The Ultimate Weight Gaining Program

By Rory Wilkinson

Whether you want to add weight for sports or just self confidence then you have come to the right place. This article will reveal the best weight gaining program. Follow these 3 steps and you gain muscle mass quickly and safely.
So you want to start adding weight?

Let's get started

1. The 1st part of these weight gaining program concerns the food that you intake. Obviously to gain weight you need to absorb more calories than you burn off. This means that you will want to increase the amount of meals that you have per day to at least 6-7. These meals should be made up of roughly 45% carbohydrates, 35% proteins and 20% fats. Also try to have at least 3 of these meals made up of real solid foods. (Don't just drink protein shakes).

2. The next vital part of the weight gaining program is to ensure that you are working out your big muscles. If you want to gain weight and muscle then stop focusing on bicep curls and inside perform exercises like the squat and the dead lift. These exercises (unlike bicep and triceps curls) work your major muscles and help create large muscle mass. Moreover these exercises are vital for the large hormone spikes which they cause. Any weight gaining program must incorporate these 2 exercises.

3. For optimum muscle growth and gain then supplements are very important. They will increase the benefits of your work out and allow you to gain weight and muscle much quicker. Of course you must take care when choosing the right supplements. Only use well known products that have passed the test of time. Such examples would be: protein shakes, powdered creatine, multi vitamins and fish oil capsules.

So that's the Ultimate Weight Gaining Program. You now have some basic knowledge for gaining weight and muscle. This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to know more information about gaining weight and muscle then visit the website below.

Psoriasis Treatment Using Natural Remedies

By Rudy Silva

If you have Psoriasis or any other skin problem, I know you are always looking for a solution. With psoriasis, the skin breaks out in itchy rashes, unsightly blemishes, and white flakes.

In psoriasis, the skin cells multiply quickly causing rashes to appear quickly. Normal skin renews itself in 30 days, but in psoriasis, skin cells move from the innermost layer of skin to the skin surface in 3 days, causing red and itchy areas. In addition, as cells accumulate on the surface they die, turning white and flaky.

Finding a psoriasis treatment that cures is not easy since there doesn’t appear to be one. Most doctors or dermatologists do not know what causes psoriasis and consider it incurable. But there are many different natural remedies that can give some relief to psoriasis but at far as a natural psoriasis treatment that is a cure, there is none.

Here is a list of psoriasis treatments that you may want to try.

Give your skin some sun to give your body additional energy and Vitamin D to fight your psoriasis. You can add Vitamin D supplements to the list of vitamins you take. The psoriasis sun treatment works better with UVB rays but these rays also cause sunburn. So you may want to put sunscreen on those areas that do not have psoriasis.

Drink teas or take capsules of sarsaparilla, milk thistle or nettle leaves.

Take a regular dose of fish oil or flax seed. Start with 1500 mg per day of fish oil

Use a couple tablespoons of granular lecithin. You can add it to your soups, salads, morning cereal, or smoothes. Never add it to boiling water or use it as cooking oil since it oxidizes rapidly and becomes rancid.

Take large dose of inositol, a B vitamin, around 1.5 grams or more and see how it affects your psoriasis.

Use a diluted apple cider vinegar over your psoriasis to reduce itching. Start with 10 parts apple cider vinegar to 90 part of distilled water. No known pathogen can survive in apple cider vinegar.

Keep stress down if possible, stress lowers the immune system and a weak immune system cannot keep up with the activity of psoriasis.

There is another herb that appears to be an excellent psoriasis treatment. It’s called mahonia quifolium and is better known as Oregon grape or holly-leaved barberry, which is a natural plant extract

This extract is a,

A strong antibacterial

A strong antifungal

Inhibits the excessive abnormal skin cell growth

Reduces inflammation

Activates the release of histamine

You can find mahonia aquifolium in a product called M-Folia. This product comes in various forms – ointments, shampoos, sunscreen, and cream preparations

Keep your psoriasis area open to air and don’t allow jewelry or tight clothing to press against it. Stay of away from harsh chemicals sprays and liquid irritants.

Keep stress down if possible, stress lowers the immune system and a weak immune system cannot keep up with the activity of psoriasis.

Use a psoriasis treatment as mentioned above to help give you psoriasis relief. You can use a combination of these remedies, so experiment to see which works the best for you.

Fish or Fish Oil Supplements?

By David McEvoy

Both fish and fish oil supplements contain important essential Omega 3 fatty acids needed for good health, but as we will see, it isn't just any old fish and nor is it any old fish oil that can do the job properly.

The Paradox

Today's consumers must be very confused about seemingly contradictory advice about eating fish. The food standards agency says most people should be eating more oily fish like Salmon, Tuna, Herring and Mackerel, because the Omega 3 fatty acids they contain are good for our health. But at the same time they limit the recommended daily amounts to 2 portions of oily fish a week for women and girls who may want to have a baby one day and for breastfeeding mothers, and 4 portions for everyone else. So first we are told to eat more fish in order to gain the extraordinary health benefits of Omega 3, but then we are told not to eat too much because our fish are polluted with toxins, particularly methylmercury. What are we supposed to do with this advice? Perhaps we should look at how much Omega 3 we actually need.

Omega 3 - how much is enough?

No official recommendation exists as to how much Omega 3 is required for optimum health but on an individual basis the ideal amount is linked to our intake of Omega 6. The more Omega 6 fatty acids that we consume, the more Omega 3 fatty acids we need to counteract the imbalance. First of all it might help to explain that the body is unable to synthesise Omega 3, or Omega 6 fatty acids for that matter, so we have to rely totally on our diets to get them. Now here's the astounding part.

Most of us today are eating diets that are deficient in the anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids but excessive in pro-inflammatory Omega 6. Over the past 70 years or so our consumption of fish has drastically diminished and at the same time we are eating more processed foods, grains and vegetable oils. These foods aren't bad in themselves it is just that this imbalance in our diets is believed by some to be the root cause of a huge rise in inflammatory conditions, heart disease and depressive disorders, hence the need for more Omega 3.

The important Omega 3 fatty acids are Eicosapentaenoic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid or EPA and DHA. Generally speaking, 1g of EPA/DHA daily is considered enough for everyone. To give you an idea of what this equates to in real terms, to get this amount of EPA/DHA from the diet, you would have to consume a 3-oz portion of salmon every single day, seven days a week.

Bearing in mind the toxicity problem, one might think it's safer to get Omega 3 from fish oil supplements, but here's the 'catch'. Fish oil is made from the very same fish in the sea, so it stands to reason that fish oil supplements can be toxic too unless of course the fish oil has been purified.

What types of fish oils are there and which one is best?

To put it simply, there are basically 3 types of fish oil available.

• Cod Liver Oil
• Standard fish oil
• High-grade concentrated fish oil

Cod liver oil is produced from the liver of fish and although contains high amounts of Omega 3, the liver is where most of the toxins are stored and so potentially, cod liver oil can contain a high level of pollutants. Cod liver oil also contains high amounts of vitamin A and D and too much can result in Vitamin A toxicity.

Standard fish oils are produced from the flesh of the fish as opposed to the liver of fish but again, they can contain impurities as whatever was in the fish at the time it was caught is transferred to the oil. The amount of Omega 3 fatty acids they contain can also vary depending on a number of factors including the time of year, environmental conditions etc.

High-grade concentrated fish oil has an advantage over the others in that not only has all the impurities been removed, the oil can be concentrated to contain much higher levels of Omega 3. For example, concentrations of 70% EPA is possible and so fewer capsules are required in order to produce the same effect. With some of the standard fish oils, 5 or 6 capsules are required every day. EPA is rapidly gaining recognition as the most important fatty acid as the body can produce DHA when enough EPA is present but this isn't effective the other way round.

Conclusion

To date there has been no real studies done on whether there is a significant difference or benefit in getting Omega 3 from fresh fish or from fish oil supplements. However, as it stands today, it would appear that the only way to ensure a healthy intake of Omega 3 without the risk of harmful pollutants is to take a high-grade fish oil supplement that has been through processes to filter out the impurities.

Omega 3 Fish Oil and Alzheimer's Disease

By David McEvoy

Although no one knows what causes Alzheimer's disease, many research studies indicate that those who regularly eat fatty fish or who supplement with fish oil have a lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life. Why this is the case remains an interesting topic of investigation but it is believed to be due, at least in part, to the role Omega 3 fatty acids play in the general functioning of the brain itself.

Omega 3 fatty acids are known to improve mental function, mood, memory and concentration and have already demonstrated considerable success in the treatment of conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADD and ADHD. Currently there is no cure for Alzheimer's, although research does indicate that Omega 3 fatty acids can slow down the ageing of the brain and possibly delay the onset as well as slow down the progress of Alzheimer's too.

One research team from Aberdeen and Edinburgh University led by Professor Lawrence Whalley, questioned approximately 300 people aged 64 on their Omega 3 intake, they also tested their blood levels of Omega 3. The participants had previously taken part in a survey on IQ in 1947 when they were 11 years old. They found that those who had taken Omega 3 supplements showed better results on mental speed tests and there was even an association between the results and the level of Omega 3 in the blood of the participants. The team reported that the evidence seemed to suggest that Omega 3 could slow down the ageing of the brain and help it to work faster.

Another study conducted by Uppsala University in Sweden looked at the effect of Omega 3 fatty acids on patients who already had Alzheimer's disease. Researchers gave 89 patients the Omega 3 fatty acids Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) for a period of 6 months and another 85 were given a placebo in the form of corn oil. After the initial 6-month period, the placebo group also switched to Omega 3 for a further 6 months. Although there was no real differences noted between the two groups in general, there was an interesting result where 32 patients who had milder mental impairment showed less of a decline whilst taking Omega 3.

The results of both these studies indicate that Omega 3 supplementation might not only improve mental function in the twilight years, it could possibly be beneficial in slowing down the progress of Alzheimer's disease, particularly in the early stages, however, more research is required to substantiate this.

DHA deficiency and the "fatty acid paradox"

The brain is composed mostly of fat, in particular, the Omega 3 fatty acid Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Patients with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia have shown very low concentrations of DHA in the brain indicating a possible DHA deficiency. This has naturally led to the conclusion that supplementing with DHA might offer therapeutic help.

However, what has been dubbed the "fatty acid paradox" is the belief that the best way to correct any DHA deficiency is not by increasing intake of DHA as what one might expect, but to increase intake of EPA instead. If enough EPA is present, the body can produce DHA as required.

EPA is believed to inhibit the activity of the enzyme phospholipase A2. Over-activity of this enzyme is associated with neurotoxicity and death of brain cells and is a feature of Alzheimer's disease as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alois Alzheimer first identified Alzheimer's disease in the early 1900's. It affects over half a million people in the UK alone. It is characterised by progressive mental decline and begins with periods of memory loss, confusion, and personality changes before proceeding to full-blown dementia with complete loss of most cognitive abilities and even physical abilities. No one knows what causes it, it is irreversible and there is no cure. It is relatively rare under 50 years of age but the chances of developing it increase the older you become. Medication is aimed at slowing down the progression of the disease. It is not the same as normal age-related cognitive decline where some impairment in mental function is considered a normal part of the ageing process.

