[maintainhappiness]

This post could be 1000 pages long describing the numerous amounts of studies, trials, test groups, failures, successes and opinions about natural supplements and mental illness. I won't do this. What I will say is this:

The brain is still a huge mystery regardless of how far we have come with technology. The causes (in some cases) and treatment of mental illness are still in the beginning stages, this is a fact. Now, accepting this means that the only logical thing we can do is to treat and control the illness the best way we can.

Taking an Omega 3 supplement can vastly reduce the effects of depression and anxiety. Research suggests that our modern day food diet does not contain enough of this anti-inflammatory drug, which the brain needs. When Omega 3 fatty acids are low in the brain, there is increased neuro-inflammation and that nice spark between neurons isn't as conductive. These neurons in our brain need to be lubricated in order to create this nice spark.

There are two kinds of Omega 3 fatty acid chains in the brain, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoi acid). From research of test groups, those who suffer from bi-polar and depression had experienced relief when taking a high EPA Omega 3 supplement. 2 grams per day is the therapeutic dosage. To get this dosage, you would need to eat two pounds of salmon everyday and for most people, this is a little too expensive.

Anyone taking Omega's that has a story to share?

[-jimi-]

Tried it. Didn't do anything for me. Nevertheless I realize it is essential and try to get it through diet.

[H3rmit]

I heard that these amino acids can be helpful for people with schizophrenia. I have a friend who gets hallucinations and is afraid he'll be schizophrenic. He's the right age for it, he says. Anyway, the first sign of voices or wiggly walls, he takes 2x1000mg a day til he feels steadier. He has tremendous determination, but the fishpills really help.

[onionknight]

Omega-3s have been shown to help with schizophrenia too so you can advise your friend to take as high a dose of quality supplement as he can stomach. Is the amino acid he is taking NAC? I've seen studies that it helps with symptoms of bipolar and schizophrenia. I hope your friend takes care.

[H3rmit]

Originally Posted by onionknight

Omega-3s have been shown to help with schizophrenia too so you can advise your friend to take as high a dose of quality supplement as he can stomach. Is the amino acid he is taking NAC? .

Brain fart here; sorry, onion-k. Omega-3 fatty acids is what I meant to type, not amino acid.

[avlady]

Omega 3 causes gas, i burp from them and will only take them a few times a week because of it

[onionknight]

Originally Posted by H3rmit

Brain fart here; sorry, onion-k. Omega-3 fatty acids is what I meant to type, not amino acid.

No, seriously, you might have been mistaken, but your friend might want to try taking an amino acid called NAC.

N-acetylcysteine in psychiatry: current therapeutic evidence and potential mechanisms of action

Scroll down to the part with the subhead schizophrenia.