patients with high triglycerides, a 50
Tuna should be limited due
percent reduction can be achieved
to concerns of high mercury
by supplementing the intake of
levels, especially in pregnant
omega-3. Fish oil tends to increase
women. Two servings of fish
HDL and have a neutral or slightly
per week should be the goal in
elevating effect on LDL.
a healthy nutrition plan.
The cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 are found
Not all omega-3 supplements are created equal. Re-
in other aspects besides cholesterol modification and
member the adage, “You get what you pay for”? Supple-
risk of death. The Nurses’ Health Study, including almost
ments are no different. Doctors are able to prescribe
80,000 women, showed that those with the highest
high grade oils that are devoid of harmful toxins and
intake of fish had the lowest risk of stroke. In addition, a
leave only EPA and DHA in the gel cap. If you purchase
large study of male physicians demonstrated a lower risk
supplements over the counter, read the label to make
of stroke in those with higher fish consumption. Stud-
sure you are getting the necessary amount of both forms
ies also show the consumption of omega-3s can reduce
of omega fats. Most therapeutic doses obtained from
blood pressure.
your doctor are able to be administered without having
In addition to the beneficial effects of Omega-3s on
to take 10-15 capsules a day. Check with your doc-
the cardiovascular system, some other findings are sure
tor regarding the appropriate dose of omega-3 fish oil.
to be of interest to most of our patients. Diabetes control
Usually therapeutic doses start at one gram a day and go
has been shown to improve with fish oil supplements.
upwards. Remember, the dosing is calculated as a total
Omega-3 oils improve the ability of our cells to utilize
of EPA and DHA combined. Lower grade supplements
insulin. Additional improvements have been demonstrat-
list the total oil only. That information is not sufficient;
ed in:
we need to know the EPA and DHA content, combined.
• Arthritis and other inflammatory diseases
The capsules can be consumed any time of day,
• Immune system function
preferably with food. Most people tolerate omega-3 fish
• Allergy symptoms
oil without a problem. If the fish oil is difficult to digest,
• Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s dementia
try taking it in with a protein-based meal. Top-quality
• Depression and anxiety
products are also less likely to cause digestive issues.
• Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis
It is beneficial to take the fish oil with certain antioxi-
dants like vitamin E and co10 and B vitamins for proper
Increased omega-3 consumption has also been shown
absorption. These antioxidants ensure the oil does not go
to decrease the risk for certain types of cancer. Discuss
rancid within the gut, causing free-radical damage. Also,
supplementation with your doctor before changing the
once the bottle is opened, make sure to keep it in the
medication that you are currently taking for any of the
refrigerator to prevent the oil from spoiling.
conditions listed above.
the bottom line
what are the best sources of omega-3?
If you are looking for ways to improve your heart
The easiest way to obtain the benefits of omega-3s is by
health—or your overall health—make sure you get your
consuming certain fish or ingesting supplements con-
twice weekly servings of fatty fish such as salmon, sar-
taining omega-3 fish oil (not from processed foods or
dines or mackerel and take your daily omega-3 fish oil
drinks that claim to contain it). And yet, despite our best
capsules. No literature has ever been produced showing
intentions to eat oily fish such as salmon and sardines,
a danger of too much omega-3 supplementation, so it’s
we still do not get the amount of omega-3 we need on a
okay to load up on this healthy fat. Remember that qual-
daily basis. Unfortunately, concerns regarding the levels
ity counts and you have to know the source of your fish
of toxins such as mercury and PCBs (polychlorinated bi-
oil. Don’t forget to talk with your doctor before starting
phenyls – known human carcinogens) in seafood tend to
any supplements or over-the-counter medications. And
hamper our ability to include it in our diet. In addition,
finally, make your supplements part of an overall good
some people just don’t like seafood or don’t have time to
nutritional plan. Happy fishing!
prepare a decent meal.
Certain fish contain high levels of omega-3 oil.
Jack M Wolfson, DO, is a board-
Anchovy, mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout and tuna all
certified cardiologist at Cardiovascular
have sufficiently high levels of omega-3 per three-ounce
Consultants, Ltd., who specializes in
serving. In fact, anchovies have the most of all fish.
nutrition and the use of evidence-based
Remember to consume wild fish whenever possible, as
supplements to prevent heart disease,
farm-raised salmon lacks sufficient amounts of omegas
high blood pressure, and high choles-
and is devoid of most of the health benefits of seafood.
terol. See ad on page 15.
Pr i n t e d o n re c y c l e d Pa P e r t o Pr o t e c t t h e en v i r o n m e n t
March 2010 35
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48