and Hibbeln, American Journal of Psychiatry, 2003). In fact, the connection between mood problems and omega-3 fatty acids goes one step further, as blood levels of these nutrients can predict suicide risk in depressive patients (Sublette et al., American Journal of Psychiatry, 2006).
Pending further research, the use of fish oil for patients with bipolar disorder is currently endorsed by the medical community, as a complement to other forms of therapy (Turnbull et al, Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 2007; Montgomery & Richardson, Cochrane Datab. Syst. Review, 2008). This recommendation is primarily based on two considerations: first, while not conclusive, there is substantial evidence of a beneficial effect on depression symptoms; second, there are next to no adverse side effects reported, and limited to occasional, mild, and transient gastrointestinal symptoms.
What could fish oil and blood sugar have to do with one another? More than you might think, as it turns out. For people who are at risk for developing diabetes or who have already been diagnosed, using fish oil as a dietary supplement may bring positive results.
The disease occurs when the body cannot properly store and release sugar, a process which requires the hormone insulin. It can develop because the body does not produce enough insulin (this is called Type 1), or because their cells become resistant to the effects of insulin (Type 2) Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2, serious health complications can develop, especially cardiovascular disease, eye disease and slow healing.
The oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to have a number of health benefits, especially for diabetics or those at risk for the disease. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that children who have more omega-3 fatty acids in their diet are less likely to develop the early signs of Type 1 diabetes (the type caused by the failure to produce sufficient insulin). Type 1 is most common in children. If you are considering giving your child omega-3 supplements, you should always consult your pediatrician first; children cannot handle adult doses of these supplements, and complications could develop. Your doctor can help you decide on the best course for your family.
For people with Type 2, cardiovascular disease is a serious concern. Taking an omega-3 supplement can reduce the amount of triglycerides in the blood, a form of fat associated with hardening of the arteries and, because of this, with heart attack and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, keeping triglyceride levels low significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Diabetics are at higher than normal risk for cardiovascular disease and tend to have high levels of triglycerides. Taking an omega-3 supplement may therefore help by lowering those levels, as shown in a 1998 and 2000 study in the journal “Diabetes Care.”
In addition, some have suggested that fish oil helps diabetics control their blood sugar, but researchers have failed to find reliable evidence. Therefore, diabetics should continue their present regimens for controlling blood sugar, and consult with their doctors about new findings that may arise. Nevertheless, the addition of omega-3 fatty acids can still have positive benefits by reducing their risk of cardiovascular problems.
You may take skin care for granted as something that you do not really have to worry about. However, your skin is actually the largest organ in your body and performs vital functions to help keep you healthy. You should take care of your skin, since it helps take care of you! Fish oil benefits your skin when taken as a supplement because it protects your skin and reduces the effects of aging over time.
Your skin acts as a barrier to harmful bacteria and infectious agents. In this way it protects you from potential sickness. Also, healthy skin is much more appealing for your appearance. Fish oil supplements help to nourish your skin and prevent wrinkling as you age.
How does fish oil benefit your skin, anyway? During the aging process a chemical called arachidonic acid builds up in the body which causes the production pro-inflammatory agents. These pro-inflammatory agents reduce the blood flow to your skin which, in turn, reduces the production of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for the bouncy elasticity of your skin when you are young. Fish oil supplements encourage the body to produce more collagen and elastin, combating the effects of arachidonic acid build up, and restoring your skin to its youthful look.
Fish oil benefits your skin in other ways as well. Over the long term dry skin can result in redness, flakiness, and even eczema. Because fish oil acts as an anti-inflammatory, it increases blood flow and provides nourishment to your skin. Fish oil can also be applied topically to relieve discomfort caused by psoriasis and eczema.
Fish oil can provide the same nourishment and care as expensive spa treatments at a huge cost difference. Because of the affordability of fish oil supplements they are a much better option. Better yet, fish oil is a natural, pain-free source of nourishment with no side-effects!
Do fish oil supplements nourish your body in other ways? Absolutely. Besides the help that it provides for individuals who suffer from heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, depression, anxiety, arthritis, and a long list of other conditions, fish oil even helps to keep you hair healthy. The Omega 3 essential fatty acids in fish oil supplements promote shine and luster in your hair and help to promote natural hair growth by nourishing and stimulating the hair follicle. Since fish oil provides an excellent source of protein it also provides the raw materials needed to grow hair.
In many ways fish oil is like the miracle supplement. It contributes to bodily health in a multitude of ways. Fish oil can either be found by simply eating a substantial portion of seafood in your diet, or it can be taken as a supplement.
Borage is an oil which is the richest source of the fatty acid gamma linolenic acid, containing anywhere from 20% to 26% of it. GLA has the interesting property of being converted into prostaglandin E1, or PGE1 for short. PGE1 is a hormone like substance which has the health beneficial effects of thinning the blood and dilating the blood vessels as well has conferring slight anti-inflammatory advantages. The metabolism of GLA into PGE1 inside the body can be disrupted and interfered through various factors such as getting old, various diseases, inadequate amounts of vitamins, saturated fats, diabetes, and hydrogenated oils. However, taking supplements such as borage oil will offset this imbalance by flooding the body with more GLA and theoretically PGE1. Borage oil derives from seeds of the Borago officinalis plants.
Other essential fatty acids are also contained within the various fish oil available, which is why borage oil is often mixed with them. By combining fish oil with borage oil, GLA and other fatty acids are mixed in the body in the right proportions to offset a number of illnesses and conditions. For instance, because of its high GLA content, borage oil has been shown to reduce symptoms of pain, stiffness, and stress that are associated with the disease rheumatoid arthritis. There have also been many studies suggesting that these essential fatty acids found in fish oil and borage oil can have a positive effect on many conditions that plague the woman population, including the symptoms of PMS, cramps, and the much dreaded mood swings. Apparently borage oil is also able to help people who suffer from eczema. In fact, in the studies conducted, even the areas not treated with the specific preparation of borage oil healed quite well after other areas were.
There are many people in Western countries who may suffer from an extreme lack of such substances as GLA, and who would therefore benefit greatly from taking them. Especially since the population of western countries is increasingly becoming obese or their nutritional intake is composed of mostly heavily processed foods and unhealthy fats. However, roughly one gram of borage or fish oil daily is enough to offset at least some of the diseases and conditions arising from this. There are a few side effects such as indigestion, bloating, and nausea, but overall there should be little to few problems in consuming these oils and if you are in doubt you should always see you doctor.
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