Omega-3 Fats and Anxiety
Omega 3 fats are helpful for inflammation, obesity, cholesterol and depression, hormone balance, gut health, eye, and heart health. However, a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at fatty acids and its effect on anxiety symptoms. This study pooled several studies together to increase statistical power and found that at a dose of 2000 mg daily, patients experienced improvement in anxiety symptoms. Food sources of omega 3 fats include cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, anchovies as well as walnuts, chia and flax seeds. Try to put some of the ground flax in your daily smoothie or make a delicious chia seed pudding for a treat.
Su K, Tseng P, Lin P, et al. Association of Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Changes in Severity of Anxiety Symptoms A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open.2018;1(5).
To CBD or not to CBD?
I just heard on the news today that someone donated millions of dollars to MIT and Harvard to study the effect of cannabinoids on the brain. CBD stands for Cannabidiol which is the therapeutic component of medicinal hemp. THC stands for Tetrahydrocannabinol which is the psychoactive component of Marijuana. Both CBD and THC are the most famous known cannabinoids and both come from varieties of the Cannabis plant family. The difference is Marijuana has a very high level of THC, and Medicinal Hemp has a very high level of CBD and a low level (<0.3%) of THC.
Why is the use of CBD exploding? CBD activates receptors in the Endocannabinoid System. This system is involved in regulating appetite, mood, sleep, pain, memory and our immune system. CBD is currently being used to treat things like sleep, pain, inflammation, autism, metabolic conditions, stress anxiety, PTSD, Seizures, Muscle spasms, and neurodegenerative conditions. More studies are needed but the use of CBD clinically has been very promising.
CBD can be legally used and sold in all 50 states as long as there is less than 0.3% THC according to the 2018 Farm Bill. Just in case you were curious about the legality of CBD.
As CBD gains traction, you may be tempted to try it for yourself. I am happy to discuss this with you and weigh the pros and cons for your particular health goals and help you select an appropriate starting dose. More studies are needed on this subject but so far clinically CBD has been helpful for some patients.
