End Fatigue

Tuna vs. Prozac for Depression

Review of Scientific Research Shows that Fish Oil Helps Depression

In this study, the scientific research was reviewed to find all of the "gold-standard" placebo controlled studies (in English) testing whether fish oil is helpful in treating depression. Ten studies were found, and pooling the results from all of the studies (called a Meta-analysis) showed that fish oil was significantly more effective than placebo in treating depression. This was also the case for Bipolar depression as well as regular depression. The dose did not seem critical, so it is likely that eating a portion of salmon or tuna 3-4 times a week may be as or more effective than Prozac. As Prozac has many side effects and fish oil many health protective benefits, it seems reasonable to begin with natural antidepressants first. I would start with fish (salmon, tuna, and herring/mackerel have the most oil, so use these). If you prefer fish oil, be sure to use brands that are mercury free (e.g.- Eskimo 3 or Nordic Naturals). I would begin with 1 tbsp/day for 6 weeks and then lower to 1 tsp/day as works best.

Other natural anti-depressants can also be very helpful. I recommend products like "Happiness 1-2-3". As this contains St. John's Wort and 5-HTP, do NOT combine it with prescription antidepressants like Prozac. Fish oil CAN be combined with both natural and prescription antidepressants.

In addition, be sure that you do not have low thyroid contributing to your depression (even with normal blood tests) as bio-identical Armour Thyroid has been shown to help depression in 2 studies (even with normal blood tests) while synthetic Synthroid was NOT effective. Be sure to treat nutritional deficiencies as well. For simple and outstanding overall nutritional support, I recommend the Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder.