I’ve decided to add these to my dietary supplements and I’m taking 1,000 mg 3 times a day. Now, I’ve been all over GOOGLE and there are about as many opinions on fish oil as there are hairs on your head. Some people say substitute flax oil, some people favor cod fish oil, some others favor “sipping oil”, so I’m bringing this to y’all. What’s a good dose and what benefits can I expect? (One I have already noticed is the mild case of psoriasis I have on my elbows has lessened).
I have heard it’s also good for arthritis and I have the gouty kind, so I’m really interested! Cholesterol reduction? I’ve read about that as well.
The “fishy burps”? Yup, got 'em. I got 'em to the point where they remind me of the film Finding Nemo! (Only I used to call 'em “the rotten belches”! - Sorry, just had to share!:D)
So anyway, I’d appreciate any information y’all can contribute.
I’m from New England; those little capsules are such a blessing after all the nasty spoonfuls of cod-liver oil my mother forced down our throats (no Mary Poppins, her).
Do NOT overdose! Fish liver is about the only natural supplement you can really poison yourself with.
Yes, I take them. Flax seed oil caps to be exact. You can go to www.thepeoplespharmacy.com to look for the benefits. Great for people with lung issues as well.
:eek: NO-ONE has an opinion??
Seriously, I think that if you eat a balanced diet (plenty of fresh fruit and veggies, regular fish), there is no need for these types of additions.
Most fish isn’t all that high in EPA or DHEA, the substances in fish oil that are generally considered helpful. Salmon is, and that’s why I eat a big ol’ chunk of it six days a week. Most people can’t handle that much, so fish oil capsules are a good bet.
I recently saw a study comparing the metabolic effects of fish oil and another source of [symbol]w[/symbol]-3 acids (flax oil, I think). They found that the fish oil raised one’s metabolism significantly more than the flax oil. No cite, cause it’s not published yet.
Funny that this comes up now; someone (a former nurse) told me about fish oil last weekend. She said that, when added to a typical North American diet, this type of oil restores a balance of types of fats in the brain, and leads to better brain functioning. She said that it helps people deal with depression and stress. She also pointed to a chapter in a book called “Your Miracle Brain” by Jean Carper.
I checked with the nurse at work, and she agreed that it was a good idea, and pointed me to another book, “Good Fats/Bad Fats” by Udo Eramus. I’m going to track down these books. I’m also trying the fish oil out, at three caps per day.
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What I have noticed is that I seem more mentally alert, even at times when I am physically tired, and would otherwise be groggy. I have been mildly depressed in the last 24 hours, but that seems to be blunted somewhat from the usual. I was warned about reducing the amount of oil if I experienced diarrhea, but I haven’t noticed any problems.
My therapist put me on a regimine of fish oil and a B complex for depression. Worked miracles. I take 10,000 mg a day (10 gel caps). I ran out for a few days last month, and it took me a while to figure out why I was so testy and emotional. I went back to the fish oil and back to normal.
I found that if I eat right after I take them the fishy burps are greatly reduced. Sam’s club has a hog-ass bottle (300) for around $7.00, and they also have one that is coated to reduce the burps for a buck or two more, but I have not tried that one yet.
Have you tried plain old flax seed/meal instead? That’s loaded with Omaga-3 and Omega-6 and I get no burps from it. I add it to yogurt, bake with it and make a nice flaxmeal cereal from it. Others I know make flaxmeal granola, pancakes, muffins and also add it to scrambled eggs.
From what I’ve read it also helps reduce high cholesterol.
Problem is, what matters most is the ratio of omega-3 acids to omega-6 acids. Most people get enough omega-6, but not enough omega-3. That’s why fish oil is great.
If I’m not mistaken, olive oil doesn’t have any omega-3 acids, so you might want to rethink that strategy, Epimetheus.
O.K., first, not all the facts are in, so please don’t start yelling"cite".
I recommend starting at www.drsears.com for some good, trustworthy info. Dr Sears also sells fish oil that is a pharmaceutical grade, which will alleviate most of the fish burps. Spreading it out 3 times a day is a good idea. Lower quality brands will increase burps and cause the dreaded “fish breath”.
Yes, your level of 3 grams a day is good, assuming that is the amount of Omega 3s you are getting, not the fish oil amount. Look at the back label, not the front.
As far as overdose, j66 , fish oil is processed to remove vitamin A, so it’s not a problem. Cod liver oil, and other fish liver oils do have vitamin A in them, but Omega 3 oils like those offered at Dr. Sears labs are safe. My swim coach has been on 10 grams of Omega 3s for years, and many people take 5 or more grams per day, including me.
I would recommend against flax products, sj2 , as most people get way too much Omega 6 in their diet. It’s Omega 3s that people need, primarily EPA.
Dragon Phoenix and ultrafilter , it’s difficult to get 3 - 5 grams of high quality Omega 3s through diet. Supplements are a must. No significant amounts of toxins in high quality oils, unlike salmon.
Epimetheus , olive oil has no EPA in it.
Every human on earth should be on a diet of low to moderate carbs, moderate levels of proteins, and higher levels of EPA and monounsaturated fats. Try 2 weeks on the Atkins diet, then switch to Dr. Sears’ Zone diet (with EPA) for life, and you’ll never want to go back.
(Only I used to call 'em “the rotten belches”! - Sorry, just had to share!:D)