Periodically Optimal Health Network will offer a blog post about what supplements we recommend and why, our recommended source of the supplement, and guidance on the best way to take the supplement.

FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTS

Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential cornerstones of human nutrition. It is essential to understand that we do not produce omega-3 fatty acids in our body, therefore we need to provide these fatty acids through diet and supplementation.

Omega-3 fats are a key family of polyunsaturated fats. There are three main omega-3s:

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) come mainly from fish, and are called marine omega-3s.
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the most common omega-3 fatty acid in most Western diets, is found in vegetable oils and nuts (especially walnuts), flax seeds and flaxseed oil, leafy vegetables, and some animal fat, especially in grass-fed animals. The human body generally uses ALA for energy, and conversion into EPA and DHA is very limited.

Omega-3 is an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affects the function of the cell receptors. These healthy fatty acids provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. They also bind to receptors in cells that regulate genetic function. Likely due to these effects, omega-3 fats have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke, may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis, support healthy brain function and cognition, and may play protective roles in cancer and other conditions.

Optimal Health Network recommends a minimum of 750 mg per day of combined EPA/DHA as a good place to start for all adults. Higher dosages of fish oil supplements need to be considered for issues such as high triglycerides (2000-4000 mg), depression (10,000 mg), Crohn's disease (4000 mg), and lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (6000 mg).

With over 10,000 published studies in the last three decades, omega-3 from fish oil is among the most researched natural ingredients available, and has a long history of safety and efficacy.

BUY ORTHOMEGA 820 FISH OIL CAPSULES

If you need individualized support with your supplement protocol, call us at 608-242-0200 or set up a personal consultation.

Labels: cellular health, Crohn's disease, depression, fish oil, high triglycerides, lupus, omega fatty acids, omega-3, supplements