Why Take Fish Oil & Omega 3?

Fish oil, whether taken as a supplement or eaten in your diet, contains very beneficial omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are made of two important substances: DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, and EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, which offer many health benefits. DHA and EPA can protect your joints and increase the health of your cardiovascular system.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are characterized by inflammation inside the joints. For arthritis sufferers, inflammation is caused by an overreaction of the breakdown of the tissue that supports the joint, including the cartilage and lining. According to "Arthritis Today" magazine, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis by controlling inflammation. When you take in omega-3, your body converts the substance into resolvins, a compound that can stop the overactivity of your body's immune system, relieving the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis.

Hyperlipidemia

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids through fish oil also can help lower high blood triglyceride levels. According to a review published in the "American Family Physician," consuming 4 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day is enough to reduce triglyceride levels by 25 percent to 30 percent. Omega-3 fatty acids also help increase your level of HDL, the "good' cholesterol.

Hypertension

Fish oil containing omega-3 has a positive effect on managing blood pressure for those diagnosed with hypertension but does little for a person with healthy blood pressure. According to the same review in "American Family Physician," a dose of 3.7 g of fish oil can reduce blood pressure by an average of 2.1/1.6 mm Hg. This is a significant amount for someone diagnosed with hypertension.

Heart Disease

The combination of omega-3's effect on blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol and hypertension help reduce your risk of heart disease. These mechanisms help reduce the risk of suffering from a heart attack. But the effect of omega-3s on your heart extends beyond the development of plaque buildup. According to the American Heart Association, fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids reduces your risk of sudden death by preventing heart arrhythmia.

Recommendations and Considerations

Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained by eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids or by taking supplements. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice per week to obtain the health benefits of omega-3s. Good sources of fish include tuna, salmon, mackerel, trout and sardines. Serving sizes should weigh 3.5 oz. Other dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed oil, canola oil and walnuts. However, non-fish sources of omega 3 fatty acids do not contain EPA or DHA. Maggie Covington, M.D. and author of "Omega-3 Fatty Acids" published in the "American Family Physician," claims that those taking omega fatty acid supplements generally tolerate them well. Side effects might include a fishy aftertaste or fishy belches, exposure to environmental hazards through the pills, elevated LDL cholesterol or a longer time for your blood to clot. For cardiac health, Dr. Covington suggests taking a 1 g supplement containing both EPA and DHA; to lower triglycerides, take a 2 to 4 g dosage; and to improve arthritis, 3 g or more might be needed. Consult your doctor before taking any new supplements. Your physician also can guide you toward a safe dosage for your condition.