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10 Common Remedies for Depression

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids, which you can only get from external sources. You can get this fatty acid from your diet or via supplements. Studies suggest that supplements of this fat may be useful in treating depression.

Different types of omega-3 fatty acid supplements contain both eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but in different proportions. Those with a higher EPA to DHA ratio are believed to more effective in treating depression.

A recent review [11] of studies involving 638 women found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements were very effective in improving symptoms of depression in pregnant and postpartum women. Supplements with a high EPA to DPA ratio were found to be better.

In another review of 26 studies [12] involving over 2,000 people, the use of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with improvements in all symptoms of depression observed. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements containing up to 60 percent EPA exerted the most positive effects.

More research is needed on the efficacy of this fatty acid in treating depression. A study [13] using omega-3 fatty acids on children and adolescents with major depressive disorder found that it had no positive effect on their symptoms.

Consumption of this fat is generally safe, but consuming excess may cause it to interact with other medicines. You can get this fat from walnuts, flax, flaxseed, fish, and other seafood.