Mind, Body & Omega 3

If you suffer from anxiety, worry, stress or low moods, you’re not alone. Psychotherapist Roisin Whelan reveals how you can make mental health a priority.

Many of us think of our bodies and minds as completely separate systems, and that they function completely independent from each other. In actual fact, our physical and mental health is interlinked and each influence the other. Minding our mental health is vital, it plays an essential part of our overall health.

If you suffer with anxiety, worry, stress or low mood, you're not alone. We’ve all been there. I too have felt overwhelmed by life, and its everyday stresses. I developed an interest in health and nutrition from working in the retail side of the health industry for many years. I began to see how my diet played a massive role in my overall health, and how I was feeling emotionally. And today, as a qualified psychotherapist, I use this knowledge to support my own clients, so they can help themselves move forward in life.

There have been many studies conducted throughout the years on the role of nutrients and how they affect the brain. When we nourish our brain, we are more resilient to stress and anxiety. From this research, there is increasing evidence pointing to the beneficial effects of Omega-3. The two-main omega-3s we hear most about are the long-chain fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA are both important types of omega-3, with different roles and actions in the body.

Omega-3 is a major component to the proper functioning of brain cells. It is important for optimum cell signaling and may aid in the proper function and utillisation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids can lead to symptoms such as depression, fatigue, memory problems and mood swings. Therefore, increasing our levels of Omega-3 may help keep our stress response regulated and improve our mood and cognition. And that’s not all – Omega-3 is a natural anti-inflammatory that that may contribute to the optimum function of the heart, skin and eyes.

Finding an Omega 3 supplement with the required high levels of EPA can be difficult and pricey. For the last number of years, I have been recommending Krill Oil to my clients (and anyone who’ll listen), it’s a superior source of EPA and DHA. Cleanmarine Omega 3 Krill Oil offers a wide range of products to suit all the family, and they are great value too. Personally, Cleanmarine For Women is one I always go back to as It has a high dose of B and D vitamins which means I don’t need to take lots of different tablets every day.

My advice is to visit your local pharmacy or health food store to find the one that works for you! Living a healthy lifestyle is something we are all aware of so let’s start making our mental health a priority.