Omega 3 For Post Partum Depression
Increasing omega 3 fatty acids consumption is something every pregnant woman needs to consider. The benefits of these essential fats for a baby before and after birth are well documented. What is not as well known is the effect that nutritional deficiencies can have on the mother. This would include mental and emotional issues like post partum depression and various physical problems that affect both mother and child.
What are omega 3 fatty acids?
They are a group of eight essential fatty acids that are collectively called omega 3 and are mainly found in cold water fatty fish. There are other groups like the 6s and 9s but as far as mothers and children are concerned, the omega 3 group is by far the most important.
When it comes to nutrition a fetus gets first priority over the mother in most situations. Put another way, the fetus will try and grab all the nutrition he or she needs even if it causes a deficiency in the mother. This is especially important when it comes to omega 3 fatty acids.
The reason they are called essential is that our bodies cannot make them. The fetus gets them from the mother, and the mother gets them from her diet or by supplement. Even if mom has enough for herself [which in the Western world is unlikely], her pregnancy radically increases the odds of a deficiency.
How does this affect post partum depression?
Our brains are made up of over 25% omega 3s. They are also part of the membranes of every cell in our bodies, the retinas in our eyes, and are a vitally important part of our immune system. Children who get too little omega3s in the womb will develop even more problems after they are born. They are more likely to have lower IQs, visual problems, slower cognitive and physical development and depression problems of their own as they age.
Since the mother is the conduit for her child, she only gets what omega 3s are left over from the fetus needs – and unless the mother is nutritionally savvy that will not be much if any at all.
What this results in is that moms brain is not getting what she needs. This is almost a guarantee of post partum depression. Several major studies have documented this connection. Briefly, the more fish that is consumed in a country, the less the rate of post partum depression. For instance, countries like Japan or Taiwan have depression rates less than 1/10 [!] those of Western Europe.
It is getting worse. Other studies have shown that omega 3 deficiencies in everyone are increasing each year. Considering the modern western diet, this is not surprising.
What to do about post partum depression?
Both the FDA and the EPA caution about eating too much fish because of the risk of heavy metal poisoning. They are not being overly dramatic. This is a real risk for consumers of any age but can cause a lifetimes damage to a child.
Expectant mothers should talk to their doctors about omega 3 fish oil supplementation. Insist on quality and purity. Check out the websites. The best suppliers will give you all the information you need to make an informed choice. For more information on how and why my family [including children] solves these issues, please visit my website.
Learn about the omega 3 fish oil that we use daily after extensive product comparisons and research.
