What is Fish Oil supplements used for?

Answer 1

Omega-3s in fish oil - play a key role in a range of vital body processes, from blood pressure and blood clotting to inflammation and immunity. They may be useful for preventing or treating many diseases and disorders.

Fish oils appear to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Omega-3s are also effective general anti-inflammatories, useful for joint problems, lupus, and psoriasis. Studies indicate that people with rheumatoid arthritis experience less joint swelling and stiffness, and may even be able to manage on lower doses of anti-inflammatory drugs, when they take fish oil supplements.

Fish oils may help prevent colon cancer.

Omega-3s may help fight breast cancer and maintain healthy breast tissue.

Special tips:

--To prevent side effects such as belching and flatulence, avoid taking the entire dose at one time. Try splitting a 3,000 mg daily dose into three 1,000 mg doses, and take throughout the day with meals.

--Side effects vary depending on the brand, so if you have trouble tolerating one fish oil supplement, try switching to another brand.

--Don't buy cod liver oil as a source of omega-3s; the high amounts of vitamins A and D contained in these supplements can be toxic.

--There is much debate about mercury levels in fish and fish oil supplements. Buy supplements from a reputable establishment, and look for sources from the cold Nordic seas. Pollution and contamination are not as high in those waters as in U.S. sources.

--Women of childbearing age should try and consume 1 to 2 low mercury fish meals per week, so as to ensure proper omega-3 levels are passed on to their children.

--Not all fish meals are equally beneficial. Broiled or baked fish has been shown to confer more heath benefits than fried fish or fish sandwiches.

For preventing heart disease and related complications, lupus, psoriasis, eczema and Raynaud's disease: Take 3,000 mg fish oils a day.

For rheumatoid arthritis: Take 6,000 mg fish oils a day.

For Crohn's disease: Take 5,000 mg fish oils a day.

Guidelines for Use -
The best way to get fish oils--and omega-3s--is by packing your weekly diet with fish. Aim to put such delicacies as salmon, halibut, and cod on the table three or more times a week.

The strongest evidence for the heart-healthy powers of the omega-3s comes from studies in which participants actually ate cold water fish regularly. Consider supplements for heart-related conditions only if you eat fish less than twice a week.

Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis require fish oils in supplement form. The reason for this is that considerably high doses of omega-3s--more than what you'd get by eating three or more servings of fish a week--are needed to decrease inflammation.

Take fish oil supplements with meals.

Fish oil supplements can rapidly go rancid; store the pills in the refrigerator and avoid buying them in bulk.

General Interaction -

Omega-3s may intensify the blood-thinning effect of anticoagulants (blood thinners), including aspirin when taken long term. Internal bleeding--and excessive bleeding--is a risk.

Possible Side Effects -

Belching, flatulence, nausea, diarrhea, and bloating may occur. Sometimes these reactions develop as a result of poor quality in the supplement manufacturing--try switching brands if you suspect this is the cause. In other cases the body has problems processing oils in general due to poor bile acid production or other intestinal problems; try reducing the dose dramatically (to about 180 mg a day) and slowly increasing it over time.

High doses impair the body's ability to form blood clots, raising concerns that the supplements could cause internal bleeding. However, no such reaction was detected in a study of heart disease sufferers who took 8,000 mg of fish oil supplements in addition to aspirin (an anticoagulant).

Very high doses of fish oils may cause your body to emit a slightly fishy odor.

Cautions - Anyone with high triglycerides, a potentially serious situation, should get their cholesterol levels checked regularly. Fish oil is a helpful adjunct to conventional care for high cholesterol. It should not replace conventional drug treatment.

If you have diabetes, don't take fish oil supplements unless your doctor recommends it; some studies indicate that they may make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.

Because omega-3s inhibit blood clotting, avoid taking fish oil supplements two weeks before and one week after surgery. Consult a doctor before taking the supplements if you have a chronic blood disorder.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Fish Oil can be purchased in liquid form.Dont be leary. Most people with brain related problems have one thing in common.Their bodies are in a state of low grade inflammation.So fish oil being an anti-inflammatory agent helps in reducing this condition,and allows the neuro-transmitters of the brain to better communicate with each other.Autism in kids is also linked to Mercury in vaccines.So when you buy fish oil make sure that it is Mercury free and a top brand.My sister's son was diagnosed with Schizoprenia and I read some studies done in England showed promising results.It is your child so do what you have to,dont depend on doctors they wont be much help,you do your own research.Good Luck.

Answer 4

Fish oil is good for your skin, hair, and nails. It also lowers the risk of certain cancers. Unfortunately, fish oil has a bad taste so people take the supplements so they wont have to taste the fish.

Answer 5

Herbal remedy for bad cholesterol lowering and good cholesterol raising...however I would only supplement it with the plan that your Doctor gave you (the whole watch your diet and exercise thing).

Answer 6

The traditional diet is laking in EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) like Omega 3, 6, and 9.

EFAs help your skin, hair, nails, and your joints.

Answer 7

for arthritis, to keep your body moving without stiffness or pain, to lubricate all parts of your body.

There is also a liquid form (which has no bad mercury in it) you can take instead of the pills, and it doesn't taste bad.

Answer 8

It lowers Cholesterol.
It dose have a after taste, you can do away with the taste if you freeze them.