Recently a specialist in Internal Medicine recommended that I take fish oil capsules. As I often do, when faced with a new health treatment, of which I know little, I headed to the Internet to do a bit of research.
To say the least I was astounded at the number of illnesses and health problems for which fish oil supplements are recommended.
Before going any further I would like to clear up what may be a common misconception, I am referring here to cold water fish oil (not cod liver oil).
I found Fish Oil supplements touted as beneficial in a plethora of conditions. I was reminded of the old Snake Oil Remedies which were said to cure anything and everything.
But here we are, in the 21st Century, and Snake Oil has been left far behind in the wake of modern medicine. Why then, is this lowly supplement (fish oil) helpful in so many serious and often fatal diseases? Simply put, it is because fish oil provides essential fatty acids that the human body does not produce, known as Omega 3 fatty acids.
The literature I read indicates that fish oil supplement, usually in the form of a soft gel capsule, can provide relief for a great number of serious illnesses and conditions that commonly afflict many of us today.
Fish oil exerts an ameliorating effect on many Cardiovascular Diseases, such as high LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, triglyceride (fat) deposits in the arteries, and high blood pressure (hypertension). At the same time fish oil works to increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce inflammation in the blood
Fish oil is noted as helpful in Psychiatric and Mood Disorders, including depression, eating disorders and panic attacks.
It promotes normal growth and development, alleviates some skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema. Beneficial effects have been observed in treating lupus with fish oil supplements.
Fish oil is recommended in the treatment of certain cancers, including breast and colon cancer.
Other conditions that respond favorably to fish oil in the diet include diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney problems and weight loss.
It seems, in fact, difficult to conceive of any condition that may not benefit from this rather unsophisticated product. Other conditions reported to improve with fish oil extracts: migraine headaches, emphysema, glaucoma, Lyme disease, hair loss, bone diseases, metabolism irregularities, menstrual pain, pre-term labor, and infertility, alcoholism, tuberculosis, allergies and ulcers.
History even shows that fish oils can improve the neuronal growth of the frontal cortex of the brain, allegedly the seat of personal behavior.
I am sure with all these benefits any number, if not all of us, should be heading down to the pharmacy or health food store to get a big bottle of wild fish oil.
But wait just a moment! With the proper dosage, these benefits can be attained. However improper dosage may do more harm than good to the body. Usually the capsules are available in 1000 mg strength (1 Gram). The usual recommended dose, for adults, is 3000 mg a day. However this dosage may vary, depending upon other medications and the condition(s) to be treated.
With fish oil, as with any medication or nutritional supplement, do not begin taking it until you have the approval of your medical practitioner, nurse or pharmacist.
