Omega 3, 6 & 9
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Posted by debbs, 21:51 27 November 2007I'm a member of SADA and wanted to share what came from their August news letter. Two people wrote in, one about taking Omega 3 the other was taking Omega 3,6 & 9 with what she said was amazing results. Having like most sad suffers tried most things I ordered some to give it ago. I have been taking one per day since September and have not used a lamp in all that time. They really have worked for me a treat and pray that they continue to do so as I feel great. Has anyone else tried what I am taking and if so did it work for you as they have done for me? I find it hard to believe it's nearly December and no feelings of dread for Christmas, no worries when it gets dark early etc. My husband has noticed the change in me too, no where near as uptight as I used to be and not biting his head off anymore! Would love to hear from anyone that has either tried Omega 3 6 & 9 or is thinking of giving it a go.
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Posted by Bagpuss, 22:35 27 November 2007Thanks for the info Debbs. I've been taking Omega 3 as I heard somewhere about it being good for SAD. I haven't seen any difference yet. Do you know anything about the science behind it? That's great that you've seen such a dramatic improvement, I think I will go out and buy Omega 3, 6 and 9. Do they all come together in one supplement?
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Posted by Suzie, 00:16 28 November 2007Debbs do you know of any that are flavourless. I tried them after reading the SADA newsletter too but was nearly vomiting with the taste as they kept repeating on me!
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Posted by Amalthea, 02:00 28 November 2007I take Omega 3... just started taking them this year. My SAD has been pretty moderate. Had a bad dip in my mood this morning, but it's due to hormones and physical illness (going to see the doc about a back ache).
I'd like to know how you get Omega 6 & 9. I've not seen it, and don't know how it's sold. It'd be great if it were an all-in-one, but I just bought a big ol' pillbottle full of Omega 3. | |
Posted by Me, 05:54 28 November 2007Desperate, gonna give it a go.
Ill try my local health shop, they might have some. Will keep you updated. Me x | |
Posted by Suzie, 07:46 28 November 2007Amalthea you can get a tablet with all three in them.
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Posted by Piglet, 09:21 28 November 2007For those in the UK, Boots sell a combiined Omega 3,6& 9 gel capsule. I don't find any repeating or aftertaste with them.
I've been taking them for the last few weeks and I think I might feel better for it but it's difficult to tell - it's all a bit of a moveable feast!! | |
Posted by Me, 13:43 28 November 2007Done my homework:-
Omega 3 - fish oils (1000mg) Omega 6 - Primrose oil (1000mg) Omega 9 - Flaxseed ***(I am not a medical advisor, so seek information if thinking about taking them)*** Already got fish oil and primrose oil so didnt buy any. But I did find some 5HTP. So maybe my feel good hormones will get cracking at last! Feeling great at the moment, no tiredness, the tablets take a while to kick in (as with everything) though so I cant blame them, so we'll see... Im begining to think Im writing my diary on this forum.. Tune in to the next exciting adventure of ...... maybe not! Must be feeling grandiose again... but I suppose it good to feel extra special from time to time. Me x | |
Posted by debbs, 16:29 28 November 2007Will try to answer some of the questions. Yes they do come as one supplement, I don't get any repeating from these like I did when I used to take cod liver oil.
I purchase mine from a company in Jersey called Healthy Direct telephone 0800 107 57 57 Omega 3,6 & 9 oils, 1000mg in 3 sizes, 120 £8.99, 240 £13.99, and 360 £17.99 (the one I purchased). If you go over £10.00 postage is free, they also have a website www.healthydirect.com Thanks to all those who have read my comments and to those who have replied to the post. Best of luck with those of you going to give it a go. Hope it doesnt make too much of a difference that you will be starting the regime in the middle of the SAD season. I know that this site helps so many of us sufferers but for those of you that are not aware there is also help by joining SADA (www.sada.org.uk) £12.00 for a years membership and I must say without them I wouldnt have heard of what I have passed on to you via this site. They are researching new stuff all the time and well worth the membership in my opinion. | |
Posted by Linda, 16:41 28 November 2007The crucial EFA here is the omega-3. Our bodies should naturally have a 4:1 to 1:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, but the average diet is full of omega-6 (motly from vegetable oils) and ends up being 20:1 omega 6: omega 3, or higher. The omega-6 you are taking in these capsules is actually interfering with the omega-3 and you would be better off taking pure fish oil. The omega-9 can easily be got through a healthy diet; more difficult to get enough omega-3, especially as there are pollution issues with fish now.
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Posted by Suzie, 16:47 28 November 2007I agree with you over SADA Debs. It's a very informative newsletter and they need more members to be able to stay operable. I was really pleased with the November newsletter about blue light therapy as I was going to buy one that day and they recommend not doing so until more research has been done. Saved myself 199.00!