Conclusion

Although no evidence exists that Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation prevents you from developing Alzheimer's disease, the indications are that increasing intake of Omega 3 does decrease your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life. There are indeed many other health benefits afforded by getting an adequate amount of Omega 3 in the diet including increased protection against cardiovascular disease, arthritis and many other inflammatory conditions. Bearing in mind the toxicity risk involved in eating too much fresh fish, supplementing with high quality fish oil would seem the best way to gain the protective benefits associated with Omega 3 fatty acids.

Fish Oil And Stress

By David McEvoy

It is well known that stress can potentially have a negative effect on both physical and mental health, but recent research conducted by the University of Valencia in Spain indicates that high-grade ethyl-epa fish oil could possibly prevent some of the adverse effects associated with chronic or prolonged stress. Ethyl-epa is a concentrated and purified form of the Omega 3 essential fatty acid Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. Researchers found that ethyl-epa helps transport the stress hormone cortisol through the blood brain barrier. This indicates that ethyl-epa fish oil could help cortisol to return to normal levels, which is important when we consider that during periods of prolonged stress, cortisol levels can remain very high and pose a significant risk to health.

Previous Research

Previous studies have already shown us that Omega 3 fatty acids can help us deal with stressful situations. For example, an Israeli study by Yehuda and colleagues reported in 2005 that Omega 3 fatty acids appear to lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety and improve test anxiety responses. Stress and anxiety related to tests and exams is quite common and can be a major problem for some people and the implications are that increasing intake of Omega 3 fatty acids by supplementing with fish oil might offer some relief. But it's when we are under sustained pressure that we are most at risk of the negative effects of stress, particularly when we cannot relax and allow the body to return to normal afterwards.

A study at Lausanne University published in 2003 found that after giving fish oil for 3 weeks, there was a reduction in stress hormones. Also in 2003, Dr David Horrobin reported that EPA was effective for reducing cortisol and anxiety levels. According to Robert Sapolsky, a neuroendicronlogist and expert on the effect of stress on the body, sustained high levels of cortisol can actually damage the neurons in the hippocampus, the part of our brain we use for learning and memory. Indeed, a recent study conducted by the University of Edinburgh and published in February 2006 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, suggested that high levels of cortisol could be a cause of Alzheimer's disease later in life.

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is an important chemical that is produced by the body to help us cope with stress. It is part of the "fight or flight" mechanism and without it we would not survive. It is at its highest level first thing in the morning and at its lowest last thing at night. Problems arise when we are subjected to prolonged or continuous periods of stress when cortisol levels are likely to remain very high for some time. Some of the health problems associated with prolonged stress include:

• cardiovascular disease
• depression
• skin problems
• digestive problems
• memory loss
• high blood pressure
• inability to concentrate
• decreased immunity
• mood swings
• fatigue
• anxiety
• feeling of negativity

How can EPA fish oil help?

Research has shown that people under stress have an increased ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids in their blood. Omega 6 fatty acids are known to be pro-inflammatory and result in an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids which can not only lead to many new health problems arising, it can significantly worsen any existing health conditions.

Fish oil that is high in the Omega 3 fatty acid EPA helps the body to produce anti-inflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids, reducing the risk to health and at the same time can provide some relief for many existing health problems. The following list represents just some of the other health benefits of EPA fish oil:

• Helps the blood flow more efficiently through the body and to the brain
• Increases serotonin levels, the ‘feel good' hormone, the opposite one to Cortisol, the ‘stress hormone'
• Stabilises mood and alleviates depression
• Alleviates symptoms of skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema and acne
• Improves memory, concentration and mental processing
• Lowers high blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides
• Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis and stroke
• Lowers risk of sudden death in heart attack patients
• Boosts the immune system
• Reduces inflammation and associated pain of arthritis

Conclusion

Stress is a natural and necessary part of life and can be described as any event, external or internal, that causes us emotional worry and/or physical distress. It is when it is sustained and prolonged that it becomes a major risk factor for illness and disease. Increasing our intake of Omega 3 fatty acids by supplementing with fish oil can play a role in helping us to face and deal with stressful situations. However, ethyl-epa fish oil in particular, would appear to be an effective, natural and safe option not only to help us deal with stress as it arises, but to reduce the risk posed by the potentially serious effects of prolonged stress.

Copyright 2006 David McEvoy

Fish Oil Reduces Symptoms Of Exercise Induced Asthma

By David McEvoy

Fish oil can reduce the symptoms of exercise induced asthma to below the threshold for diagnosing it and at the same time lower the need for emergency medication according to the results of a trial carried out by Indiana University in Bloomington, USA.

The trial was a randomised double blind cross over study and involved 16 people who had mild to moderate asthma and who normally took medication on a daily basis to control it. During the trial those taking part were given either fish oil or a placebo for a period of three weeks. The dose of fish oil was quite high containing 3.2gr of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 2gr of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Both at the beginning and at the end of the trial, the participants were subjected to lung efficiency tests and had their sputum analysed for pro inflammatory cells and markers. Those who were given fish oil showed improved lung efficiency of about 64% and reduced their need for emergency medication by around 31%. They also had a lower level of pro inflammatory cells and markers in their sputum. These promising results are believed to be due to the anti-inflammatory effect of the Omega 3 fatty acids that are present in fish oil.

What is exercise induced asthma?

After exercise and sometimes even during exercise, the airway passages in people with exercise induced asthma become inflamed and narrower resulting in decreased lung efficiency, often making it necessary to use inhalers. The constriction of the airways causes various symptoms including coughing, tightness across the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath. These symptoms generally start to ease off gradually over a period of half an hour or so following exercise.

No one really knows what causes it but it is thought to be triggered by the drying out and cooling of the airway passages which results in the cells releasing pro inflammatory chemicals which then causes a narrowing of the airways. Consequently, exercising in cool and dry conditions outdoors is more likely to result in an attack of asthma than physical activities such as swimming where the air is moist and warmer.

