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Omega 3 - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Aug 11, 2022
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While it may seem somewhat unbelievable, omega 3 fatty acids can be equated to the “magical elixir” of this century, or at least it seems that way. In reality, magic has nothing to do with it; however, these supplements do possess relatively potent health properties. A group of polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 3s are responsible for preventing and treating a number of common conditions.

What are Omega 3 Fats?

Omega 3s are categorized as polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fats include eicosapentaenic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and alpho-lineolic acid (ALA). With all of these combined, omega 3s are balanced essential fats with the ability to treat a wide range of health conditions.

In contrast to saturated fats in many foods, including butter and meat, which raise the levels of bad cholesterol, omega 3s, or polyunsaturated fats in general, lower cholesterol levels. These fats also function to reduce inflammation in the body.

These fats are also considered essential fatty acids, as the body does not naturally produce them. Omega 3s must be obtained from food or supplement sources. Omega 3 fats are abundant in such foods as flaxseed, canola oil, walnuts, and soybeans. Even better sources of the fats include salmon, herring, and tuna.

Health Benefits of Omega 3

Omega 3s play a vital role in general health in a number of ways. Supporting cardiovascular health, forming cell membranes and regulating the production of hormones are among the most important functions of omega 3 fats.

These fatty acids are also helpful for regulating a number of other factors of health. Omega 3s help lower cholesterol, reduce triglycerides, decrease heart abnormalities, prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure, reduce general inflammation in the body and prevent narrowing of the arteries.

Omega 3 fats are also beneficial for treating a number of other specific conditions. Bipolar disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, autism, type 2 diabetes, ADHD, cystic fibrosis, lupus, hepatitis, and a number of other common conditions respond well to treatment involving omega 3 fats.

Whether “magical” are not, the benefits of omega 3s are undeniable. Omega 3 fats are effective for treating and preventing a wide range of conditions.

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.
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Fish Oil and Skin

Posted by Art (California) on 07/31/2022 2520 posts
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

In early June of 2022, I was having a conversation with a friend who I was already working with to try and resolve hyperpigmentation issues of her skin. Progress was slow and she was asking about different supplements that might be helpful. She mentioned that she was taking fish oil (FO) and it didn't seem to be too helpful, even though she had been taking it for years.

I asked her how many milligrams of FO she was taking. She mentioned that she was taking a 1000 milligrams a day of combined DHA/EPA. I mentioned that that might not be the optimal dose for her based on effective dosages used in studies of FO in humans and suggested she consider upping her dose to study levels of EPA/DHA of 3 to 4 grams per day in order to optimize the benefit to her skin and heart. This would be 3 to 4 times the amount she was already taking. It is the total amount of EPA/DHA in a given FO soft gel that is important, not the total amount of different oils. So even though a FO soft gel may say 1200 mg, the actual EPA/DHA level may only be half that amount. It is important to read the label carefully to know what you are really getting.

Obviously the heart benefit will not be readily apparent other than through testing, but I told her that any additional benefit to her skin should be readily apparent within two months or so. I also reminded her that FO at therapeutic dosing such as she was now taking can absolutely have blood thinning effects and as such she should notify her doctor and have him/her add that information to her medical records for safety. I further told her that the high dose FO, because of its anti inflammatory effects should be additionally beneficial to her anti hyperpigmentation regimen as localized inflammation is a contributing factor to skin hyperpigmentation.

This past week, my friend texted me to update me on how she was doing as it was approaching the 2 month mark at her new increased FO dosing level. She said the following, it appears to be additive to her anti hyperpigmentation regimen as she could see increased fading of dark spots which she said had previously slowed to a crawl and she felt that if the current rate of lightening continued she might be "clear" in 3 months or so. She further said that the increased FO dosing schedule had eliminated "all of her dry skin" issues which she said had been a major problem for her for years. She went on to say that "stretch marks, keratosis and scars" that she has had for years had either faded, significantly diminished or both.

Overall she was very happy and looking forward to continued improvements and she said the improvements are helping her to diligently stick to her current regimen with no slacking. I told her that was good that she is applying her regimen consistently because that is needed in order to obtain the results she is getting and wants.

She told me she would update me later and when she does I will update this thread to update on her progress.

I know this is not of very much importance to many people, but it does offer a significant boost to her self esteem which, imo, is very important in trying to improve your overall quality of life, plus the added health benefit that the therapeutic FO dose is having to her heart is great, especially as we age! It is important to highlight the benefits of FO at useful dosing levels as many studies spotlight a multitude of health effects associated with sufficient intake of EPA/DHA, even for the brain!

Art



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