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Posted by Amalthea, 18:19 28 November 2007I think I'll keep on taking just the Omega 3's. I had just bought a giant bottle of them last weekend.
I usually do not take supplements other than a multivitamin. A dietician whom I have been speaking with and whom I trust had suggested that I take Omega 3's for my osteoarthritis. So, here I was standing in the store to buy them and this guy tells me they're the best thing that's happened to him -- brought his cholesterol down to a healthier level. Hrm... so, as I understand it helps with osteoarthritis, cholesterol and SAD. I've felt enough benefit from the osteoarthritis relief that it justified buying another bottle of them. I've been suffering less from the SAD since I started treating my osteoarthritis (combination of the Fish Oil and a prescription drug. | |
Posted by PurpleIvy, 18:40 28 November 2007Fancy that! I bought a bottle of Omega 369 from the chemist this afternoon. I was hoping they would be more pleasant to take than the oil caps I have at the moment.
Have the bottle by me now..this is per capsule Omega 3 180mg Omega 6 90mg Omega 9 90mg | |
Posted by Bagpuss, 22:23 29 November 2007I went out and bought Omega 3, 6 and 9 today following your recommendation Debbs. I've just become a member of SADA too, I found the information pack really interesting and helpful.
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Posted by Linda, 07:36 30 November 2007Omega-3 can be hugely helpful. Can I just repeat that omega-6 actually cancels out its effects? Almost everyone in the Western world gets too much omega-6, and you will be too, if you ingest vegetable oil. In fact, if you wanted omega-6, that's exactly what you could do. Just friendly advice and I hope this helps; there's no reason under the sun why any manufacturers should be putting omega-6 in anything. Try Googling this if you like and you will find lots of info.
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Posted by Linda, 07:47 30 November 2007Just to add, you might find this info useful. Vegetable oils aren't the "healthy" fats that they have been touted to be, nor are saturated fats the evil killers. These ideas all came from something called the lipid hypothesis, which has surprisingly little basis in fact if you look into it. Bon apetit.
The Skinny on Fats http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/skinny.html | |
Posted by inkie, 08:56 30 November 2007i agree with linda, done a lot of searching and found that high level epa omega 3 is the most effective helping relieve moods. i take 2 capsules containing 500mg epa each a day for about 5 weeks now and after 2-3 weeks i felt my mood improved, i feel alot more healthy in general.
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Posted by Linda, 11:21 30 November 2007I wasn't sure what else to add because there's so much info out there, but the omega-3 is definitely what you want. You can get omega-9 from olive oil. Omega 6, bad news. When the balance between it and omega-3 is out of whack, the body starts to use the omega-6 to build cell walls. The very structure of the body and brain depends on the right EFA balance. Mental illness has been linked to too much omega-6 in the diet; it has been implicated as a cause of alzheimer's, and the polyunsaturated oils that contain it clog arteries and lead to atherosclerosis and heart disease.
The Mercola site has got lots of info about omega-3 if you do a search there: http://www.mercola.com/index.htm | |
Posted by inkie, 13:33 30 November 2007is it EPA or EFA? it says EPA on my bottle
as long as it's alot of that and less of the DHA ingredient of fishoil for mood improvement.. | |
Posted by Linda, 14:00 30 November 2007EPA is the kind of omega-3 you are taking.
EFA stands for essential fatty acid. Though both EPA and DHA are necessary for health. The brain does need DHA. But if what you're taking is helping you to feel better, that's great. | |
Posted by Me, 19:04 30 November 2007Thought id keep you up to date with progress.
Being a little bit behind on this info, I have taken omega 3 and 6 and also 5HTP for 3 days now. I have always had immediate relief from PMT when I have taken evening primrose, so was happy to give it a go. Remember that I have had SAD for 30+ years (the only winters when I didnt get it were just after having each child!). I havent taken any light for 3 days now, and even though Ive had a flu type virus for a remarkable one day, I can most definately say that ive never felt so awake in my life. But Im not sure which one is working,if all. To clarify, at the start I didnt have depression, my exercise sorted that out, so am not taking medication. I started off with just basic SAD. Wow, I feel so awake its great, and I have even stopped waking up at obscene hours of the night, not being able to get back off. I am starting to make plans (something I never do) for christmas parties, and its great to be free of my lightbox. I dont even feel grandiose. Looking forward to Christmas this year Yeppppppeeeee. I know Ill always have SAD, but at least I feel ive reached a breakthrough. Lets hope itll last. Keep ya posted. | |
Posted by megamum, 13:42 1 December 2007Hi sounds rely hopfull I'v just found out about this sight I'v found what you say realy interesting. I suffer from a brain injury and get rely depressed this time of year, and also at the start of menopause.I will give some of these idear's a go' watch this space.
