by Matt Weik
I’d like to start off this short article by saying thank you to all of those who have served to safeguard our freedoms. Those freedoms don’t come without costs and sacrifices and we appreciate all you have done for our country. There’s a huge push to acquire traction across the us with a new pushup challenge asking people to do 22 pushups for the 22 veterans who commit suicide daily. 22 deaths are 22 too many. We need to find a way to help these brave men and women find peace when they come home to their families.
Many veterans who come home often times suffer from post-traumatic tension disorder (PTSD). Initially, numerous thought that there wasn’t such a thing but research has showed it’s certainly real and veterans around the globe are Camiseta Vissel Kobe battling this disorder on a daily basis. A new study, however, shows hope that by using a typically used supplement it can decrease some of the PTSD symptoms.
Current study
A recent study from Japan looked at omega-3 supplements and symptoms found common in PTSD sufferers. A common symptom was a rapid heart rate. The researchers discussed that “the [heart rate]-reducing action of omega-3 PUFAs [polyunsaturated fatty acids] has potential benefits for those at high risk of PTSD, aside from the psychophysiological symptoms themselves, for two reasons: (1) fast [heart rate] is a risk element for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality, whereas PTSD is a risk element for CVD and mortality; and (2) omega-3 PUFAs are effective for other psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression) and are highly comorbid with PTSD.”
Past research findings
This many current research on the topic shouldn’t come as a surprise because in 2010 the army was taking a look at omega-3 fatty acids to increase performance on the battlefield as well as help negate the side effects of PTSD. That same year another medical group was taking a look at how omega-3s can help improve brain injuries not only for our troops, but civilians as well. Camiseta Selección de fútbol de Suiza Researchers from 2010 were quoted saying, “The benefits of omega-3 are multi-factorial, and in combat environment—and even in peace time—there are a lot of potential benefits for omega-3. It depends on the dosage, but ultimately you want to measure where the soldiers are in terms of baseline levels now and some of that work is being done. You need to start there, and then what is the omega-3 level you need to get to, and that may determine—if it’s incredibly high levels you need to get to—then possibly supplementation is the best way.”
Then in 2011 the us army conducted their own study over in Iraq where they believed supplementing with omega-3 could improve the soldier’s mental health as well as improve their resilience to stress—important elements not only during combat but in normal civilian life. In November 2014 the military actually was looking into full blown implementation for the use of omega-3 fatty acids with all their soldiers. They were wanting to use the supplement to help speed recovery times, enhance mood, improve reaction times, and decrease the suicide rates they were currently seeing. They were touting the supplement as “nutritional armor”.
Current study findings
For the most current study published in 2016, Japanese researchers gathered 83 Japanese accident survivors. The individuals in the study were either given an omega-3 supplement which offered them with 1,470mg of DHA with 147mg of EPA each day for a total of 12 weeks or they were given a placebo during that same timeframe. The research was conducted as a randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Findings of this study were as hypothesized. What the researchers found was that individuals suffering from PTSD benefited through supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids. While both groups began the study having the same symptoms (heart rates), at the end of the 12 week study it was found that those who were given the omega-3 supplement had a reduction in their initially elevated heart rate. The individuals who were given the placebo showed no changes after the 12 weeks in terms of their heart rate.
Researchers commented after the study saying, “the exact mechanism Camiseta Crystal Palace FC underlying the reduction of elevated heart rate (as psychophysiological symptoms of PTSD) by omega-3 PUFAs is unknown. However, the lack of group differences in [skin conductance, another psychophysiological symptom of PTSD] suggest little involvement of sympathetic nerve activity. Therefore, if the autonomic nerve system was involved, decreased heart rate would be highly likely due to an increase in vagal activity. This view is consistent with previous findings that omega-3 PUFAs increases vagal activity and that clients with PTSD show decreased vagal activity. Supplementation of omega-3 PUFAs could be effective for the secondary prevention of psychophysiological symptoms of PTSD.”
With all the research being done and completed, we can only hope that it allows some relief to those suffering from the effects of PTSD. If the use of omega-3 supplements can not only help our troops on the battlefield, but also when they come home, then I hope the us army puts into action an immediate ruling that all soldiers should take omega-3 fatty acids both during their time in the service as well as when they make it back home.
Sources:
Journal of Affective Disorders
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2016.05.054
“Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on psychophysiological symtoms of post-traumatic tension disorder in accident survivors: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial”
Authors: K. Matsumura, et al.
The American Journal of emergency Medicine
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1016/jajem.2012.05.014
“Therapeutic use of omega-3 fatty acids in severe head trauma”
Authors: M. Lewis, P. Ghassemi, J. Hibbeln
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