As you will recall from my posts around the end of December and first part of January, I was suffering a fierce depression. While it's true there are circumstances in my life which would make Mary Poppins cry in her beer, I couldn't help but shake the feeling that something was simply not right. Then I read an article about DHA, an Omega-3 essential fatty acid most commonly found in fish oil. The article discussed the importance of eating the proper ration of Omega-3 to Omega-6 fatty acids (4 parts of Omega-3 to 1 part of Omega-6). Essentially, most Americans' diets are way out of whack in this regard; many Americans eat 20 times more Omega-6 to Omega-3. Vegans' diets are generally even more off kilter. The result is depression as well as a whole host of other ailments (high cholesterol, joint pain, cardiovascular problems, etc.)
Other than a multi-vitimin, I'm not a supplement kind of gal. However, I was at my wit's end with the level of depression I had been experiencing. Desperate times call for desperate measures so I was receptive to the suggestion of taking a supplement! Vegan supplements are available and encouraged due to the toxicity of most fish. The supplements are derived from algae, which is where fish get their high levels of Omega-3. It makes sense to me to go to the source.
I am amazed! Although my outward circumstances have not improved, the black cloud of unbearable depression has lifted. I can't believe the change I feel inside and it's readily apparent on the outside as well. Family and friends have noticed I "seem to be in a really good place right now" and I "have a glow" about me. If anyone would have told me a dietary supplement would have helped so dramatically, I probably should have kicked them in the shins and then cried in bed the rest of the day!
Of course, I'm not a doctor, nor the daughter of a doctor (!), so please, please make an appointment with your medical professional before changing or adding any medications or supplements to your health care regimen.
Here are a couple of articles so you can discussed the matter intelligently with your physician:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/good-fat-bad-fat-facts-about-omega-3
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/features/archive_of_editorial/233
And here is a link to www.thriftyvegan.com which is where I bought my supplements:
http://www.thriftyvegan.com/vegan_DHA.html
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Wow ... that was very interesting and informative. Do you think one can get the proper amount of omega-3s by eating seaweed ... or would it take a tremendous amount to get what we need? We love seaweed and I toss it into soups, stir fries and casseroles. How about olive oil and canola oil ... I've heard that used together, they are a balanced form of omegas.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to head over to your links. I'm always concerned that, as vegans, we don't get what we need.
Here's another tip that we learned the hard way ... plant based forms of iron are hard for the body to use so it's common for vegans to feel weak. The solution is very simple ... just have some citrus along with or after a meal. Even a small squeeze of lemon in water is enough to help the body use plant based iron.
Wonderful post! Thank you!
Small Footprints
http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com
My good friend, Sassy Knudson, The Vegan Coach, has an article on her website re: Omega-3s and Omega-6s, as well as a "recipe" for a ground seed mixture that should help if you want to get your supplements from foods:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.vegancoach.com/support-files/vegan-fats-of-life-part3.pdf