Christine M | |
Posted by Me, 14:04 1 December 2007Linda
Have looked up omega 3 and 6 combinations and have come across the Omega 3/6 debate, you talked about, on more than one occasion. They all seem to have different omega 3/6 'ideal' ratios though which I find confusing. Even though I feel absolutely smashing at the moment, I have decided to follow your advice and cut out the omega 6 and see how I get on. I forgot to mention above that I have also managed to cut out most obvious sugars too, so I suspect that will affect my mood as well as weight. Thanks for the info Linda, it is appreciated Me x | |
Posted by Linda, 15:07 1 December 2007I am happy to help. Cutting out the sugar is a very good move too. Good luck. SAD cravings can be difficult so don't beat yourself up if you have a slip :)
Most figures for omega6:3 that I see range from 4:1 to 1:1. Basically we should not be consuming vegetable oil other than olive oil, which is a monounsaturate, and comparatively low in omega-6. The omega-6 in your diet will take care of itself without you consciously trying to ingest any more; it's that omega-3 that is really needed if you don't eat fish. Plant sources like flax oil are incomplete and little EPA and DHA are actually produced from them in the body -- vegetarians don't like this but unfortunately it's the truth. I don't think anyone should claim to have all the answers on this, but if you research enough you'll probably find answers emerging that you are comfortable with. | |
Posted by Me, 20:07 1 December 2007Thanks Linda
I feel so good at the moment its great. At night time I do get tired, but its a normal tired. A sort of tired that you can push through if I need to, and it comes at the appropriate time. The other tired is so deabilitating that I wouldnt even dream of driving.. Since taking omega 3 and 5htl and exercise, I have not had one hint of a craving for sugar or carbs. I even managed to leave jam doughnuts in the house for the kids without eating them (I hope they dont read this!!). (I have read on the web that you can not take 5htl whilst taking other med so check out http://www.5-htp.org.uk/) My memory is excellent too. I am actually coming out with info that I have never have been able to reach before. I have always looked upon my brain as having hundreds of locked doors. If only I can find the right key. My husband and I are starting to have debates again, and I can actually hold my own..... I am only too aware that i could drop back but it wont bother me too much, I am just really happy to have had a relief that has lasted 4 days or so. Yeppee..I really do feel like the cat thats got the cream. Dont mean to rub it in everyone, I just feel a relief after having had it for 30+ years, and having a break from it is amazing. Me x | |
Posted by Linda, 20:47 1 December 2007That's really lovely, excellent news. You know you're beating the bastard when your start functioning again like that. I'm glad you're sharing it here, I think it helps people who are starting to lose hope for themselves. Best wishes, it's great to hear stories of success xx
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Posted by Bagpuss, 23:10 1 December 2007Christine, welcome to the forum :-)
Me, that's brilliant news, you should be able to share when you're feeling good, everyone will be happy for you, it's not rubbing it in at all. So you think it's the Omega 3 and 5htp that's working for you? Think I need to give that a try! Linda, thanks for the tips re omega supplements. Maybe I should just keep on with the Omega 3 and not take the 6 and 9. | |
Posted by Linda, 06:34 2 December 2007You can get the omega-9 from using olive oil so I would say that's a good choice. I hope it helps you. One of the first things I did to combat my depression was to start taking fish oil, but that on its own was a drop in the bucket for me; there was heaps more yet to do. On the other hand, the omega-3 is all some people need to regain their health. Best of luck to you :)
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Posted by Me, 18:12 2 December 2007be careful not to take htp if taking some medication.- check a website first to see if its ok
Ps Ive started to notice my skin is really silky too .. whaooooo Me x | |
Posted by inkie, 22:15 2 December 2007hi me!
great that things are working out for you! i am now using omega 3 with high dosage EPA which seems to work well for me, combined with the LED litebook. i also noticed this silky skin :-) before i tried 5-htp but after a while got side effects. nausea, dizzy, and migranie with aura but without headache, it all stopped after i stopped taking 5-htp. what time of day do you take it? | |
Posted by Me, 10:48 3 December 2007It says that its better to take it at bedtime. I take it whenever I remember though. Usually middayish.
How long was it before you got side effects? Ive been going a week, and alls well so far. My latest improvement - Im no longer waking up in the middle of the night numerous times with numbness/pins and needles in my fingers, and sometimes arm. Me x | |
Posted by inkie, 11:15 3 December 2007i think it was 3-4 weeks before i could identify the side effects could be from 5-htp. i felt a bit light in the head or dizzy and sometime nauseous but thought i was getting the flu or something. my sleep had improved though! i took one 50 mg around noon. it improved my mood, i felt less anxious but not numb.
last night i took one 30 minutes before bedtime and felt strange, maybe i am very sensitive to it? i remember taking 2 at once as prescribed on the bottle and felt kind of giddy and shaky. somewhere on this forum someone mentioned that you take them for a week to build up and then only when needed but the person could not find the reference to that anymore and i haven't either. | |
Posted by Amalthea, 12:35 3 December 2007Taking the Omega 3 supplements... Having a bit of an energy slump, but so far my mood is holding out. Lots of holiday demands and I've been about to respond to some posts, erased my response having felt tired and not so sure about my "SAD" brain, as my responses seemed a bit disconnected.
