Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Health Benefits

  1. Home
  2. Supplements

The Science of Omega-3s: Beyond Basic Supplementation

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Sort by Default New Loved

Flax Seed Oil Feedback

5 star (4) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Erex (Fayettville, Ny) on 12/24/2009
 ★★★★★

After eating for a couple of months about 3 tablespoons a day of flax seeds, which I was taking for another condition, I found my nails started growing in clear and healthy. I learned this quite by accident.

Flax Seed Oil Feedback
Posted by Linda (CA, USA) on 01/31/2009
 ★★★★★

I used to get zits after eating fried foods, chips and nuts or the week before my period starts. But since I've been taking 3 tabs flaxseed oil per day (1000mg), I've had absolutely NO zits. It also seems to keep my keloid scar flatter, too. I've read that flax seed oil (omega-3's) are anti-inflammatory so it makes sense.You can use fish oil too, but I don't like the fishy burp breath. Omega-3's are supposed to help prevent inflammatory diseases like heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, etc. For those who have a hard time swallowing the large tablets, there is always the liquid form which doesn't taste great but will do the job.

Flax Seed Oil Feedback
Posted by London (Sandusky, Ohio ) on 01/03/2009
 ★★★★★

Based on reviews, and the fact my daughter has a condition called Lymphatic Malformation, and my Mom has some health problems, I decided to give "Barleans" Flaxseed oil a try. I bought a whole 32oz, and was worried I would not be able to use it all. First of all, I believe in oils. Some of the most healing things on this Earth are oils, and fats, such as Castor, Olive, and coconut oil. I had heard it tasted a little strong, but it was actually the mildest tasting oil I have used so far. Even more mild tasting than olive oil. Coconut oil is very hard for me to eat, and ofcourse castor oil is gross,. So...I used flaxseed oil in a banana milkshake with soy protean powder, AND WAS AMAZED! I could not taste it AT ALL, and if anything, it imparted a nice pleasant flavor to it.

Immediately My Mother and I felt something wonderful. I did hear something about using flaxseed oil to treat Depression, and I have to say guys, it's real.

She said her mind felt very clear, and she just felt a lot better, and I had a distinct feeling of increased energy. Even my eyesight seemed clearer, my mind felt clearer, it was amazing. I felt strangely happy. I felt so good, I felt a charge. I felt like the blood was pumping in my veins, and I set out to clean the whole house! I also played with my daughter, and I'm usually feeling so tired and sort of depressed at the end of the day, I usually don't have the energy. Some of the oil got on my hands, and it left a really nice pleasant scent to it. This oil is great!!.. and I see what all the fuss is about. You cannot taste it at all in shakes, it's awesome. It's the most powerful oil I've used so far. I feel a distinct difference when taking it. It's like the depression is gone.

Flax Seed Oil Feedback
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 09/23/2008 489 posts
 ★★★★★

The below info on flax seed oil comes from the Federal Government's Data Base on plants compiled by James Duke, PHD. This is only a small part of information on chemicals in flax & their actions.

I also wrote down some of the chemicals found in flax seed:

acetic acid 3,105 - 3,853 ppm (ACV is 5% actic acid)
alanine - antioxidant, cancer preventative
alpha linoleic acid l08,000 228,000 ppm
magnesium 3,715 -7,002 ppm
tocopherol 57 ppm (Vit E)
tryptophan, lysine, and other amino acids

I can also add that I have taken quite a bit of flax seed oil without any harm or unwanted side effects. Jim Duke's book "The Green Pharmacy" also includes flax seed and flax seed oil.

Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases
http://www.ars-grin.gov/duke/

ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL
Oil 5 ppm;

Antialzheimeran; Antianginal; Antiarthritic; Antiasthmatic; Antiatherosclerotic; Anticancer; Anticataract; Anticonvulsant Synergen; Antidementia; Antidiabetic; Antiinfarctal; Antiinfertility; Antiischemic; Antimaculitic; Antimutagenic; Antineuropathic; Antioxidant 5 x quercetin IC34=10 uM; Antiparkinsonian; Antiradicular 5 x quercetin; Antiretinotic; Antirheumatic; Antistroke; Antitumor; Antitumor (Bladder); Antitumor (Prostate); Antitumor (Stomach); Antitumor-Promoter; Cancer-Preventive; Cardioprotective; Circulotonic; Immunomodulator

Flax Seed Oil Recipes

Posted by Kelly (Cincy, Oh) on 10/07/2009

To those of you who are considering adding flaxseed to your daily diet: I met a man who was in his 60's and looked 40'ish. he said that in his morning health shake (there are 100's of recipes out there, just google it) he added flaxseed he had set in distilled water the night before (no need to grind) the water softens the seeds and the oil leaches out. only do a couple of days ahead to keep from being rancid. NOT EVERYONE HAS A COFFEE GRINDER SO YOU CAN STILL ADD FLAX SEED BY THIS METHOD. GOD BLESS! flax seed adds omega-3 oil as is found in fish oil. 2-4 tbsp of flax seed 8oz.distilled water in fridge w/ lid.

Replied by Scott
(Appleton, Wi)
11/22/2010

Did he add the soaked seeds to his shake, or did he discard the soaked seeds and just drink the water?

Replied by Renu
(Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab (india))
12/16/2011

Interested in all possible details and recipes of flax seed oil. Even itz usage..

Gas

5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Jake (Chicago, Il) on 01/08/2008
 ★★★★★

whipple operation for duodenal cancer, psyllium, and flax seed meal. After my cancer operation in 1991 I suffered terrible flatulence - gas in both directions. It was a difficult time for several years - my doctors prescribed pancreatic enzymes that were useless. Eventually I realized because of the removal of my duodenum, digestion of oils and fats especially was impeded. I was better avoiding all oils and fats, but that was not a long term solution. My triglycerides were elevated and I was slowly depleting my essential oils and drying out based on my skin condition. Adding back essential oils (flax mixture) brought my tryglicerides back to normal in the first week but my original gaseous problems were still there. Eventually, after 10 years or so, I discovered psyllium seed that cured the condition entirely when I added it mixed in water before major meals - or before oily or in some cases even when I indulged in pig-out foods. My movements still were not perfect and recently, only the last 5 months or so I discovered flax seed meal or powder is even better - not quite as course in elimination and adding substantially more vitamins and nutrients as I understand it. Either of course would be a life saver for anyone else out there who's an outcast because of runaway flatulence.

Hemp Oil

Posted by Fazia (Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa) on 02/08/2011

Hi, has anyone here used hemp oil? If so, could you please share your experience. I've seen a documentary regarding its usage but would prefer to hear from someone who has actually used it. Thanks

Replied by Francisca
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
02/08/2011

Hi, I have used Hemp Oil in the kitchen and it was ok, I have given it up because nowadays I only use lard, butter, olive oil and VCO. I avoid all other vegetable oils.

Replied by Tom
(Regina, Sk)
02/08/2011

Fazia:

Your question is worded too coyly and ambiguously!

I'm guessing that since you mention a documentary, that you are referring not to the oil from the crushed hemp seed, which is available in stores everywhere, but to the "homemade" hemp oil?

The Health Ranger covered this story very well in late 2009 as it unfolded here in Canada in the NS Provincial Supreme Court:

http://www.naturalnews.com/027756_cancer_cure_Big_Pharma.html

Soon after he began, Rick was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. After one of the three cancers was removed surgically, it came back. So he decided to try the THC laden hemp oil topically. Within days, all three skin cancers were completely healed. Rick deduced that THC hemp oil cured cancer, but smoking marijuana would not.

A check of Zapom. com, the master Search site for videos of all kinds brings up endless clips of everything from the trial in the TV news, to Rick Simpson's documentary "Run From The Cure":

http://zapom.com/rick simpson

Perhaps someone from the more free, open-minded states like Portugal or Holland will answer you here to explain what is and is not allowed and available.

Those are the prime candidates for countries where Rick Simpson is rumored to have fled.

