Is well known that stress can potentially have a negative impact on physical and mental health, but recent research conducted by the University of Valencia in Spain indicates that the quality of ethyl-EPA fish oil could prevent some associated with chronic or prolonged stress. Ethyl-EPA was concentrated and purified form of omega 3 essential fatty acid or EPA. Researchers found that ethyl-EPA helps transport the stress hormone cortisol in the blood brain barrier. This indicates that ethyl-EPA fish oil can help cortisol to return to normal levels, which is important when we consider that during periods of prolonged stress, cortisol levels can remain high and pose a significant health risk.
Previous studies
Previous studies have already shown us that Omega 3 fatty acids can help us deal with stressful situations. For example, studies of Israeli Yehuda and colleagues reported that in 2005 the Omega 3 fatty acids to lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety and improve test anxiety. Stress and anxiety related to tests and exams is very common and can be a big problem for some people and the implications are that increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids by supplementing with fish oil may offer some relief. But when we are under sustained pressure that we are most at risk from the negative effects of stress, especially when I can not sit back and allow the body to return to normal after that.
Studies at the University of Lausanne was published in 2003 found that after giving fish oil for 3 weeks, there was a reduction in stress hormones. Also in 2003, Dr. David Horrobin reported that EPA is effective for reducing cortisol levels and anxiety levels. According to Robert Sapolsky, an expert on the impact of stress on the body, sustained high levels of cortisol can actually damage neurons in the hippocampus, a part of our brain used for learning and memory. Indeed, a recent study conducted at the University of Edinburgh and published in February 2006 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, suggested that high levels of cortisol may be the cause of Alzheimer's disease in later life.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is an important chemical that is produced by the body to help us cope with stress. This is part of the "fight or flight" mechanism and without it we would not survive. It is at its highest level first thing in the morning and the lowest last thing at night. Problems arise when we are subjected to prolonged or continuous periods of stress, when cortisol levels are likely to remain high for some time. Some of the health problems associated with prolonged stress include:
Of cardiovascular disease
On depression
Of the skin problems
Of the digestive problems
Memory loss of high blood pressure
An inability to concentrate
Decreased immunity on the mood
Fatigue
Anxiety
A sense of negativity
How can EPA fish oil help?
Research shows that people under stress have a higher ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids in the blood. Omega 6 fatty acids are known to be pro-inflammatory and result in an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines which can not only lead to many new health problems that arise, it can greatly exacerbate any existing health conditions.
Fish oil that is high in Omega 3 fatty acid EPA helps the body to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines reducing health risks and at the same time may provide some relief for many existing health list represents only some of the other health benefits of EPA fish oil:
Helps blood flow more efficiently through the body and brain about increasing levels of serotonin, the 'feel good' hormones, as opposed to a cortisol 'stress hormone'
Stabilizes mood and relieves depression
On relieves the symptoms of skin problems like psoriasis, eczema and acne improves memory, concentration and mental processing
Lowers high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis and stroke
Reduces the risk of sudden death in heart attack patients on the immune system
Reduces inflammation and pain associated with arthritis
Conclusion
Stress is a natural and necessary part of life and can be described as any event, external or internal, that causes us emotional concerns and / or physical distress. This is where sustainable and long that it becomes a major risk factor for illness and disease. Increasing our intake of omega-3 fatty acids by supplementing with fish oil can play a role in helping us to confront and deal with stressful situations. However, ethyl-EPA fish oil in particular appears to be effective, safe and natural selection, not only to help us cope with stress as it arises, but to reduce the risk of a potentially serious consequences of prolonged stress.
