5 Things You Need to Know About Fish Oil And Omega-3 Fatty Acids

1. All About Omega 3

Fish oil and Omega-3 fatty acids are dietary supplements that benefit the heart and cardiovascular system. Omega-3 fatty acids help lower triglycerides in the blood, which are the fats that make up "bad" cholesterol. The acids decrease the amount of triglycerides your body produces. Omega-3 also helps increase the good cholesterol levels that keep your heart healthy. Fish oils are believed to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

2. Getting Omega-3 in Your Diet

A healthy diet and fish oil intake should go hand in hand because lots of healthy foods already contain high levels of fish oil and Omega-3. Eat fresh fish, especially tuna or salmon, a few times a week. Keep almonds and walnuts on hand for snacks, and add flax seeds to recipes. These healthy food choices provide the necessary amount of Omega-3 for most people if eaten a few times a week. Omega-3 is usually only recommended as a daily supplement for people whose cholesterol levels are still not under control after diet changes, daily exercise and weight loss.

3. Supplements for Sale

Fish oil supplements are available in prescription strength and over the counter supplements. Fish oil and Omega-3 usually come in a softgel form that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Supplements are usually available in 600, 1,000 or 1,200 milligrams, so check with your doctor to get the right dosage. Prescription forms of fish oil are similar, but they're more purified to deliver a more concentrated dose. They also usually contain Omega-6 and antioxidants to help lower cholesterol faster.

4. Side Effects of Fish Oil

There are no known permanent fish oil side effects, and the temporary side effects are minimal. One of the most common fish oil side effects is a fishy or coppery taste in your mouth. Some people say that drinking a glass of milk after taking a daily fish supplement oil helps eliminate this. You might also experience an upset stomach and excess gas or burping when you first start to take Omega-3 and fish oil, but these effects should go away once you start taking them regularly.

5. Fish Oil and Other Medications

There are very few fish oil interactions with other medications. Fish oil and Omega-3 can interact with immunosuppressive drugs taken by people with weakened immune systems. There are occasionally interactions between fish oil and blood thinners, estrogens and diuretics, or "water pills." Talk to your doctor before taking Omega-3 and fish oil if you take any of these prescription medications.