Micronutrients & recovery
Supplementation with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) downregulates the inflammatory stress response, reducing proinflammatory cytokines and norepinephrine levels in trauma survivors.
If you are a trauma survivor dealing with high stress or depression, consider adding a high-quality fish oil supplement. Look for one that provides at least 1,000 mg of EPA for treatment purposes or 200-400 mg of DHA for prevention. Ensure the brand is third-party tested (like USP verified) to avoid contaminants. This helps lower your body's inflammatory response to stress.
Research suggests two body-related adjuncts to traditional trauma treatment that specifically downregulate the inflammatory response system: Omega-3 fatty acids and exercise... Kiecolt-Glaser and colleagues (2007) found that EPA/DHA supplementation downregulated the stress response and its maladaptive impact on mood... even modest supplementation with n-3 PUFAs [Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids] reduces plasma norepinephrine, an important link to the stress response
Why this rating
The paper cites multiple studies including population studies and clinical trials, though it is a review article rather than a single primary RCT.
Source
Psychological trauma and physical health: A psychoneuroimmunology approach to etiology of negative health effects and possible interventions.
Kathleen Kendall–Tackett · Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy · 2009
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →