Can Omega 3 Help Alleviate Bipolar Disorder Symptoms?
Learn the pros and cons of treating bipolar disorders with Omega 3
Omega 3 is often looked at as the "wonder supplement", but can it really help with a bipolar disorder? That's exactly what many people are hoping. Read the pros and cons of using Omega 3 for treating this difficult disorder and judge for yourself.
Omega 3 and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder - Pros
No Severe Side Effects --
The pharmaceutical drugs that physicians prescribe have a long list of side effects that can be harmful to your body. It's a catch 22. These prescriptions may help your bipolar symptoms but may also cause a harmful side effect that could cause other health problems.
Symptom Relief --
There have been many studies that document the positive effects that Omega 3 has on bipolar disorder. Most patients reported significant improvements in their symptoms with relapses occurring when they stopped taking the supplements.
Omega 3 and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder - Cons
High Doses --
Most people who reported success with relieving their symptoms of bipolar disorder said they had to take high doses of the supplement.
Gastrointestinal distress --
High doses of Omega 3 supplements tend to have upset the stomachs of many people. Ranging from excessive belching to diarrhea, the side effects differs from person to person. Gradually increasing doses seem to prevent this from occurring.
Thin blood --
One of the benefits of taking an Omega 3 supplement is for heart health. Because it thins the blood, it is very good for people who have cardiovascular diseases. However, if you are one of these people who is also on a blood thinner prescribed by your doctor, you cannot take Omega 3. Prescription blood thinners and Omega 3 combined can cause dangerously thin blood that cannot clot.
Consult your physician before taking Omega 3 if you have cardiovascular disease; work together to see which is best for you to take. Your doctor could recommend that you drop the prescribed medication and take Omega 3 for both the bipolar and heart problems.
Omega 3 must be in supplement form --
It isn't possible to eat enough food to get enough Omega 3 to be beneficial in treating bipolar disorder. Some bipolar patients report taking as much as 9000mg per day of Omega 3. To consume this amount, it would have to be from a supplement which may not be appealing to people who like to get it naturally in their food.
Bipolar disorder is one of the most difficult disorders to treat. Many physicians begin treating with medications that cause many side effects. If you suspect that you suffer from bipolar disorder, speak with your doctor about treatment with Omega 3. If you see no improvement, you can easily begin taking prescription medications. Whatever you decide, be sure and consult with your physician before making any decisions.
