Other studies show that a diet high in flax oil can achieve nearly as good a result with these patients. It is established that high intake of bad fat with low intake of good fat is linked to depletion of serotonin and depression. In June 2000 at the National Institute of Food Technologists, Dr. Joseph Hibbeln of the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism stated the incidence of depression in our society has increased 100 fold in tandem with a decline of consumption of Omega-3 fats in our diet. He referred to the Finnish study as well as a recent study of 200 elderly persons in Iowa who exhibited a high degree of depression and a defiency of omega-3 fats. Health authorities in the field of nutrition such as Andrew Weil, M.D. and Jean Carper, agree that foods rich in Omega 3 rich boost immune function, reduce inflammation, promote healthy skin and hair, normalize bowel function, stabilize mood, sharpen memory and improve our capacity for new learning.
Health authorities encourage the following dietary changes.
For people who cannot bring themselves to eat that much fish, there are fish oil supplements in capsule form or you can take 1-2 tablespoons of flax oil a day. Cook with olive oil rather than corn or safflower oil. Eat more fresh fruit and less cakes, donuts and sugary pastries. Switch from whole to skim when consuming milk, yogurt or cottage cheese. Avoid or reduce intake of pizza cheese, ice cream and fatty meats.