Omega-3: A Natural Depression Supplement?

For depression sufferers, it may seem that their only relief can come from the endless parade of prescription drugs touted in television ads. One after another they offer vague benefits to the depressed while acknowledging a long and scary list of potential side effects. For those who’d rather go the holistic route, there’s a natural depression supplement that may be safer to take: Omega-3. This essential fatty acid is found in everyday foods as well as the vitamin aisle of most grocery and drug stores.

Some researchers believe that Omega-3 may help prevent and alleviate depression because it may increase the amount of tissue in parts of the brain that are often smaller in depression sufferers. But the body doesn’t naturally produce Omega-3, so it must be consumed. The most common source of this possible natural depression supplement is fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and albacore tuna, but you can also find it in walnuts, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds. While other cultures regularly consume fatty fish several times a week, Americans don’t eat it as often. With that in mind, you may want to consider taking fish oil capsules or other supplements to ensure that you are getting enough Omega-3s. Talk to your doctor about the proper dosage.

Every depression sufferer should speak to their physician about their condition so you can decide together whether a natural depression supplement is a viable option. You may discover that one of the many other non-prescription, alternative medicine options for depression available to you, ranging from yoga and meditation to St. John’s Wort, might be helpful in managing symptoms.