If you find that you are overtly hostile lately, or prone to overreacting to things during high stress situations, it might be due to more than simply being stressed. You might actually be in need of some very vital DHA. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that actually plays a pretty vital role in regulating your mood and aggressive tendencies. Recent research has been carried out to actually test this connection and see exactly how much DHA can affect your anger and hostility.
The study assessed medical students during their final exams – a truly stressful period of time. Students were given either a placebo or fish oil supplement containing DHA. The students who took the placebo had increased aggression levels and the students who took a regiment of DHA exhibited noticeably less aggressive tendencies. Attempts to replicate this study in a low stress environment were negative – DHA did not affect aggression. This suggests that DHA is directly connected to stress-oriented aggression. The omega-3 fatty acid actually manipulates neurotransmitters connected to impulse control and anger. It also helps to hinder inflammation.
All humans, even children can benefit from taking DHA by eating omega-3 fortified foods. You can get omega-3 fatty acids by taking fish oil supplements are including fish and seafood in your diet. Specifically, seek out fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, or sardines. You can also get your DHA from oysters and mussels if fish isn’t too your liking. Not only will it help you to stay calm during stressful periods, but it will also help to ward off depression, improve your brain functionality, and generally reduce your risk of developing mental illness.