One major problem with exercise induced asthma is that it can be a barrier to exercise for many people, particularly youngsters who can be put off sport and other physical exercise because of it. It is also on the increase and the reason for this is thought to be linked to an increased consumption of Omega 6 fatty acids in the diet along with a reduction in the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 6 is known to be pro-inflammatory whereas Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory properties and it is this difference in ratio that is thought to be responsible for a rise in a number of health problems.

Omega 6 is found in processed foods, vegetable oils, meats and dairy products so there is an abundance of them in our diet. The Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA on the other hand are only found in oily fish or fish oil as plant sources of Omega 3 do not contain EPA and DHA, they are in the form of Alpha linolenic acid or ALA, but the problem with ALA is that our bodies cannot easily process it to produce EPA, which is the fatty acid best known for its anti inflammatory effects.

You would have to eat an awful lot of fish to get the same amount of EPA that is present in fish oil, which isn't a good idea due to the potentially harmful toxins, including mercury, that are found in our fish. So, for this reason, fish oil offers a viable and safer alternative. Another point worthy of consideration is that long term use of medication for asthma can make it less effective and of course as with any medication there can also be unwanted side effects so if fish oil can reduce the need for medication and inhalers in people with exercise induced asthma, then that is exciting news indeed.

Conclusion

Fish oil is already known to offer both preventative and therapeutic health benefits for a number of conditions and so is an excellent supplement to promote good health in general. However, a word of caution, if you are thinking of trying fish oil supplements it is essential to opt only for the best quality fish oil known as pharmaceutical grade fish oil due to the potentially harmful toxins that can be present in lesser grade fish oils.

Krill Oil or Fish Oil - That is The Question

By Victoria Doval

You may not be old enough to remember the 1950s commercial jingle, "Brill Creme, a Little Dab Will Do Ya." Doesn't matter. You do need to know about the next big thing for staying healthy and it is... (drum roll please)... krill oil (http://www.krill-oil-benefits.com/krill-oil.php). A Daily Dose Will Do Ya.

No matter how you look at it, or what your sex, or whether you're 21 or 81, there's one thing your body truly has to have: essential fatty acids (EFAs). And here's the rest of the story. See, your body doesn't make them for you. So you must get them from the food you eat and from supplementation.

Essential fatty acids (http://www.krill-oil-benefits.com/omega-3.php) are mostly omega-3 and -6 EFAs that come from the oils of plants, fish and tiny shrimp-like cold water crustaceans called krill. This article is about essential fatty acids and why it makes sense to choose krill oil as your most beneficial source of essential fatty acids.

The three major types of omega-3 fatty acids are ALA or alphalinolenic acid; EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid; and DHA or docosahexaenoic acid.

Omega-6 fatty acids help omega-3 fatty acids in the body. But you need to consume them in the right balance. The improper balance between omega-3 and omega-6 is known to lead to disease, but the right ratio can support good health.

The explanation is that omega-3 reduces inflammation (http://www.krill-oil-benefits.com/krill-oil-joints.php), and omega-6 turns it up. Many researchers believe that too much omega-6 in the typical American diet is a big factor in the growing number of inflammatory disorders. Too much inflammation leads to pain and many diseases.

But deciding how much of which foods to eat is sort of like rocket science for people that have nothing else to do. However, nutritional supplements solve that problem because you can see what's in 'em on the label.

So now you're probably asking, which source of EFAs should I choose for nutritional supplementation? Plant oil, fish oil or krill oil? We'll leave plant oil on the shelf for now and go ahead with what you need to know about the two marine sources.

You'll be happy to know that krill oil is coming on like gangbusters in essential fatty acid and antioxidant supplements for waging a very effective war against inflammatory and other diseases.

What makes krill oil better than fish oil? krill oil has 48 times more antioxidant power and is much more absorbable.

Want to know why krill oil is easiest to absorb but were afraid to ask? The krill's EFAs are bound with phospholipids instead of the triglycerides of fish oil. And guess what, it's phospholipids that are foundational to cell membranes in the human body.

The unique bond between the krill's omega-3 EFAs and its phospholipids gets antioxidants through the wall of the intestines and into your cells. And that's major.

At the beginning of this article we listed 12 health concerns in addition to just plain staying healthy. Every one of them, and more we haven't mentioned, can most likely be helped by taking krill oil supplements every day.

Of course, be sure not to use any marine form of EFAs if you have seafood allergies (http://www.krill-oil-benefits.com/krill-allergy.php); and ask your medical professional about any interactions with medicines, particularly blood thinners.

Dispute Over Fish Oil Gets Smoky Hot

By Tom Attea

It appears that fish oil prevents second heart attacks but primarily in Europe. It has become the usual practice over there to prescribe purified fish oil to patients who have had a heart attack. Their longevity increases through the likely benefit of preventing future heart attacks.

But in the U. S. fish oil, as a rich source of omega-3, hasn’t been given nearly as much of an opportunity to benefit our cardiovascular systems, at least, not the prescription-grade of the fishy substance known by the brand name of Omacor, which is, among other tidy benefits, mercury-free.

Now, the dispute has gotten smoky hot.

We read such notices as, “Most cardiologists here are not giving omega-3’s, even though the data supports it. There’s a real disconnect,” said Dr. Terry Jacobson, a cardiologist at Emory University in Atlanta. “They have been very slow to incorporate the therapy.”

It appears, in fact, that if a prescription is sent to many a health insurance company in the USA that calls for Omacor, the patient receives a note that it’s not covered and generic fish oil is recommended as a relatively inexpensive substitute. Only trouble is, of course, the OTC varieties are not as reliably pure or concentrated.