Replied by Francisca
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
02/09/2011

Hi Tom, I happen to be from Portugal but lived many years in Holland. True that Holland is quite an open minded country, for better and for worse. Therapies which are not accepted in many countries, like the Bates eye therapy, is quite common in Holland, as well as GP's working as a regular doctor and natural doctor, etc. Portugal.... I wouldn't think so! It is a very traditional country where people are happy enough to just go to the doctor when they have any minor complain and love taking medication. Things are slowly changing but it will take a long time. There are some good natural doctors though but those are regarded as weird quacks, more than anything!

Indigestion During Pregnancy

5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Crystalin (San Juan, Pr) on 10/02/2009
 ★★★★★

During my first pregnancy, I experienced indigestion during my last trimester, which I understood to be normal. I started experiencing it earlier in my second pregnancy with more severe symptoms, and then earlier again in my third pregnancy, with increasingly severe symptoms. Before my fourth pregnancy, my mother-in-law (the best witch doctor around!) told me about flax seed oil. I tried to take a tablespoon with each meal(3x a day). Even if I didn't take in 3 a day, I still took at least 1 tablespoon a day. I never had any indigestion symptoms, until I went on a weekend trip in my 7th month, and forgot to bring my flax seed oil. I ended up having to sleep sitting up in a rocking chair. My indigestion was so severe, I was having a hard time breathing. When I got back home, I immediately resumed taking the flax seed oil, and had no more problems with indigestion.

Marine Phytoplankton

Posted by Ginger (Rocky Face, Georgia) on 01/26/2013

Has anyone taken Marine Phytoplankton and what did they think about it and did it help them? Just wondering if this is really a "miracle food"?

Replied by Rob
(Manhattan)
09/01/2013

After my 2nd bottle of PhytoPlankton,.. No noticable changes in general health, but it has effected my dream states. Producing very vivid dreams.. Not all pleasant. I like having vivid dreams so will continue with this, off and on... & continue researching it. Will discontinue if anything negative arises... always good to take breaks with any supplement.

Mental Illnesses

5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by RAquelle (Auckland, New Zealand) on 12/04/2007
 ★★★★★

I have heard very good things about fish oils! A woman who was severly Bi polar , would go into dillusional lapses for weeks and upon taking fish oils whe has now not suffered these for 2 years now. I also have suffered mood swings ....I link with brain chemical balances (not necessarely Bi-polar) .........I feel 3 Capsules have balanced my mood very nicely. Also I find cutting out suger and white flour also helps. Remember because of what we eat etc..... the stresses in our life are given power in a way , because we get trigger easily. we all deserve lovely lifes and are entitled , and because we have strayed a distance from the natural foods that we used to consume..we have to return and relearn how to be healthy.

Neuropathy

Posted by Karen (Tampa, Fl) on 03/11/2013

Does anyone know for sure if Flax seed oil or omega 3 fish oil is better for neuropathy? Or are they about the same. Seems to me one ought to be better than the other as they are from completely different sources. Thank you much.

Replied by Timh
(Louisville, Ky, Usa)
03/12/2013
2041 posts

Karen: Flax Oil is like a precursor to the EFA's (DHA - EPA) found in Fish Oil. Flax is thought to produce more EFA's per volume than Fish. Really whichever you can get a best buy will do. Chia and Walnut Oil also contain the beneficial EFA's. It is advised, however, to supplement Vit-E to protect the integrity of the EFA's.

Replied by Patricia
(North Carolina, US)
06/01/2014

I have been taking Natural Barley pills for the past 2 years. Does not rid me of Neuropathy, but I have no pain, tingling, or burning. I do not take any other medication.

Omega 3 and Hypomania

Posted by Elly (Topeka, Kansas) on 06/06/2011

Does Bill or anyone know here why some people get hyper (mild mania) after eating certain foods like liquid yellow egg yolks or soy lecithin or flax oil? Thanks everyone here.

