The Omega-3 Connection: The Groundbreaking Antidepression Diet and Brain Program

The Omega-3 Connection: The Groundbreaking Antidepression Diet and Brain Program

Product Type: Book

Product Price: $14.00

Manufacturer: Free Press

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Description

Managing depression safely, naturally, and without side effects

For years scientists have searched for a treatment to relieve the pain of depression and other mood disorders -- one that's safe enough for nursing mothers, children, and the elderly -- without the side effects associated with medicines like Prozac, Zoloft, and lithium. Thanks to Dr. Andrew Stoll's groundbreaking research, that search may well be over.

Stoll found that omega-3 fatty acids, already known for their importance in preventing heart disease, Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer, also play a crucial role in mental health. They regulate and enhance mood, sharpen memory, and even aid concentration and learning. Though these remarkable substances are abundant in common fish oils and other foods, the average Western diet includes far too few of the most common sources. Fortunately, our deficient diets and attendant depression can be reversed. The Omega-3 Connection provides readers with all the information they need to restore their natural balance of omega-3 fatty acids, including

A must-read for anyone dealing with depression, The Omega-3 Connection by Andrew L. Stoll, M.D., strikes yet another blow against the standard American diet. We already know that years of noshing on highly processed foods have saddled us with sky-high rates of heart disease, obesity, and related conditions. But, as we're starting to understand now, our eating habits may also be subtly altering our brain chemistry, leaving us vulnerable to anxiety disorders and depression. Only in this case, it's not just what we're eating--it's what we're not eating: foods containing omega-3 essential fatty acids--the "good fats" that help maintain optimal brain function.

In his book, Stoll, the director of the psychopharmacology research lab at Boston's McLean Hospital and assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, suggests that restoring our body's natural balance of omega-3s may help alleviate (and prevent) many types of depression--even for those who don't respond to traditional antidepressants. Omega-3s may also prove helpful with other problems, such as the inability to handle stress, memory loss, and cognitive decline. The book contains a "renewal plan" designed to help readers put Stoll's concepts into practice, recipes for omega-3-rich dishes, advice for choosing supplements, and dosages for therapeutic use.

Although Stoll is quick with the caveat that much of the research on omega-3s and brain function is still evolving, he makes a compelling case for using these fats to regulate depression and other cognitive disorders. Along with major epidemiological evidence that shows lower rates of depression in those cultures that consume a great deal of omega-3s, Stoll's own studies indicate that boosting their intake can reduce depression symptoms. And Stoll cites stacks of additional studies suggesting that omega-3s can also help with major depression, schizophrenia, and postpartum depression. Going even further, Stoll makes a strong argument that omega-3 deficiency could be contributing to rising rates of teen violence and attention deficit disorders.

Of course, depression should never be treated without physician supervision. But in laying the groundwork for the omega-3s to emerge as the next big thing in natural depression therapy, Stoll certainly gives us food for thought. --Norine Dworkin

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-08-12
Summary: "Exciting News About Omega-3"

I have always taken Omega-3 in the form of flaxseed oil for all of the healthy properties that it offers. I found it very exciting to see and learn from this book of the healthy benefits to the brain in particular to the aid to those with depression. It is amazing how we often can complicate solutions so much and then find some of the answers in something as accessible as the ingestion of Omega-3 healthy fats.

I think that "The Omega-3 Connection" is an encouraging expose of what is possible with the addition of certain nutrients that we have superficially heard about. This books takes you deeper, and gets you to really appreciate the marvels of this food supplement to aide your general health as well as serious conditions such as depression and bi-polar disorders.

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-06-16
Summary: "Excellent information"

Well written. Interesting & full of studies w/ references. The author is Director of the Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory at McLean Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, as well as the recipient of the 1999 Klerman Award from the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression. He only mentions once, the great brand of fish oil that his wife created & offers other recommended brands as well. Best book on Omega-3's.

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-05-05
Summary: "Everyone should know about Omega 3s"

I have not read this book beyond the first few pages, but I wanted to add my testimony about Omega 3s. I have been suffering from anxiety problems for a number of years and it was getting progressively worse. I stumbled on Omega 3s in a multivitamin and at the same time started getting much better. At first I didn't make the connection, but then I stopped and got worse again after a couple of months. I really believe that taking Fish oil pills with a high dose of DHA and EPA has brought my anxiety disorder under control as effectively as antidepressants had in the past. I urge anyone with anxiety or depression problems to try. It can only help your overall health.

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-01-02
Summary: "easy read. good book for pregnancy, post natal or moms!"

GREAT BOOK! easy read. basic nutritional info every1 should understand. i had no intention of reading the entire book but it was so interesting! based on testing [much of it lab rats + human] it explains the impacts of our intake of omega 3 in relation to omega 6 + as well as basic explanaions of omega 6 & 3. it also breaks down omega 3 explaining EPA + DHA ratios. discusses the effects on specific diseases. 1 very interesting point explains how lab rats on the same basic routine were fed supplements of omega 3 & the other omega 6. the omega 3 rats had 25% less body fat! the part about how our brains are smaller in recent history than the rather than larger as is historically true also grabbed my attention. interesting info about pregnancy + postnatal depression as well. very important book for mom's in my opinion!

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2009-09-13
Summary: "Omega 3"

This book is excellent for fully describing all the attributes for Omega 3 fatty acids. I am paraplegic and take it not only for the antidepression/brain benefit, but to keep the swelling down in my feet. If you want to know all details of this
fatty acid, this book gives that to you!