With more and more studies demonstrating the benefits of fish oil, the question is, when will American medicine finally get hooked?

Fish Oil Side Effects

By David McEvoy

Studies have consistently shown that taking fish oil supplements on a daily basis is a highly effective and efficient way of getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids in our diet to make a positive difference to our health, but what are the potential risks of any side effects?

Fortunately, side effects are rare and when taken in the correct dosage most people experience little if any side effects at all, but as with any supplement, there is always the possibility of experiencing some symptoms and fish oil is no different. So what should we be looking out for?

Fishy burps

By far the most common side effects reported are fishy burps, fishy breath or a fishy aftertaste in the mouth. This is completely harmless albeit slightly unpleasant but can largely be avoided by keeping your fish oil in the fridge and taking the fish oil along with food.

Stomach upsets

Some people have experienced other gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhoea, indigestion, abdominal bloating, heartburn, mild stomach cramps and perhaps slight feelings of nausea but again, these side effects can be reduced or eliminated by taking the fish oil along with meals and by taking a lower dose to begin with and then gradually increasing it over a few weeks.

Increased risk of bleeding

The fatty acids in fish oil have an anticoagulant (blood thinning) effect which in most cases is a good thing, however, when fish oil is taken in particularly large doses or alongside other blood thinning agents, there is an increased risk of bleeding which can take the form of easy bruising or nosebleeds or longer bleeding times. Serious side effects are extremely rare but it is important that anyone who is already taking Aspirin, Warfarin (also known under the brand names Coumadin, Jantoven, Marevan and Waran) or any other blood thinning drugs should discuss the potential risks with their doctor before taking any fish oil supplements.

Mercury poisoning

A major worry with eating fresh fish is the amount of mercury and other toxins they can contain. Sadly, our seas are polluted and consequently so are our fish and so any toxins in the fish can also find their way into fish oil supplements unless the fish oil has had these contaminants removed. Pharmaceutical grade fish oil is an informal term that has been applied to fish oil that has been through processes such as molecular distillation and sophisticated filtering systems where the mercury and other undesirable elements in the fish oil are removed leaving purified and concentrated fish oil and so this risk is not relevant for high grade fish oils. A major advantage in buying a good quality or pharmaceutical grade fish oil is that it can be concentrated to contain very high levels of the most important fatty acids such as Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It also means you can take one or two capsules a day to get the same effect of maybe five or six capsules of lower or standard grade fish oils.

Other potential side effects

If the fish oil supplement contains vitamin A then there is an increased risk of vitamin A toxicity. Cod liver oil for example, is produced from the liver of fish where vitamin A is stored and can contain potentially high levels of Vitamin A so it is best avoided.

Fish oil can also go rancid very quickly and as Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant it is added to some fish oils to keep them fresh. There have been some studies indicating that taking fish oil can increase the need for antioxidants so it is advisable to look for fish oil that has vitamin E added.

Other studies have suggested that fish oil might increase levels of low density lipoprotein (LDP) or bad cholesterol, but this depends on the dosage.

There have been some indications that fish oil can have a short term effect on blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes so anyone with diabetes should seek the advice of their doctor before taking fish oil supplements.

Conclusion

In general, the side effects from fish oil are few and far between if any at all and serious side effects are in fact extremely rare whereas the health benefits to be gained from taking fish oil supplements are enormous.

If you are on existing medication or have other health problems or are worried about the possibility of side effects then a chat with your doctor before taking fish oil will put your mind at ease.

Finally, if you take the correct dose, keep your fish oil in the fridge and take your supplements at mealtimes then the chances are the only effect you will feel is a greater sense of wellbeing and perhaps a lighter mood.

Fish Oil Benefits

By Lori Matthews

In the quest to achieve better health and wellness, fish oil supplements have become an increasingly popular way to take advantage of many different medical benefits. Fish oil originates from the tissues of oily fish, such as carp, herring, salmon, and fresh tuna. Today, fish oil is recommended as part of a healthy diet because of the amount of omega-3 fatty acids contained, which is known to reduce inflammation throughout the body and lessen the threat of coronary heart disease (among other things).

There are two main ways to include fish oil as part of a healthy diet. The first involves the consumption of oily fish, including sardines and cod, which contain oils throughout their body and about their gut, unlike other species of fish. Depending on the species, oily fish fillets may offer up to 30% oil. Besides omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish also provides a good source of vitamins A and D.

The second approach towards increasing the amount of fish oils in a diet is to purchase fish oil capsules or supplements. Many people are said to prefer the consumption of fish oil capsules because they are easy to follow and do not require laborious measurements in making sure recommended daily values are satisfied. To explore some of the many benefits associated with fish oil supplements and consumption, a few examples can be found below:

Decreased Pain Levels and Inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids may posses the power to lessen inflammation in the body, as well as ease the pain associated with arthritis and cystitis. Rheumatoid arthritis patients often report an improvement in joint pains and inflammation when taking fish oil supplements.

Treats Depression and Stress

Some individuals have been able to ease their symptoms of depression by implementing omega-3 fish oil supplements into their diet. Fish oils have also been linked to showing promise in treating bipolar and psychotic patients. Supplements may also help to promote the overall mood of patients, and may even reduce premenstrual stress.

Cardiovascular Improvements

The heart, arteries, and veins may benefit from fish oil because it has been known to help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, while at the same time improving "good" cholesterol levels.

Fights Strokes and Heart Attack

The threat of stroke and heart attack may be decreased with the introduction of fish oils into a diet because they may help to prevent blood clots and other damage to the heart. A decreased risk of sudden death and heart attacks has also been seen.