Replied by Elly
(Topeka, Kansas)
06/06/2011

Hi Bill from the Phillipines or anyone who might have any idea,

I just noticed one more thing that all of these foods have omega 3. I did read online a few reports of omega 3 inducing hypomanic states. If adult's thyroid is fine, is it possible the liver is having trouble breaking down the omega 3? Could this be an allergy? Is there anything to fix the liver or allergy? She doesn't have this issue when she eats egg or fish products in general only when I give her these things singled out as a supplement and in a modest dose. Thanks.

Omega 3 Book Reviews

5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 07/04/2010

Book review "The Omega Solution" Jonhathan Goodman

I bought this book with a lot of expectations as I want to know more about the balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6 as it seems quite important for one's wellbeing but I was quite disappointed. I won't say that it hasn't some interesting facts but in the whole I found it quite boring and giving advice I don't think is wise, like telling you that saturated fats are bad, he also advises Canola oil but according to what I have been reading this oil seems not to be healthy at all, as well as corn, safflower and soybean oil.

He is also very much on lowering cholesterol and bad and good cholesterol while all cholesterol seems to be very important for the human body. He does mention that in normal amounts cholesterol is important but what are normal amounts? Isn't what is considered normal nowadays set by the Pharmaceutical Industry in order to make money?

As far as whether fish oils are good for the health or not I don't know, some experts say that they are very important, others say that you shouldn't even touch them.... all very confusing. He also let's himself be guided by the Food Guide Pyramid which doesn't seem the best thing as far as nutrition goes. But well, this book is from 2001, that is maybe the problem!

Shopping for wild fish is indeed a great advice but here in Europe we can't buy many kinds of wild fish anymore. No salmon for example, only farmed.

He also advises soy products which we now know can harm at least those who rely heavily on them, especially unfermented soy products.

I also found it funny that although the author knew of cases treated successfully with EFA's he seems only to accept the evidence of that after being tested scientifically. In my opinion you can't test everything scientifically so in cases you know that there is no harm and other people had good results why not try and add your positive or negative experience to the existing ones? You can't always be waiting for millions to be available, many years of studies and many people? Anyway, it seems that at least in 2001 the jury was not yet out on whether EFA's are good for the health or not and what they could treat so most of the studies he talks about have no practical value!

I have a lot more question marks regarding this book but let me just say that I will look for some other way to get the information I need and I won't buy a health book which is 9 years old again!

Replied by Omega3lover
(Cape Town, South Africa)
11/16/2011
★★★★★

This works really well if you are having low sperm count and poor motility. I had very low sperm count and after taking it for 6 months my sperm count increased very much.

Pets

5 star (3) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Raquelle Barczewski (Auckland, New Zealand) on 12/03/2007
 ★★★★★

I have found flax seed oil excellent for cats and dogs if they do not mind some in there food. It does not have much flavour and has an endless list of properties. Excellent for aging animals as is is good for skin, fur, brain and especially arthritis sufferers...if animals take this when young they would probably avoid later life conditions. Once I lived with a dog riddled with arthritis and looked crippled when walking...the owner agreed I could give her this oil and she actually gain mobility back to a huge degree and had a lot better quality to life before passing. Oh also great for humans too!

Pets
Posted by Pinkie (Portland, Oregon) on 11/03/2007
 ★★★★★

Thanks to Marina from Victoria,Canada on the flaxseed tip. My Morris is a orange mixed breed. Looks like (you guessed it) Morris on the commercial! His skin was dry and he had the welts on his neck. I read your posting, had some omega 3 and squirted it in his mouth. After 2 days I gave him a day off, the difference in his skin is unbelieveable. His coat, like when he was a tiny kitten. He's 5 months now. I have another mixed breed Mischief (she has a crooked tail:)normal skin & coat, but she will be the next one to benefit. They won't drink water with ACV in it but I'm working on a mixture they can't detect. Also plain yogurt no flavor, no nothing, will clear up parasites. A tip from a vet!


NEXT 
Previous Page 1 2 3 Next Page

Please note that we use cookies necessary for the functioning of our website, cookies that optimize the performance. To learn more about our cookies, how we use them and their benefits, please read our Privacy Policy