So, if I seem a bit absent lately, it's probably either catching up on sleep or my slow "SAD" brain and lack of energy. Missed you folks, tho, so I did want to post. Hope you all are getting along OK. PS - my minister has had some sort of experience with SAD. He mentioned it offhand before a service, joking about the problems with the lighting control in the room. This week, he prayed for those who were feeling down this time of year. I'm curious and would like to bridge the subject with him, but am afraid of my tendency to tear-up, esp. in church. Just finding it hard to talk to people, but it's probably what I need most. :( | |
Posted by PurpleIvy, 12:42 3 December 2007Hi Amalthea, hope that you are doing OK. I'm a bit the same really, my mood is fairly good, but I'm feeling tired.
I'm constantly amazed that the dawn simulator does its work... well the day I had a hoodie pulled over my head it didn't LOL! It makes a big difference to how I feel in the morning..... I still don't want to get out of bed, but it at least seems possible! Again, the mountains of stuff that have to be done before we receive guests seems huge... but what gets done gets done and the rest will have to be left. I've asked my sis if her kids and their friend that are coming for Christmas can come a few days early and help out with stuff. | |
Posted by Me, 13:59 3 December 2007Hi All
Inkie Well I have actually had the flu since taking 5htp (I get everything the kids get). One totally rough day with the sweats, fever, hot/cold, sneezing etc. Since then I have had a cold, but still have managed to exercise - very unlike me, I normally go down like a ton of bricks. My flu virus has almost subsided now (taken over a week). Lets hope that my usual christmas illness has now passed. Any one know of a decent cure for cold sores? I havent felt dizzy,sick or shakey as yet. Ill keep a look out. Havent read about stopping 5htp after a week, so if anyone else knows any info then please comment. Thanks Me x | |
Posted by Me, 18:42 3 December 2007I am reading all the comments on all the forums, and I feel the need to comment on most of them. The only problem is the same things keep coming up, and I want to keep giving the same answers back. In order that I do not sound like a scratched record going on about exercise, omega 3 5htp, I have decided to back off abit.
I am still feeling smashing, and want to help others but Im sure that youll all get fed up with me harking on. I also feel uncomfortable to read that you all are struggling when Im the 'cat with the cream'. I know I will have SAD for life, so no worries there. If you dont mind I should like to pop back from time to time to chat with you all and see how ya doing - probably earlier than we think if I drop back again!!! Thanks so very, very, very, much for the support youve given over this last season. Youve made me smile on the darkest days. Dont forget the exercise, omega 3 and 5htp - "thought id get that in so that you dont miss me too much!" Me x | |
Posted by Me, 18:45 3 December 2007ps Merry Christmas and a happy new year xxx
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Posted by PurpleIvy, 19:06 3 December 2007Glad you are feeling so well. ME.
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Posted by Henry North, 19:15 3 December 2007Ive been taking the omega threes and it is amazing how good it has been the last two months... My memory is much better and Im sleeping deeply too
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Posted by MiniMe, 15:17 27 August 2008I have also heard of fish oil being great for SAD. But no one seems to have mentioned mercury content (read: omega 3 fish oil review). It would seem that some supplements are quite high in mercury or other pollutants. I'm uncertain if this is really an issue or not. The Japanese consume huge amount of fish and I'm not aware of any increase in deaths or mental health issues. But it's something to think about.
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Posted by Amalthea, 22:59 27 August 2008I was concerned about mercury in canned tuna because I eat a lot of canned tuna. The dietician told me not to worry because I am not pregnant or nursing.
Not sure if this translates to fish oil supplements, but it was the dietician who suggested I should try it to begin with. Not only do I have SAD, but I have fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and joint issues and high cholesterol. I can't remember which of those she suggested it was good for. | |
Posted by OBE, 23:46 27 August 2008I've taken omega3 for a couple of years and the only noticeable effect I found was my memory definitely improved.
I get a really good deal off a site on the internet just can't remember what it's called... OMG can't believe this post originated almost 9 months ago... where's my life going? | |
Posted by PurpleIvy, 16:46 1 September 2008and you say your memory has improved PMSL !!!!! Heeeee heeeeee!
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Posted by Me, 17:00 15 September 2008Been taking Omega 3 (fish oils) and 6 evening primrose oil).and multi vits. Seem to be helping so far- keep our fingers crossed - even with no exercise!
They are supposedly good for lots of health issues and Im sure I read last year that SADA recommended them. Take care Me x | |
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