Featured Supplement: Fish Oil

The nutrients in fish oil have been shown to benefit a wide range of conditions, from arthritis to diabetes to depression.  Fish oil contains an exceptionally high concentration of EPA and DHA, and it is these two fatty acids -- known as Omega-3s due to their molecular structure -- that are responsible for the diverse beneficial effects on our health.  EPA & DHA are also essential nutrients, meaning that our bodies do not produce them.  Instead, we must obtain them from food sources, and fish oil represents an abundant, convenient source.

A Panacea If There Ever Was One

Fish oil has been thoroughly researched, and its benefits have been noted for the following conditions:

Joint pain/arthritis
Depression
Cardiovascular disease
Learning disorders
Type II diabetes
Back pain
Hypertension
Inflammatory bowel disease
Psoriasis

One might ask how a single supplement could possibly influence so many different ailments.  It's rather simple, actually.  Omega-3 fatty acids are confirmed to be powerful anti-inflammatory agents, and time and time again, inflammation has been shown to drive countless chronic health issues.  Fish oil helps to control the common inflammatory pathways shared by these ailments.  Is it any wonder then that fish oil shows such clinical versatility?

What To Look For In Fish Oil Products

Those looking to improve their health with fish oil may be daunted by the vast number of choices currently available.  There are several things to look for when selecting a fish oil supplement:

Small fish sourcing -- most reputable manufacturers purify their fish oils to remove toxins such as mercury, but one cannot be too cautious here.  Heavy metals and other impurities tend to concentrate more moving up the food chain, so much so that large, predatory fish often contain unsafe levels.  Smaller fish such as anchovies & herring contain trace amounts to begin with, and purification virtually eliminates these amounts.

Enteric coating -- many people have problems taking fish oil capsules on a consistent basis because they report belching and reflux for several hours following ingestion.  Enteric coating of the softgels prevents them from breaking down in the stomach, the place where they can cause these troubling symptoms.  Instead, enterically-coated capsules rupture in the intestinal tract, the site of absorption.  Another simple measure to avoid digestive distress: take your fish oil supplement at the beginning of a meal.  The food you eat will push the capsules along quickly and further prevent them from lingering in the stomach.

Soy-free ingredients -- there is no reason for fish oil products to contain any soy.  Unfortunately though, you will find it on many manufacturers' labels simply because it is so cheap to incorporate.  Soybean oil yields Vitamin E, an antioxidant which is used to preserve the precious fatty acids noted above.  But this oil may also contain trace amounts of soy protein, a highly allergenic ingredient that I encourage all patients to avoid.  Many other natural oils contain enough Vitamin E to offer suitable antioxidant protection, rosemary oil being one example.  Please note that certain individuals may tolerate soy protein with no problem, but the prevalence of sensitivity to it is high enough to warrant caution.  Check your product label, and if you are still unsure, contact the manufacturer and inquire if any ingredients are sourced from soy.

Adequate potency -- it's not the amount of fish oil that counts, it's the amount of EPA/DHA in a given product.  A good benchmark is 1 gram (1000 mg) of combined EPA/DHA in 2 large softgels.  Many patients take 1 g per day as a maintenance dose, however please check with our staff before doing so because fish oil can interfere with certain medications.

At Integrative Health Solutions, we are proud to offer a product which meets all of the criteria noted above, not to mention one that is highly affordable.  If you have any remaining questions about fish oil, do not hesitate to stop in and speak with our staff.