Monday, November 26, 2007

High Omega 6 and Low Omega 3 Fatty Acids Associated with Depressive Symptoms and Neuroticism

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine (November, 2007) found that adults with high concentrations of omega 6 and low concentrations of omega 3, as determined from fasting blood levels, had more symptoms of depression and neurotic personality traits.

Most Americans consume a diet that is very high in omega 6 oils, which are commonly found in most commercial baked goods, prepared foods and salad dressings. Most diets tend to be deficient in omega 3 fatty acids, which are available from fish, walnuts and flax seeds.

For patients with depression, supplementing their diets with high levels of good quality fish oil, has been very effective.

Worry Episodes Result in Increased Heart Rate

While a great deal of research has looked at the effects of stressful events on the heart, this study, which was published in Psychosomatic Medicine (November, 2006), found that worrying elevated heart rate. Worrying, particularly if it is about work or in anticipation of a future event that might be stressful, might have substantial cardiac effects.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Neurofeedback: Aerobics for the Brain

On Sunday, November 11th, the Chicago Tribune published a feature article on the growing popularity of neurofeedback as a successful, drug-free treatment for ADD and related disorders.

It was extremely gratifying to read about so many health care professionals opening practices devoted to EEG Biofeedback, including a neurologist.

I introduced neurofeedback to the Chicago area in 1993. At that time, most medical doctors were very opposed to exploring alternatives to medication. Our clinic, the Institute for ADD and Learning, engaged in a small, controlled study of neurofeedback and the results indicated that children with ADD who underwent 40 sessions of neurofeedback performed as well as children taking Ritalin on a test of attention.

Daily Weigh-Ins Help Maintain Weight Loss

According to a study published in the August Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, to help maintain weight loss, weigh yourself once a day. Despite concerns that daily weighing may lead to obsessing about weight or developing an eating disorder, this routine seems to be an important weapon in the fight against weight gain. The author of the study, Rena R. Wing, Ph.D., director of the Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center at Brown Medical School, found that stepping on the scale daily led to increases in dietary restraint and lower susceptibility to overeating. Participants also reported lower lefvels of depressive symptoms at the study's end. The process was compared to checking the thermostat to see the temperature of one's home. It helps you know how to make adjustments.