October 2009
Monthly Archive
Fish Oil Fast Fact #153: Fish Oil Beats Olive Oil in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Posted by Michael Byrd on Oct 26 2009 | Tagged as: Fish Oil
If your joints are in chronic pain due to rheumatoid arthritis, then you might want to take a close look at your oil consumption. For years, olive oil has been one of the common homeopathic remedies for rheumatoid arthritis, but studies initiated as early as 1990 and reconfirmed in the past year show that in fact fish oil, which is high in omega 3 fatty acids, is actually more effective at alleviating pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis (Arthritis and Rheumatism, vol. 33, no. 6).
While both types of oil did improve the state of the patient’s joints and muscles, omega 3 fish oil appeared after 24 weeks to result in markedly better improvements in the number of tender joints, swelling and immune function in general. While it may not be advisable to replace all of your current rheumatoid arthritis treatments with an omega 3 supplement, it would certainly be wise to investigate the benefits of adding such a treatment to your current plan. This simple addition could result in dramatic improvements in lifestyle and mobility.
Mercury Poisoning: An Old Issue with New Health Ramifications
Posted by Michael Byrd on Oct 23 2009 | Tagged as: Fish Oil, Omega 3
If you follow dieting trends at all, then you are probably aware of the many fish-based diets out there. These diets are promoted as both heart healthy and a great way to lose weight. In addition, they are viewed by many as a solution to a nutritional problem: a shortage of omega 3. However, if you are considering adopting some of the more extreme versions out there (such as some version of the Inuit’s cultural diets which consist nearly entirely of fatty fish like tuna and mackerel) then you may want to think again. While it’s a great source of omega 3, the accompanying increase in mercury levels could make you more susceptible to strokes and heart attacks.
In an October 2009 study, the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed new finding that indicate that Inuit from Nunavik are highly exposed to environmental mercury because of their diets, which consist mainly of fish1. As a result, thanks to all that mercury they are far more likely than most to suffer strokes and heart attacks due to their high blood pressure.
Now, I know that you are not likely to eat mackerel or tuna – no matter how delicious – for breakfast, lunch and dinner unless you have no other choice. However, the results of this study do bear consideration if you have recently started taking an omega 3 supplement (many of which are made from tuna or mackerel) or if you are attempting to increase the amount of fish in your diet for health reasons. As a result, you may be exposing yourself to some of the same mercury issues.
If you want to avoid the risk of mercury entirely, then most of your omega 3 fatty acids should come from Arctic salmon, which are less likely to contain mercury, or from a (WHO) World Health Organization-approved supplement made only from Arctic salmon and guaranteed tested and toxin free. Molecular optimization of your omega 3 supplement will also improve its effectiveness and eliminate other unpleasant side effects associated with fish oil, such as gas, nausea, and fishy body odor.
To learn more about a fish oil supplement approved by both the WHO and representatives from the American College of Toxicology, access http://www.omega-3.us.
Spotting an Omega 3 Deficiency in Your Child
Posted by Michael Byrd on Oct 21 2009 | Tagged as: Omega 3
According to a recent joint study by American and Canadian scientists, nearly 90 percent of all children in the United States and Canada may be omega 3 deficient. This is a startling number, particularly given that in children omega 3 plays a critical role in brain development, autoimmune development and eye sight. In addition, it is thought to impact the emotional state of some people as well.
As you can see from the results of this study, it is actually pretty safe to assume that if you live in the US or Canada, then your child probably is not getting enough omega 3. However, if you do not want to rely on the study alone, here are some indicators that your child may not be getting enough of this vital nutrient in their daily diet:
* They are easily distracted
Omega 3 deficiencies often lead to trouble with focus. In fact, many children who have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD actually are suffering from severe omega 3 shortages in their systems. Of course, all children are fairly easy to distract, so you might want to consult with a dietician or observe your child in conjunction with other children to determine if there is an actual problem.
* Chronic breathing problems or headaches
Omega 3 deficiencies often manifest themselves in minor health issues, including asthma, headaches, stomach aches, ear infections and skin conditions. While all children will experience some of these issues over the course of their childhood, if you feel that the occurrences are too frequent, ask a doctor about a pediatric omega 3 supplement.
* Behavioral problems at school
Often the minor health issues and the focus issues detailed above manifest themselves in an extremely practical symptom: the child gets in regular trouble at school. Of course good behavior should be a requirement, but if your child appears to be misbehaving chronically, then it might be worth considering that there could be a nutritional issue at the heart of the matter.
Learn more about omega 3 and how it can impact your child’s health and yours at http://www.omega-3-us.
