Anti-Depression Diet: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Control Depression Symptoms, According To Research

Managing the different symptoms of depression is essential for a person's physical, emotional and mental health. Exercise, counselling, socialization, therapy and medications are some of the most common ways to control depression symptoms. However, a new research shows that eating food rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce depression symptoms.

The meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the University of Amsterdam and published in Translational Psychiatry finds that high doses of omega-3 fatty acids in a diet affect both the physical and mental health of a person, Medical Daily reports. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish, flaxseeds and walnuts.

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"This new meta-analysis nuances earlier research on the importance of long chain omega-3s in [major depressive disorder] management," lead author Dr. Roel Mocking stated via Medical Daily. The research involved the analysis of more than 1,000 participants with major depressive disorder from 13 different studies.

The researchers assessed how omega-3 fatty acids affect their depression symptoms. The team found out that omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the depression symptoms of the participants.

"Omega-3 supplements may be specifically effective in the form of EPA in depressed patients using antidepressants," Mocking explained. "This could be a next step to personalizing the treatment for depression and other disorders."

Aside from reducing the levels of depression symptoms, omega-3 fatty acids can also give other important health benefits to a person. Omega-3 fatty acids can lower a person's risk for different cardiovascular diseases; prevent rheumatoid arthritis; and improve the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs which helps reduce pain and swelling.

Omega-3 fatty acids can also prevent the development and symptoms of asthma; reduce ADHD symptoms in kids; and prevent different forms of dementia such as Alzheimer's disease, according to WebMD. Some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are anchovies, salmon, tuna, bluefish, lake trout, sardines, mackerel, walnuts, flaxseed, canola oil and soybean oil.