New Study Finds Omega-3 Supplements Can Help Treat Major Depression

A new meta-analysis published in the Translational Psychiatry medical journal has found that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder. Examining 13 randomized placebo-controlled trials involving 1,233 participants suffering from the condition, the researchers noted that higher doses of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were especially beneficial. With awareness growing of the important roles played by omega-3 fatty acids in the control and prevention of a wide range of diseases, the study provides further evidence that ensuring an optimum supply of these essential micronutrients can enhance and protect our health.

A common mental disorder affecting an estimated 350 million people worldwide, depression is described by the World Health Organization as the world’s leading cause of disability and a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. In long-lasting and severe cases, it can be a particularly serious health condition that carries a significantly increased risk of suicide. The second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds, over 800,000 people worldwide are believed die from suicide every year.

The drugs don’t work

So unsuccessful have patented drugs been in curing depression that pharma companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Merck and Sanofi are all reported to have essentially stopped looking for new antidepressant treatments. As for those drugs that already exist, evidence strongly suggests they do more harm than good and that the antidepressant drug market has an underreported dark side the ‘business with disease’ would prefer patients weren’t told about. Studies show that through affecting the brain and altering the way people think, these mind-altering chemicals are capable of causing hostility, aggression, mania, violence, and even suicide.

Natural health approaches to controlling depression

In sharp contrast to the dangers of drug treatments for depression, the Translational Psychiatry meta-analysis is simply the latest in a long line of research studies demonstrating the benefits of micronutrients in fighting this health condition. In 2014, for example, a study published in the Phytotherapy Research journal provided clinical evidence that curcumin, the most abundant natural phenol present in turmeric, may be used as a safe and effective treatment for treating patients with major depressive disorder. A micronutrient with a wide range of health protective effects, in the past few decades curcumin has been studied extensively to evaluate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulation properties.

Additional research has found that correcting vitamin D deficiency in depressed patients can improve their condition. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology and carried out in Iran, researchers found that, in a randomized clinical trial, a single injection of 300,000 IU of vitamin D was safe and effective in improving depression in patients who were vitamin D deficient. With vitamin D deficiency now recognized to be a worldwide problem, and low serum levels having been specifically associated with depressive symptoms, this finding has clear global relevance and importance.

Further examples of micronutrients that have been shown to be effective in fighting depression include vitamin C, acetyl-l-carnitine, and B vitamins.

Towards a happier, healthier world

In 2014, drugs for depression and other mental health problems were the seventh highest grossing global therapy area for the pharma industry. With a total annual value of over $39 billion, drug makers have a vested interest in attempting to defend this market and prevent us from learning about the effectiveness of non-patentable natural alternatives. But whether or not they get away with this depends upon us.

In the interests of a happier and healthier world, we owe it to ourselves, and those who are dear to us, to share the facts about the natural treatment of depression as widely as possible. Perhaps, if enough of us do this, we can bring the noble goal of a world of health, peace and social justice just a little closer.

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Paul Anthony Taylor

Executive Director of the Dr. Rath Health Foundation and one of the coauthors of our explosive book, “The Nazi Roots of the ‘Brussels EU'”, Paul is also our expert on the Codex Alimentarius Commission and has had eye-witness experience, as an official observer delegate, at its meetings.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Paul's background was in the music industry, where he worked as a keyboard player and programmer with artists including Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, Bill Withers, the Verve, Texas, and Primal Scream.

He first became interested in natural health after falling ill with a chronic fatigue syndrome-related disorder in 1991 and subsequently making a full recovery through the use of natural health therapies. After meeting Dr. Rath and Dr. Niedzwiecki at an anti-Codex rally in Berlin in 2002, Paul was inspired to make a life-changing decision to leave the music industry to work for the Foundation and help defend the right of patients worldwide to have free access to natural health approaches.

You can find Paul on Twitter at @paulanthtaylor

Der Executive Director der Dr. Rath Health Foundation ist einer der Koautoren des explosiven Buchs „Die Nazi-Wurzeln der Brüsseler EU“. Paul ist auch unser Experte zum Thema „Codex Alimentarius-Kommission“ und hat Augenzeugenerfahrung als offizieller beobachtender Teilnehmer bei diesen Treffen.

Bevor er seine Arbeit bei der Stiftung antrat war Paul in der Musikindustrie aktiv. Er arbeitete als Keyboard-Spieler und Programmierer mit Künstlern wie Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, Bill Withers, the Verve, Texas und Primal Scream.

Sein Interesse an natürlicher Gesundheit wuchs, als er 1991 an Störungen erkrankte, die aus einem chronischen Erschöpfungssyndrom resultierten. Durch natürliche Gesundheitstherapien wurde er schließlich vollständig geheilt. Ein Treffen 2002 mit Dr. Rath und Dr. Niedzwiecki bei einer Anti-Codex-Demonstration in Berlin inspirierte ihn zu einer lebensverändernden Entscheidung und er verließ die Musikindustrie um für die Stiftung zu arbeiten und das Recht der Patienten zu verteidigen, weltweit freien Zugang zu natürlichen Gesundheitsverfahren zu haben.

Auf Twitter ist Paul unter @paulanthtaylor zu finden.

Latest posts by Paul Anthony Taylor (see all)

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• Micronutrients and the Brain: The Potential to Transform Mental Health Care - July 5, 2024
• Pandemic Propaganda: Inside the Pentagon’s Secret COVID-19 Anti-Vax Campaign - June 21, 2024