Enhances Brain Activity

Fish oil is known to boost intelligence and overall happiness in users, as well as improve the memory and ability to stay focused. In the elderly, the risk of dementia and memory loss sometimes decreases with the use of fish oil supplements. Additionally, mothers who consume or take a high amount of omega-3/fish oils during pregnancy often give birth to children with a higher IQ.

Combats Childhood Disorders

Children, who suffer from disorders, such as ADD and ADHD, have experienced a better quality of life when incorporating fish oil fatty acids into their diet. Additional conditions that respond to fish oils include dyslexia and compulsive disorders.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Chewable Fish Oil Capsules – Learn About Chewable Fish Oil Capsules

Chewable fish oil capsules are a hit because they are more palatable than concentrated fish oil. A soft, chewable, gelatin shell encloses the fish oil not only to make it easier to ingest, but also to prevent oxidation from taking place and thereby maintaining the freshness of the oil.

Should I take chewable fish oil capsules?

Yes, especially if your doctor allows you to. Fish oils are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats figure more prominently in brain functions, but it also affects other systems like the cardiovascular and muscoskeletal systems. However, Omega-3 cannot be manufactured by the body –it should be incorporated in your diet via fish oil.

Two of the major types of Omega-3 fatty acids are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). DHA improves the state of neurons and neurotransmitters that enhances the coordination of the brain to other functions. On the other hand, EPA “protects” the body from pathological conditions.

What are the benefits of chewable fish oil capsules?

Some of the diseases that can be prevented or alleviated by fish oil capsules include cardiovascular ailments like heart diseases, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Muscoskeletal problems like osteoporosis, arthritis, and muscular degeneration can also be addressed by Omega-3 in chewable fish oil capsules. They can also help treat psychological disorders – in fact, these fatty acids are helpful to ward off depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Even surface damages like burns and skin diseases can be answered by the healing abilities of fish oil. Asthma, Inflammatory Bowel disorder, menstrual pain, as well as certain types of cancers have been shown by studies to benefit from these supplements.

Some reminders

A precautionary measure for those who are using, as well as those who plan to use, chewable fish oil capsules: Buy only from reputable manufacturers. Toxic contaminants like mercury can still be present inside the fish's body if the manufacturer does not clean it properly. Also, the manufacturing plants of some dubious manufacturers with poor sanitary conditions can be sources of harmful substances.

If you want to be 100% sure that you are getting top-quality chewable fish oil capsules, purchase your fish oil supplements from pharmaceutical GMP-compliant manufacturers that have passed very strict manufacturing standards set by the FDA. These manufacturers do not add any fillers (such as sugar, starch or even sand) to their products, so you get the exact amount of fish oil nutrients you paid for.

We have found a pure pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled fish oil product that is naturally high in DHA and EPA.

Coming from the Hoki Fish Located on the pristine southern coasts of New Zealand, where the waters are extremely low in pollution and toxins. Discover the best fish oil product on the market today and the one we ourselves personally use. We recommend you learn more: Omega 3 Fish Oil

Jean Helmet is one of the editors for a series of health sites, We offer a free health book for subscribers to our websites newsletter. We cover everything you need to know on nutrition, as well as omega 3 nutrition, and how to improve your general overall health. Check out our nutrition health book

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Helmet
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Omega 3 Fish Oil in Bulk - Find Discount Nutritional Supplements and Omega 3 Fish Oil in Bulk

By Jean Helmet

Omega 3 fish oil supplements are normally inspected by federal inspection agencies to ensure that they meet quality health standards. These supplement products are pharmaceutical grade fish oil and totally reliable and safe. In order to offer fish oil capsules at a discounted rate, many companies sell omega 3 fish oil in bulk. There are many online sources where you can go to buy these supplements. These products are available in the form of capsules as well as liquid oil in a bottle.

Some manufacturers categorize their fish oil products by giving them the name of the fish from which they were extracted. Omega 3 fish oil in bulk is available as salmon oil, tuna oil, cod liver oil and krill oil. Some companies also sell oil extracted from algae, a plant source. It is also rich in essential omega 3 fatty acids and people who are allergic to fish oil can easily consume it. Organic omega 3 oils are also available in the form of flax seed oil, organic hemp, olive oil, organic pumpkin seed oil and organic soybean oil.

Buying omega 3 fish oil in bulk is very inexpensive. You can choose your fish oil from a range of products including pure fish oil and mixture of different fish oils. Some products also include fruit juice extracts and borage oil to overcome the odor of fish oil. You can try different supplements and then see which one suits you the best.

There are no side effects associated with normal consumption of fish oil capsules. However, overdose may cause some adverse effects like sleepiness, diarrhea, bad mouth taste, skin rash and irritation and other problems related to stomach. Always ask a health expert about the dosage of nutritional supplements.

Even if you are buying omega 3 fish oil in bulk, always choose a reputed manufacturer. The oil should be refined and purified before processing. These high-quality molecularly distilled fish oil products are very expensive if bought alone.

However, discount rates are offered if you plan to buy a lot of fish oil bottles. Find the leading suppliers of fish oil and vegetable oil supplement products online. Read their customer reviews and feedback. Suggested dosage of liquid oil is 1 teaspoon after every meal or at bedtime. However, if you experience any kind of allergy or irritation, immediately consult your doctor and see if fish oil has anything to do with it.

We have found a pure pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled fish oil product that is naturally high in DHA and EPA.

Coming from the Hoki Fish Located on the pristine southern coasts of New Zealand, where the waters are extremely low in pollution and toxins. Discover the best fish oil product on the market today and the one we ourselves personally use. We reccomend you learn more: Omega 3 Fish Oil

Jean Helmet is one of the editors for a series of health sites, We offer a free health book for subscribers to our websites newsletter. We cover everything you need to know on nutrition, as well as omega 3 nutrition, and how to improve your general overall health. Check out our nutrition health book, for more information on our free featured book.

