Question: Should I take a fish oil supplement?
Dr. Amen's Answer:
I have advocated that people take a daily fish oil supplement for years. Fish oil is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial to good brain health.
The two most studied fish oils are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is a vital component of cell membranes, especially in the brain and retina. DHA is critical for normal brain development in fetuses and infants and to maintain normal brain function throughout life. DHA appears to be a major factor in the fluidity and flexibility of brain cell membranes, and it could play a major role in how we think and feel.
Fish oil appears to have mood-stabilizing properties when used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. On SPECT scans, bipolar disorder shows overall increased activity in the brain, and EPA and DHA tend to calm these overactive brain signals.
Fish oil has been found to have many positiveeffects on health. It lowers triglyceride levels, boosts the immune system, decreases inflammation, regulates heart rhythm, and stabilizes nerve cells. In addition, it lowers the body’s ability to form clots, which improves blood flow.
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