Why Fish Oil?

Fish Oils for Muscle Strength?

Last time we discussed an interesting recent study that demonstrated the positive benefits of supplementing fish oil for the improvement of muscle strength. This article focuses more on the broad scope of benefits of fish oil and what to look for in a supplement. Quality fish oil matters. Just in case you didn’t catch this news in 2010, there were eight companies that were sued for having contaminants in their fish oils: CVS Pharmacy, General Nutrition (GNC), Now Health Group, Omega Protein, Pharmavite, Rite Aid, Solgar and Twin Lab.

So, you only want to choose companies that are verified with third party testing for quality and purity and will provide a Certificate of Analysis upon request. Pure Prescriptions offers fish oils and essential fatty acids from companies that maintain the strictest standards. I especially like Pure Prescriptions (Ultimate Omega) and Nordic Naturals (ProOmega). In general, I recommend mostly fish oils, but just as with the multivitamins, I recommend occasionally changing your essential fatty acid supplement to provide your body with a variety omegas fatty acids.

 

1. WHAT ARE ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFAs), & WHY DO WE NEED TO TAKE OMEGA-3 EFAs?

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are polyunsaturated fats that our bodies need but cannot produce. Therefore, they must be consumed through food or supplements. There are two families of EFAs: omega-3 and omega-6, which need to be consumed in a balanced ratio. The body must receive a balanced supply of omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs to ensure proper eicosanoids production. Eicosanoids are hormone-like compounds that affect virtually every system in the body-they regulate pain and inflammation, help maintain proper blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and promote fluid nerve transmission. The problem is that, in our modern industrialized food system, omega-3s have become largely absent from the food chain while omega-6s have become overabundant. Even the healthiest diets contain too many omega-6s and not enough omega-3s. Decades of scientific evidence indicates that this EFA imbalance can contribute to chronic inflammation and a variety of chronic health issues. The most beneficial omega-3s that we’re missing are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Purified fish oil is the best direct source of EPA and DHA.

2. WHAT ARE THE EARLY SIGNS OF OMEGA-3 DEFICIENCY?

• Fatigue
• Poor memory
• Immune weakness
• Dry skin, eczema, or hair loss
• Heart problems
• Reproductive problems (men and women)
• Mood swings or depression
• Poor circulation

3. CAN WE GET ENOUGH OMEGA-3s FROM THE FOOD WE EAT?

Fish is the primary food source of the omega-3s EPA and DHA, but Americans simply don’t eat enough fish on a regular basis. Even those who eat fish several times a week aren’t getting enough EPA and DHA because much of the fish consumed today is farm raised and lacks significant amounts of EPA and DHA. Also, many people are increasingly avoiding fish due to growing concerns about environmental toxins in fish (such as mercury, dioxins, PCBs, etc.). In addition, there are several factors that can lead to a reduced absorption of EFAs-age, poor diet, alcohol consumption, low levels of certain vitamins and minerals, some prescription drugs, compromised immune status, and a diet high in saturated and/or trans-fatty acids (meat, dairy, fast food, fried food, baked goods, and processed foods). Moreover, people with health challenges or those who are currently deficient often require a minimum of 2-4 grams a day of EPA and DHA, which is difficult to obtain from fish alone.

4. DO PREGNANT WOMEN NEED OMEGA-3s?

It is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding women to consume DHA (one of the omega-3s in fish oil) because the developing baby is dependent on mom! DHA is an essential fatty acid-we must get it from diet or supplements, because our bodies don’t make it-and consuming enough DHA is critical for normal and healthy development of infant brain, eyes, and nervous system. Inadequate consumption of DHA during pregnancy has been linked to shortened gestational periods and premature delivery, and postpartum depression. Experts recommend that women consume 300-600 mg of DHA daily while pregnant and breastfeeding.

5. HOW SOON WILL I SEE RESULTS FROM SUPPLEMENTING WITH OMEGA-3 FISH OIL?

It will vary depending on the concentration of the fish oil, your current nutritional state, dosage, and current health. We often hear that our customers “feel better” and experience “clearer thinking” and “enhanced well being” within 2 weeks. For optimal results, we recommend you take your fish oil daily for at least two months to evaluate their benefits, and also reduce your intake of saturated, hydrogenated, and trans-fats.

6. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING A FISH OIL SUPPLEMENT TO ENSURE HIGH QUALITY?

• Third-party test results for purity and freshness. A third-party certificate of analysis indicates the levels of purity from environmental toxins, and the oxidation level (or freshness) of the oil.
• Manufacturing standards. Is the fish oil manufactured according to international quality standards?
• Smell and taste. Does the fish oil smell or taste fishy? If so, the fish oil has most likely been exposed to oxygen and is becoming rancid. Rancid (oxidized) oils should be avoided, as they yield less-than-healthy effects. Avoid fish oils that have really strong flavorings added to them because they are most likely trying to hide the fishy flavor of rancid oil.
• Supportive scientific research to prove the efficacy of the fish oil brand.
• Sustainable fishing practices. Any environmentally responsible fish oil manufacturer should offer transparency into their fishing practices.

7. WHAT ARE THE GENERAL USES FOR EPA/DHA FISH OIL?

Heart Health: EPA and DHA from fish oil promote cardiovascular health by supporting healthy triglyceride and lipid metabolism, promoting healthy blood flow and vascular function, and maintaining healthy platelet function.

Joint Function: Fish oil moderates the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, helping to maintain connective tissue health and comfort.

Gastrointestinal Tract Comfort: Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in maintaining healthy gastrointestinal function and comfort by supporting healthy eicosanoid production.

Skin Health: Omega-3 fatty acids protect keratinocytes and skin fibroblasts from free radicals and immune mediators generated by sun exposure. Additionally, they help promote elasticity and hydration for smoother looking skin.

Remember the basic baseline nutritional supplementation that everybody needs:

• Multivitamin-mineral -check out:
  • Daily Multi
  • Polyphenol Nutrients
  • Men’s Nutrients
  • Women’s Nutrients
• Fish oil-check out:
  • Ultimate Omega
  • ProOmega
• Superfood antioxidant blend-check out:
  • NewGreens
  • Berry Fusion

Talk Back:

Do You Supplement With Fish Oils? How Do They Benefit You? Post Your Answer Below.