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Fish Oil Omega 3 Mental Benefits Children

By Jean Helmet

Fish oil omega 3 mental benefits children in many ways however the most provocative way is said to be the promotion of healthy brain development and growth. Yes fish does make you smarter! As well, current research highly indicates that omega 3 fatty acid deficiencies are a number one cause of learning difficulties.

When put to the test, fish oil omega 3 mental benefits children who were typically consuming these heavily fat fortified, over processed foods and the results were amazing although not conclusive to indicate that children benefit highly from the added fish oil omega 3 mental benefits children.

Fish Oil Omega 3 Benefits Children with ADD

There is potential for fish oil 3 benefits children with ADD however it is imperative to specify that it is not a cure nor is there any conclusive proof. Omega 3 is one of several crucial fatty acids that are completely needed for adults as well as children and the latest studies are showing that children until age two should have more omega 3 fatty acids for the DHA content to promote healthy development of the brain. The reason it can’t be irrefutably said to be a remedy is because it, in a perfect world, should already be part of your daily diet.

However, the foods of today are almost impossible to acquire the level of omega 3 like our ancestors did so if you add it to a child’s diet that has been deficient in omega 3, of course they will improve. Fish oil 3 mental benefits children with ADD treatments have shown significant progress and helpfulness in aiding this treatment and condition.

Whether you are going to experience the fish oil omega 3 mental benefits for children or take the omega 3 supplements for your own health, there are a couple of things you should bear in mind.

The first being that before you purchase fish oils, be sure that you are getting a high quality product that has been molecularly distilled. Any fish oil product that has been molecularly distilled will be sold as a pharmaceutical grade supplement because it is the only process that effectively removes all the toxins and contaminants. Look for the New Zealand seal of safeness and effectiveness in the fish oil as well as the pharmaceutical grade.

We have found a pure pharmaceutical grade, molecularly distilled fish oil product that is naturally high in DHA and EPA.

Coming from the Hoki Fish Located on the pristine southern coasts of New Zealand, where the waters are extremely low in pollution and toxins. Discover the best fish oil product on the market today and the one we ourselves personally use. We recommend you learn more: Omega 3 Fish Oil

Jean Helmet is one of the editors for a series of health sites, We offer a free health book for subscribers to our websites newsletter. We cover everything you need to know on nutrition, as well as omega 3 nutrition, and how to improve your general overall health. Check out our nutrition health book, for more information on our free featured book.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jean_Helmet
http://EzineArticles.com/?Fish-Oil-Omega-3-Mental-Benefits-Children&id=475542

Cod liver oil

Cod liver oil in gelatin capsules This article is about the fish extract, for the traditional Newfoundland song, see "Cod Liver Oil (song)".

Cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement derived from liver of cod fish. It has high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and very high levels of vitamin A, and vitamin D. It is widely taken to ease the symptoms of arthritis as well as other health benefits. It was once commonly given to children. Contents

1 Characteristics 2 Manufacture 3 Therapeutic uses 4 Adverse effects 5 Other uses 6 See also 7 References

Characteristics

Depending on the quality of the oil, the flavor and aroma range from a mild sardine-like flavor, to an intense and obnoxious odor of rotten fish and rancid oil. High quality cod liver oil is a pale-yellow, thin, oily liquid, having a peculiar, slightly fishy, but not rancid odor, and a bland, slightly fishy taste. Manufacturers sometimes add flavorings, such as citrus or mint essence, to cod liver oil to make it more palatable.

Manufacture

Cod liver oil is made by cooking cod livers with steam, and then pressing/decanting the cooked livers to extract the oil. This is in contrast to fish oils, which are extracted from the cooked whole body tissues of fatty fish during the manufacture of fish meal.

Therapeutic uses

Cod liver oil is widely taken to ease the pain and joint stiffness associated with arthritis, but has also been clinically proven to have a positive effect on heart, bone, and brain, as well as helping to nourish skin, hair, and nails.

Cod liver oil and fish oil are similar, but cod liver oil has much higher levels of vitamins A and D. Many adults do not meet the RDA for Vitamin D.

Cod liver oil is effective in treatment of household burns, due to its high vitamin content , often leaving no burn-related blister.

Cod liver oil has been listed by some as an effective complementary measure for long-term treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, a sometimes disabling autoimmune disease of the human central nervous system.

In 2005, a study by researchers at the University of California found that Vitamin D may lower the risk of developing different types of cancers, halving the chances of getting breast, ovarian, and colon cancers.

Use of cod liver oil during pregnancy is associated with lower risk of Type I diabetes in the offspring. This effect was found only in mothers taking cod liver oil, not in mothers taking multivitamin supplements. It should be noted that cod liver oil contains unsafe amounts of vitamin A for pregnant women. Cod liver oil taken by nursing mothers improves the breast milk by increasing the amount of fatty acids, which promotes brain development, and the amount of vitamin A, which helps prevent infections, but the level of vitamin D is unchanged.

Adverse effects

Because cod liver oil has a very high level of Vitamin A, it is possible to exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin A. Vitamin A accumulates in body fat, and can reach harmful levels sufficient to cause hypervitaminosis A. Pregnant women should not take cod liver oil due to the high amount of Vitamin A, which in high doses is shown to cause birth defects.

The risks of hypervitaminosis and of exposure to environmental toxins such as mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, and other contaminants, are reduced when purification processes are applied to produce refined fish-oil products, which consequently contain raised levels of omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA.

A high intake of cod liver oil by pregnant women is associated with a nearly five-fold increased risk of gestational hypertension, although this study did not control for mercury, which can be present in harmful amounts in fish and which is another cause of hypertension.

