Posted by shar on July 30, 2002, at 0:36:39
In reply to Re: Fish oils are just as effective as lithium , posted by Ed O`Flaherty on July 26, 2002, at 9:29:59
Recently, I did some searches on omega3 essential fatty acids, and did not start in the psych arena... that was just a happenstance that brought that up. But, there were numerous studies (really a large number, compared to what we're used to with AD's) that did indicate omega 3 efficacy in psych settings (not all subjects were bi polar if I recall correctly). I did notice that in one bi polar study the participants received incredibly HIGH doses of efa's. Like, 9 grams or something. That would be 9 capsules per day of what I have on hand.
So, I'm trying it as an adjunct to my meds. I did see several times that the fish oil is preferable to flax seed oil. And, I heard the opposite about twice. However, the fish oil requires some degree of caution due to heavy metal contamination (an issue that was addressed in a few of the articles). So, there were 3 companies that kept cropping up as having high quality products.
Then I stopped using it because I got really sick with a hideous sinus infection, and Effexor withdrawal, and couldn't keep anything down, so i want to get back to the efa's now.
One thing the studies talked about was that the absence of certain components of efa's in our diets, creates a problem with the cells being able to make their proper internal structure, so the cells grab something else to use as a substitute, and the result isn't so hot. Presumably, by supplying dha, epa, etc. in the proper amount, the action at the cellular level goes back to 'normal' and that's the feel good part.
I found it rather reassuring that actual biological and physiological processes were identified...as opposed to the usual 'well we don't really know how it works' that comes with ADs.
Sorry this is so superficial/lackadaisical--didn't plan to report on any of it. But, what the hay...I'm always happy to share my ignernce.
Shar
poster:shar
thread:113669
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020725/msgs/114305.html