Fish Oil Fast Fact #41: Fishy Results in Bipolar Studies

Bipolar disease is a mysterious and sometimes deadly disorder that causes severe mood swings and erratic behavior when it is not controlled. While the disorder does not actually attack the physical body, the ramifications for a patient with untreated bipolar disorder are severe, and range from serious, self-inflicted injuries to suicide, as well as an inability to interact with others in a safe, productive manner. However, many of the medicines used to treat bipolarity also have serious side effects and can tranquilize someone to the point where they feel as though they are barely hanging on. As a result, many people with bipolar disorder struggle with the decision whether to medicate or try to control things on their own. Fortunately, there may be a happy medium at last. Studies have shown that bipolar disorder is linked to omega 3 deficiencies (Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging 2005 vol. 5, no. 1, 31-8). By taking a simple, daily fish oil supplement, people with bipolar disorder may be able to seriously reduce the severity and frequency of mood swings and depression.

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