I just discovered a study published in 1999 regarding the amazing benefits of refined fish oil in treating bipolar disorder (or manic depression), an affliction affecting over 13 million Americans. Dr. Andrew Stoll, a head psychiatric researcher at Harvard and pioneer in researching the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids, had found that fish oil had tremendous mood stabilization effects without the common negative side effects of traditional medications (i.e. Lithium), such as cognitive dulling, weight gain, tremors, drowsiness, acne, and kidney problems.
Our subsequent clinical study, ultimately published in The Archives of General Psychiatry, suggested that these safe and natural oils had therapeutic value in the treatment of bipolar disorder. In this one study, looking at thirty patients over four months, Omega-3 fatty acids, used alone or with other medications, enabled a few seemingly incurable [emphasis added] patients to lead normal lives and enhanced mood stability for those already gaining some benefit from other medications.
More from FishOilBlog.com: Before You Use Fish Oil To Treat Depression…Read This
Does Dr. Stoll put his money where his mouth is? Certainly!
Omega-3 fatty acids were also safer than valproate and lithium: they had few side effects, and, in my practice, at least, they have become one of the most frequently used “medications” for patients with mood disorders.
This research is incredibly promising for not only those suffering from bipolar disorder but for all who are affected by depression. Remember, Dr. Stoll’s patients took almost 10 grams of fish oil supplements a day to achieve their results, and this can only be done safely by taking highly refined and purified fish oils.
You can also read the chapter Nature’s Mood Enhancers from Dr. Stoll’s book The Omega-3 Connection, and you can find out more about The Zone Diet in Dr. Barry Sears’s book, The Anti-Inflammation Zone.
