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Need advice on omega 3 and mental health
I am diagnosed with OCD and anxiety from last 8 years which literally destroyed my life and is on psychiatric medications since 8 years.....these medications give just 30-40 % relief but never address the root cause.....after been on psychiatric medications for so long , one thing I understood that medication alone can't heal me....so I consulted a nutritionist and she advised me a full body check up and gave me a proper diet plan along with allopathic treatment by another doctor.....my b12 was low so given injections....vitamin D was low so given tablets.....lipid profile was bad so given tablets....uric acid was high so tablets....without telling her now I am taking gut health test to improve gut microbiome for overall well being...SO MY FIRST QUESTION IS " IS IT GOOD TO TAKE GUT MICROBIOME HEALTH SERIOUSLY " and SECOND QUESTION I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT OMEGA 3...I dont eat fish...and I read at many articles that omega 3 is necessary for healthy brain....SO SHOULD I DO OMEGA 3 INDEX TEST
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We need to have detailed conversation about your daily meals , medical records , workout pattern , stress levels , hydration etc. then we can suggest for health upgradation. Please consult via app. Thanku
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Hello. Gut health is important, but gut microbiome testing is not routinely recommended for OCD or anxiety. Focus on a balanced diet, fiber, fermented foods, sleep, exercise, and stress management.
If you don't eat fish, an algae-based Omega-3 supplement may be considered after discussing it with your doctor.
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Do not stop or change your psychiatric medications without consulting your psychiatrist. A combined approach of medication, therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle usually gives the best results.
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Dt.Romiya Banerjee
Dietitian/Nutritionist
12 yrs exp
Mumbai
You are right - medicine alone is often not enough, food, sleep, activity and gut health all support mental health. Please continue psychiatric medicines as advised, do not stop on own.
Omega 3 index test can be useful if you want to know status, especially as you don't eat fish and lipid profile was bad. It is not mandatory for everyone, but given your long anxiety, low B12, D, lipid issues - it can guide dose. Ask your doctor if you can do it, and then choose veg algae oil if low.
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Keep doing: Medicines + diet + B12, D correction + 30 min walk, yoga / breathing, sunlight, 7 to 8 hr sleep, counseling if possible. Share test results with both psychiatrist and nutritionist together.
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Ms. Neema Yadav
Dietitian/Nutritionist
5 yrs exp
Kolhapur
Yes
You can take that
Omega 3 EPA + DHA helpful
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Ms. Durdana Ansari
Dietitian/Nutritionist
4 yrs exp
Mumbai
First of all, I appreciate that you're looking beyond medications alone. OCD and anxiety are complex conditions, and while medications can be very helpful, they often work best when combined with psychotherapy (especially CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention), good nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, and correction of any nutritional deficiencies.
Regarding your first question about the gut microbiome: yes, taking gut health seriously is worthwhile, but it's important to keep realistic expectations. Research shows there is a connection between the gut and the brain. A healthy gut microbiome may support mood, inflammation, and overall well-being.
As for your second question about omega-3: yes, omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health. Since you don't eat fish, it's reasonable to pay attention to your omega-3 intake. Plant sources such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and canola oil provide ALA(Alpha lipoic acid).
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Overall, you're taking a thoughtful, comprehensive approach.
Nutrition, correcting deficiencies, gut health, and ensuring adequate omega-3 intake can all support your overall health, but they should complement—not replace—your psychiatric treatment and therapy."
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Ms. Somya Jain
Dietitian/Nutritionist
9 yrs exp
Delhi
Yes
You can have that
In omega acid you can have with EPA and DHA that will help better
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Ms. Lovely Verma
Dietitian/Nutritionist
6 yrs exp
Bangalore
See you have long history of medications and there are so many things that need to be taken care medically and dietary prospectively.
Yes it great that you are taking care of your gut health because it’s necessary for over all your health conditions and also your mental health too. You can add curd, oats, garlic, berries, dark chocolate in your diet these foods items improve your gut health.
And for omega 3 you should eat salmon fish because it’s contains highly omega 3 fatty acid and also you can add mix seed in your diet
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Ms. Trupti Padhi
Dietitian/Nutritionist
17 yrs exp
Bhubaneswar
Good morning yes you should before using omega 3 supplement, gut microbiome u may do or may not it's upto your wish, but u must do that test too.
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