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Fish Oil
Fish Oil
Fish oil is derived from the tissues of oily Fish. It is an excellent supplement rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. It is useful to reduce the risk of heart diseases. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the two Omega-3 fatty acids present in Fish oil. It possesses various pharmacological activities such as cholesterol and blood pressure lowering, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective. Fish oil helps to manage depression, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's disease[1].
What is the source of Fish Oil?
Animal Based
Benefits of Fish Oil
Modern Science View
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which inhibit the formation of triglycerides. The amount of Fish oil consumed is directly related to the amount of reduction in triglyceride level[2-4].
Ayurvedic View
Fish oil helps to control triglycerides level. According to Ayurveda, high cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Fish oil helps reduce Ama because of its Ushna (hot) nature and control the high cholesterol level.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Fish oil may be useful in managing Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children[2][8].
Ayurvedic View
Fish oil helps to control the symptoms of Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. According to Ayurveda, ADHD is due to imbalance in Vata dosha. Fish oil helps to balance Vata dosha and thus manages the symptoms of ADHD.
Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in managing Bipolar disorder when taken along with the conventional treatment. Many pathways in the central nervous system get overactivated in people with Bipolar disorder. Fish oil inhibits these pathways thereby having a mood-stabilizing effect. It may be useful in reducing symptoms of depression but not mania[2][9-11].
Modern Science View
Certain components present in Fish oil may be useful in managing cancer-related weight loss. It has an effect on many factors responsible for weight loss in pancreatic cancer. Fish oil may reduce the production of certain inflammatory chemicals and increase blood insulin level, thereby managing weight-loss[2][12][13].
Modern Science View
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that have potent cardioprotective effect. It protects the heart tissue and prevent irregular heart beats. Fish oil also prevents the formation of plaques by lowering triglyceride level thereby preventing heart attacks. It is recommended to have at least two Fish meals in a week for best results[2][14-16].
Ayurvedic View
Fish oil helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases by controlling high cholesterol. According to Ayurveda, high cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Fish oil helps reduce Ama because of its Ushna (hot) nature and controls high cholesterol level in blood. This reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.
Modern Science View
Dietary supplementation of Fish oil in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery reduces the chances of closing of the vein graft. Fish oil may also reduce the chances of irregular heartbeat causing poor blood flow after surgery. This reduces the stay in hospital[2][17-19].
Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in protecting the kidneys against drug damage. It has a beneficial effect on the renal blood flow system. Fish oil also improves the function of kidneys after rejection of transplanted organ in people taking the drug cyclosporine[2][20].
Modern Science View
Fish oil alone or along with vitamin B12 may be useful in managing menstrual pain. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory property. It reduces the production of certain chemicals that cause menstrual pain[2][22-24].
Ayurvedic View
Dysmenorrhea is the pain or cramps during or before a menstrual period. In Ayurveda, this condition is known as Kasht-aartava. According to Ayurveda, Aartava or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Vata dosha. So it is important that in a woman, Vata should be under control to manage dysmenorrhea. Fish oil has Vata balancing property and gives relief in dysmenorrhea. It controls aggravated Vata due to Ushna (hot) potency and reduces abdominal pain and cramps during the menstrual cycle.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.
Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in managing congestive heart failure (CHF). Fish oil regulates certain factors such as blood flow, reduces blood pressure and inflammation. These factors are essential in maintaining overall heart health[2][25].
Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in managing blood pressure. It helps in lowering high blood pressure especially in hypertensive and old people[2][29-30].
Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that controls the removal of calcium from the body thereby inhibiting weakening of bones[2][31][32].
Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in managing psoriasis. Regular intake of Fish oil capsules may reduce itching and redness along with reduction of the affected surface area[2][33][34].
Modern Science View
Fish oil may be useful in managing Raynaud’s syndrome. The omega-3 fatty acids present in Fish oil improve tolerance to cold exposure. This delays the sudden narrowing of blood vessels in patients with primary, but not secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. This may also lead to increase in blood pressure in cold temperatures[2][27].
Modern Science View
Due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in Fish oil, it may be useful in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil may reduce swelling, number of tender joints as well as morning stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis[2][35-37].
Ayurvedic View
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is known as Amavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama. This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Fish oil helps to reduce Ama due to its Ushna(hot) potency and gives relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
2. Swallow it with water after taking light food.
Modern Science View
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that prevent clumping of platelets. It also acts as a vasodilator which may further reduce clumping of platelets. Due to this, Fish oil may reduce the chances of a stroke in both men and women[2][38][39].
How effective is Fish Oil?
Likely effective
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Bipolar disoder, Chronic kidney disease, Coronary artery disease, Diabetic kidney disease, Heart disease, Heart failure, High triglycerides, Hypertension (high blood pressure), Menstrual pain, Osteoporosis, Pancreatic cancer, Psoriasis, Raynaud's disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, Stroke
Precautions when using Fish Oil
Advice from Experts
Modern Science View
1. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you are allergic to seafood[2].
2. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you have bipolar disorder[2].
3. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you have any liver diseases[2].
4. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you are at a risk of developing cancer[2].
5. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you are at a risk of AIDS[2].
2. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you have bipolar disorder[2].
3. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you have any liver diseases[2].
4. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you are at a risk of developing cancer[2].
5. Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil if you are at a risk of AIDS[2].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil during Breastfeeding[2].
Minor Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Fish oil may slower the blood clotting. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Fish oil along with anticoagulant drugs[2].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Fish oil may interact with birth control pills. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Fish oil along with birth control pills[2].
2. Fish oil may lower the blood pressure. So, it is generally advisable to monitor your blood pressure while taking Fish oil with antihypertensive drugs[2].
3. Fish oil may interact with drugs that cause weight loss. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Fish oil with anti-obesity drugs[2].
2. Fish oil may lower the blood pressure. So, it is generally advisable to monitor your blood pressure while taking Fish oil with antihypertensive drugs[2].
3. Fish oil may interact with drugs that cause weight loss. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Fish oil with anti-obesity drugs[2].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor while taking Fish oil during Pregnancy[2].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Belching
2. Bad breath
3. Nausea
4. Loose stools[2]
2. Bad breath
3. Nausea
4. Loose stools[2]
Recommended Dosage of Fish Oil
- Fish Oil Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
How to use Fish Oil
1. Fish oil Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
b. Swallow it with water.
c. Continue for 1-2 months for better results.
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Fish oil.
b. Swallow it with water.
c. Continue for 1-2 months for better results.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
On an average it is fine to take up to 500 mg of Fish oil if you are an adult in a day. It is however necessary to consult your doctor before taking Fish oil as high dose of Fish oil may cause some side effects.
References
- Magalhães JPD, Müller M, Rainger GED, et.al.Fish oil supplements, longevity and aging.Aging (Albany NY). 2016 Aug; 8(8): 1578–1582.
- WebMD.Fish-oil: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Park Y, Harris W.Effects of Fish oil on VLDL triglyceride kinetics in humans.Lipids.2002;31:1549-1558.
- Haglãœnd O, Lãœostarihen R, Wallin R et al.The effects of Fish oil on triglycerides, cholesterol, fibrinogen and malondialdehyde in humans supplemented with vitamin E.J Nutr.1990;121(2):165-169.
- Gapinski JP, Vanruiswyk JV, Heudebert GR et al.Preventing restenosis with Fish oils following coronary angioplasty: a meta-analysis.Arch Intern Med.1993;153(13):1595-1601.
- Milner MR, Gallino RA, Leffingwell A et al.Usefulness of Fish oil supplements in preventing clinical evidence of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.Am J Cardiol.1989;64(5):294-299. Milner MR, Gallino RA, Leffingwell A et al.Usefulness of Fish oil supplements in preventing clinical evidence of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.Am J Cardiol.1989;64(5):294-299.
- Rossi E, Costa M.Fish oil derivatives as a prophylaxis of recurrent miscarriage associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (APL): a pilot study.Lupu.1993;2:319-23.
- Bloch MH, Qawasmi A.Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.2011;50(10):991-1000.
- Montgomery P, Richardson AJ.Omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.2008;2.
- Calabrese JR, Rapport DJ, Shelton MD et al.Fish oils and bipolar disorder: a promising but untested treatment.Archives of General Psychiatry.1999;56(5):413-414.
- Stoll AL, Severus WE, Freeman MP et al.Omega 3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder: a preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Arch Gen Psychiatry.1999;56(5):407-412.
- Barber MD, Fearon KCH, Tisdale MJ et al.Effect of a Fish oil-enriched nutritional supplement on metabolic mediators in patients with pancreatic cancer cachexia.Nutr Cancer.2001;40(2):118-124.
- Burns CP, Halabi S, Clamon G et al.Phase II study of high-dose Fish oil capsules for patients with cancer-related cachexia: a cancer and leukemia group B study.Cancer.2004;101(2):370-378.
- Kris-Etherton PM, Harris WS, Appel LJ.Fish consumption, Fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease.Circulation.2002;106:2747-2757.
- Rissanen T, Voutilainen S, Nyyssonen K et al.Fish oil-derived fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid, and the risk of acute coronary events: the Kuopio ischaemic heart disease risk factor study.Circulation.2000;102:2677-2679.
- Hu FB, Bronner L, Willett WC.Fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake and risk of coronary heart disease in women.Journal of the American Medical Association.2002;287(14):1815-1821.
- Eritsland J, Arnesen H, Grønseth K et al.Effect of dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids on coronary artery bypass graft patency.Am J Cardiol.1996;77(1):31-36.
- Calò L, Bianconi L, Colivicchi F et al.N-3 fatty acids for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized, controlled trial.J Am Coll Cardiol.2005;45(10):1723-1728.
- Heidt MC, Vician M, Stracke SK et al.Beneficial effects of intravenously administered N-3 fatty acids for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass surgery: a prospective randomized study.Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.2009;57(5):276-280.
- Van der Heide JJH, Bilo H, Donker JM et al.Effect of dietary Fish oil on renal function and rejection in cyclosporine-treated recipients of renal transplants.N Engl J Med.1993;29:769-773.
- Richardson AJ.Omega-3 fatty acids in ADHD and related neurodevelopmental disorders.International Review of Psychiatry.2006;18(2):155-172.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.