Fish oil may decrease the risk of stroke by nearly 30 percent, according to MedlinePlus. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood clots, travels to the brain and becomes lodged in an artery, blocking oxygen from reaching the brain. This type of stroke accounts for nearly 80 percent of all strokes, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. However, a second type of stroke known as a hemorrhagic stroke may actually occur with increased amounts of fish oil. Understand how fish oil reduces and increases your risk of different strokes. Only take a fish oil supplement if approved by your health care provider.
Stroke Prevention
According to "Staying Healthy with Nutrition" written by Dr. Elson Haaus, fish oils contain omega-3 essential fatty acids that reduce blood clotting and blood platelets from clumping together. Haas explains this decreases the likelihood of stroke, but also blood clots in general and heart attacks.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Though fish oil decreases the risk of stroke in low doses, consuming large amounts of fish or fish oil supplements may actually increase the risk of a hemorrhagic stroke. Blood vessels may burst in your brain causing hemoorraghing. This type of stroke occurs when very high amounts of fish or fish oil are consumed. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, high amounts of fish consumption may lead to this rare, harmful side effect. One serving of fish is about 3.5 oz. When consuming more than three servings of fish per day, or 3g of fish oil supplements, you increase your risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states about 20 percent of all strokes are hemorrhagic strokes. Though most are not caused by fish oil consumption, it is important to be aware of the risk.
Source
MedlinePlus states those who eat fish once or twice a week may lower the risk of stroke. The website states people already consuming aspirin for blood clot prevention will not receive any additional benefits by consuming fish. If you are suffering from coronary heart disease, the American Heart Association suggests including 1 g of fish oil in your diet daily. The fish oil may come from including fatty fish in your daily meal plan, or consuming a fish oil supplement.
Post-Stroke Arthritits
According to the National Stroke Association, stroke victims may suffer from pain and inflammation in limbs and joints after suffering from a stroke. Fish oil has anti-inflammatory qualities and may reduce swelling and pain around your joints. According to MedlinePlus, people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who take fish oil reduce morning stiffness associated with the condition.
References
- "Staying Healthy with Nutrition"; Elson Haus; 2006
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- American Heart Association: Fish 101
- National Stroke Association: Reducing Inflammation Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E Can Stop the Pain
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- National Center for Neurological Disorders and Stoke: Hemorrhagic Stroke
