[.uk] The Omega-3 Connection: The Groundbreaking ... (ISBN 0684871386)

Amazon.com Review:
A must-read for anyone dealing with depression, The Omega-3 Connection by Andrew L. Stoll, M.D., strikes yet another blow against the standard American diet. We already know that years of noshing on highly processed foods have saddled us with sky-high rates of heart disease, obesity, and related conditions. But, as we're starting to understand now, our eating habits may also be subtly altering our brain chemistry, leaving us vulnerable to anxiety disorders and depression. Only in this case, it's not just what we're eating--it's what we're not eating: foods containing omega-3 essential fatty acids--the "good fats" that help maintain optimal brain function. In his book, Stoll, the director of the psychopharmacology research lab at Boston's McLean Hospital and assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, suggests that restoring our body's natural balance of omega-3s may help alleviate (and prevent) many types of depression--even for those who don't respond to traditional antidepressants. Omega-3s may also prove helpful with other problems, such as the inability to handle stress, memory loss, and cognitive decline. The book contains a "renewal plan" designed to help readers put Stoll's concepts into practice, recipes for omega-3-rich dishes, advice for choosing supplements, and dosages for therapeutic use. Although Stoll is quick with the caveat that much of the research on omega-3s and brain function is still evolving, he makes a compelling case for using these fats to regulate depression and other cognitive disorders. Along with major epidemiological evidence that shows lower rates of depression in those cultures that consume a great deal of omega-3s, Stoll's own studies indicate that boosting their intake can reduce depression symptoms. And Stoll cites stacks of additional studies suggesting that omega-3s can also help with major depression, schizophrenia, and postpartum depression. Going even further, Stoll makes a strong argument that omega-3 deficiency could be contributing to rising rates of teen violence and attention deficit disorders. Of course, depression should never be treated without physician supervision. But in laying the groundwork for the omega-3s to emerge as the next big thing in natural depression therapy, Stoll certainly gives us food for thought. --Norine Dworkin

Ground Breaking Research; Vital Information:
This is a book that can be life changing. It's extremely solid, clearly written, for the lay person, and fully documented, and it concerns Dr. Stoll's claims as to the benefits of taking Omega-3 oil supplements. It was recommended to me by a Nurse Practitioner at the Hospital Clinic where I go for regular medical care, and it has caused a revolution in my life. We live in a wilderness of self help and health care books that can confuse us and numb us with their contradictory claims. But be assured this book is a thorough and brilliant record of the results of actual medical research. Dr. Stoll's work with Omega-3 was done at Harvard, and he knows whereof he speaks. He is not the only one recommending that we take Omega-3 supplements to make up for the deficiencies in our "modern" diet. Indeed many many doctors are now talking about this, and word can not spread too fast. Read this book. And take it from this reader: there is indeed a profound" Omega-3 connection, " and it's vital that we avail ourselves of this substance for better health.

YES - YES - YES ! ! !:
What the author says is true! His program works! I am at last free of insomnia and depression. Even anger has become fully under my control. At age 68 I am not becoming rich and fameous; but I am becoming myself as I was at a much younger age. I have even happily gone back to work.

best book on the subject:
What I liked best about this book is that it gives a comprehensive review of a tremendous amount of information, and does so in an organized, understandable, straightforward way. There is a good balance of scientific information, personal experience, and sound, solid advice. Dr. Stoll is one of the worlds top experts on this subject, so I trust the information in the book. I liked it so much, that I bought a few copies to give to my patients.

The Omega-3 Connection:
I found this book helpful and am incorporating its suggestions into my diet. Good read.

Not Enough Practical Information:
"Major depression is one of the most common and deadly of the mental illnesses, afflicting millions of Americans each year; one of every six people can expect to suffer major depression at some point during their lifetime." ~ pg. 108 "The Omega-E Connection" is an important book about omega-3 fatty acids, however it doesn't present enough information about how to take omega-3 fatty acid pills or at least, how much to take for various disorders. This book just presents an important study, which shows an amelioration of symptoms in bipolar patients. In the study participants where given 9.6 grams per day but it was a very high quality oil specially made for the study. "Most fish oil supplements found in health food stores and pharmacies contain only 30 percent omega-3 fatty acids, usually with a ratio of EPA to DHA no greater than two to one. This means that it would take thirty 1,000-milligram capsules per day to match what we used in our bipolar study." ~ pg. 212 Even if there is not a lot of practical information in this book it does contain some convincing arguments for the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Some of the ideas are best discussed with your doctor. For instance mother's are encouraged to squeeze a capsule of omega-3 fatty acids into infant formula because unlike breast milk, it is somewhat lacking. How much to use and how often is the real question - this is not discussed. The information on taking supplements during pregnancy and until the baby is weaned is convincing. This supplement could help with postpartum depression. If you are concerned about heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, ADHD, bipolar disorder or brain health in general then this is a good book to read early rather than later. Taking a supplement may also prevent you from having to deal with diabetes. Of course you will want to talk to your doctor about how much to take, especially if you are already taking other medications for any disorder. If you are bipolar then there is some useful information about St. John's Wort and SAMe and why you should avoid these two natural remedies because they can make your symptoms worse. They are apparently still OK for minor depression. The book ends with a few recipes. Most contain either fish or flaxseeds (which you can grind in a coffee grinder). If you want to know more about which omega-3 fatty acids to take this book recommends "omegabrite dot com" as a good source. The author's wife had a part in the formulation of this supplement. I am currently taking: Nature's Way EPA 18/12 1,000 mg Fish Oil (100 softgels which are PCB and Mercury Free). ~The Rebecca Review