A common-sense alternative to addictive anxiety meds

While we’re on the subject of fish oil, I can’t resist sharing the results of yet another recent study demonstrating the power of omega-3s. Not just for your heart (as I discussed yesterday)… but for your head, too.

Specifically, new research shows that these fatty acids can slash anxiety symptoms in patients with a wide range of conditions — from borderline personality disorder to obsessive-compulsive disorder.

And in this day and age? Americans are in desperate need of safe, non-addictive treatments, devoid of side effects.

Because let’s face it: Most of the patients I see are anxious about something. And = anxiety meds are among the most abused — and overprescribed — drugs in this country.

For best results, go long-term and high-dose

This analysis looked at a total of 16 studies on the effects of two polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — most commonly found in omega-3 fish oil supplements. The researchers put a particular focus on noting the symptom changes in patients taking the omega-3 supplements, versus those who didn’t.

Treatment lasted anywhere from three weeks to six months. And in all cases, researchers found that patients supplementing with omega-3s benefited from significant reductions in anxiety compared to untreated patients.

This analysis didn’t tie any of these effects to specific treatment durations. Though I’ve personally found that if you want to use omega-3 fish oil for anxiety relief, you’ll need to take it for at least four to six weeks.

And I’ve also found that some patients need relatively high doses in their fish oil — we’re talking four to six grams of EPA/DHA daily — to get the best benefits in this department. Though this study uncovered significant anxiety reductions at doses as low as 2,000 mg of EPA/DHA per day.

You don’t need risky drugs

It all makes sense if you think about it: Far from being a simple attitude problem, we now know that mental illness has very physical roots.

Your brain contains the lion’s share of your body’s omega-3s. And research clearly suggests that without them, behavioral and psychiatric issues — including anxiety — are quick to follow.

And inflammation is a big underlying cause of depression and anxiety, too. Which is why antidepressant drugs ultimately fail to work in so many cases — and why naturally anti-inflammatory omega-3s do show so much promise.

Anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric issues are undeniably tough to manage. And yes, sometimes drugs are in order. But it’s my mission to offer you safer alternatives to the pharmaceutical treatment options you’re likely to receive from a conventional doctor.

Because often times, it is possible to do just as well without them. And this is especially true for depression and anxiety. That’s why I always recommend trying natural treatment strategies before resorting to potentially dangerous or addictive prescription drugs.

Anxiety is an issue a lot of my patients struggle with — and one I have firsthand experience with myself. Which is why I took an in-depth look at another natural — and very effective — treatment alternative for it in the November 2018 issue of my monthly newsletter, Logical Health Alternatives (“Medical marijuana’s not for everyone — but CBD just might be”).

So if you’re not a subscriber yet, consider signing up today. I can’t imagine a better gift to give yourself or someone you love this holiday season.

P.S. To learn more about how you can fine a high-quality, effective fish oil supplement for heart and brain health, simply visit www.DrPescatore.com and search for the keywords “fish oil.”

Source:

medscape.com/viewarticle/902306