Fish oil is considered nature’s bounty and is used as a natural health supplement to treat a variety of issues. As a result, it provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that promote good health throughout the body and helps to cure or prevent certain health conditions. Researchers at Harvard University ranked omega-3 fatty acid deficiency as the sixth highest cause of death in the United States.
What is Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Fish oil is exactly what it sounds like, oil from the tissues of oily fish. Eating fatty, cold water fish like wild caught salmon, white fish, anchovies, herring, and sardines provides omega-3’s. Omega-3’s are also found as a supplement at your local health or online health food store.
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are “essential” meaning they must be introduced into the body eating or supplementation, because it is not like many other fatty acids that the body is able to produce. Fish oil has two vital types of omega-3, eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Benefits of Omega-3’s
There are a number of health benefits ranging from heart health to treating diabetic complications that affect the kidneys. It also helps:
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Prevent heart disease and stroke
- Prevent clogged arteries
- Relieve certain heart conditions such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, chest pain, and preventing blood clots after heart bypass and transplant surgeries
- Kidney disease
- Kidney failure
- Cirrhosis
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Anxiety
- Berger’s disease
- Brain health including relieving depressing, PTSD, migraines, ADHD, and other mental health issues
How to Take Fish Oil
It typically comes in a gel filled capsule. Patients should follow the directions on the label or as prescribed by a doctor. And it is always a good idea to talk to a doctor before beginning any supplements to avoid potential negative interactions with other supplements or medications.
Potential Side Effects of Fish Oil
Side effects are mild, if any, and may include an upset stomach, back pain, mild rash on the skin, belching, and an unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth. But, more serious side effects that should warrant a call to the doctor include flu-like symptoms: fever, body aches, chills; irregular or uneven heartbeats; and/or chest pain.
An allergic reaction is serious and the patient should seek immediate medical attention if the experience any of these symptoms:
- Hives
- Breathing difficulties
- Swelling: throat, tongue, or face
How to Choose Good Omega-3’s
Anyone considering taking it should first talk to their doctor who can recommend a therapeutic dose. Read the label to determine how much omega-3 is in each capsule as well as the recommended dosage. Doctor recommended brands are best, but in absence of a doctor recommendation, a reputable brand by an established, trusted, trustworthy company is best.
So as you can see, fish oil is excellent for all around health and chiropractic patients taking the supplement can enjoy better health and better results from their chiropractic care.
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