The Healthy Way

Monday, November 05, 2007

Fish oil healthy brain food

Q: My husband was recently diagnosed with being bipolar. I have learned that some foods can make this condition worse. Is this true? Are there certain food he can eat to help him with this?

A: There are ways to improve this condition through nutrition.

A recent double-blind placebo-controlled study outlined in the January 2006 issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry has shown that taking fish oil supplements along with medication significantly improved symptoms of bipolar depression as compared to controls receiving placebo with their medication. This supports the long standing believe that fish oil supplements are beneficial for brain function.

In those suffering ADHD it was shown that fish oil supplements such as EPA and DHA are as effective as Ritalin. Omega-3 is crucial to neuronal and brain development, function, and health, and is available from fish, grass-fed mammals, and certain plants.

Lower levels of fish consumption and omega-3 have been linked to increased rates of depression and possibly suicide. Deficiencies in omega-3 can affect serotonin and dopamine transmission in the frontal cortex and hippocampus and thus directly affect your mood.

Sugar is another important component of the diet that we have to consider. The glycemic load affirms what most of us already knew: Opt for brown rice over white rice, enriched pastas over plain ones, peasant breads over white and whole wheat, fresh fruit over commercial fruit juice, oatmeal over corn flakes, whole grains over processed grains, plenty of beans and vegetables.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online here