Some urge caution when taking cod liver oil and other fish-based supplements since they may contain elevated levels of toxins such as mercury and PCBs found in fish. Some supplement companies regularly test cod liver oil for purity, while others do not. Consumerlab.com tested 44 fish and cod liver oil supplements and found that all were free of detectable levels of mercury.

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I N D E X

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Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of oily fish.

Fish oil is recommended for a healthy diet because it contains the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), precursors to eicosanoids that reduce inflammation throughout the body. Fish do not actually produce omega-3 fatty acids, but instead accumulate them from either consuming microalgae that produce these fatty acids, as is the case with fish like herring and sardines, or, as is the case with fatty predatory fish, by eating prey fish that have accumulated omega-3 fatty acids from microalgae. Such fatty predatory fish like mackerel, lake trout, flounder, albacore tuna and salmon may be high in omega-3 fatty acids, but due to their position at the top of the food chain, these species can accumulate toxic substances (See biomagnification). For this reason, the FDA recommends limiting consumption of certain (predatory) fish species (e.g. albacore tuna, shark, and swordfish) due to high levels of toxic contaminants such as mercury, dioxin, PCBs and chlordane. There are vegetarian, DHA Omega-3 products made from algae available if toxic contaminants are of concern.

Contents

• 1 Supplements
• 2 Production
• 3 Benefits
• 4 References
• 5 External links

Supplements

Many people have turned to fish oil supplements to get adequate omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish oil supplements have sometimes come under scrutiny in recent years. In early 2006, government agencies such as the Food Standards Agency in the UK and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland reported PCB levels that exceeded the strict new European maximum limits in several fish oil brands, which required temporary withdrawal of these brands. To address the growing concern over contaminated fish oil supplements, the International Fish Oil Standards program, a voluntary review process, was created at University of Guelph.

Patented production purification processes do however exist in order to remove pollutants and dioxins from fish oil to levels far below the EU limits. This is called stripping technology.

Most of the fish oils used for Omega purposes are originating from Peru, Chile and Morocco because the Omega 3 levels in the fish caught in these areas are higher (around 30%) than in Scandinavian and other fish oils (around 20%). Fish oils are being used in the Omega 3 industry to produce nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. However, the largest off-takers of the Omega 3 fish oils are still the leading buyers with the big fish feed companies such as Ewos, Skretting and Biomar in the lead.

Production

A typical fish oil softgel

In 2005, fish oil production declined in all main producing countries with the exception of Iceland. The 2005 production estimate is about 570 000 tonnes in the five main exporting countries (Peru, Denmark, Chile, Iceland and Norway), a 12% decline from the 650 000 tonnes produced in 2004.

Peru continues to be the main fish oil producer worldwide, with about one fourth of total fish oil production. Though Peruvian catches of fish destined for reduction in 2005 were more or less in line with the 2004 result, fish oil production declined from 350 000 tonnes to 290 000 tonnes, due to lower fat content of the fish. In the recent summer months, the fat content was as low as 2% which compares to 4% in 2004. Despite an 18% decline in production, Peruvian earnings from fish oil exports reached 156 million US$ in 2005, exceeding the 2004 income by 6 million US$. This was due to the impressive increase in fish oil prices.

Benefits

Some experts believe that taking fish oil (in any form) can help regulate cholesterol in the body, because fish oil has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The regulation occurs through effects of the EPA and DHA constituents on Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). Besides cholesterol regulation, benefits include anti-inflammatory properties and positive effects on body composition. However, the preferred source of Omega 3 should be from the fish's body, not the liver. The liver and liver products (such as cod liver oil) of fish and many animals (such as seals and whales) contain Omega-3, but also the active form of vitamin A. At high levels, this form of the vitamin can be dangerous. Early explorers to the land of the Inuit were given raw liver by the natives, which contained a toxic overdose of vitamin A for the white explorers; however, the same amount was harmless to the Inuit, who had no other source of Vitamin A except animal livers.

Studies were conducted on prisoners in England where the inmates were fed seafood which contains Omega-3 Fatty acids. The higher consumption of these fatty acids corresponded with a drop in the assault rates. Another Finnish study found that prisoners who were convicted of violence had lower levels of omega–3 fatty acids than prisoners convicted of nonviolent offenses. It was suggested that these kinds of fatty acids are responsible for the neuronal growth of the frontal cortex of the brain which, it is further alleged, is the seat of personal behavior.

Recent studies have suggested that fish oil may reduce the risk of depression, and importantly, suicide risk. One such study, took blood samples of 100 suicide-attempt patients and compared the blood samples to those of controls and found that levels of Eicosapentaenoic acid were significantly lower in the washed red blood cells of the suicide-attempt patients.

A study examining whether omega-3 exerts neuroprotective action in Parkinson's disease found that it did, using an experimental model, exhibit a protective effect (much like it did for Alzheimer's disease as well). The scientists exposed mice to either a control or a high omega-3 diet from two to twelve months of age and then treated them with a neurotoxin commonly used as an experimental model for Parkinson's. The scientists found that high doses of omega-3 given to the experimental group completely prevented the neurotoxin-induced decrease of dopamine that ordinarily occurs. Since Parkinson's is a disease caused by disruption of the dopamine system, this protective effect exhibited could show promise for future research in the prevention of Parkinson's disease.

According to a study from Louisiana State University in September 2005, fish oil may help protect the brain from cognitive problems associated with Alzheimer's disease.

A study from the Orygen Research Centre in Melbourne suggests that omega-3 fatty acids could also help delay or prevent the onset of schizophrenia. The researchers enlisted 81 'high risk' young people aged 13 to 24 who had previously suffered brief hallucinations or delusions and gave half of them capsules of fish oil while the other half received fish-tasting dummy subtitute. One year on, only three percent of those on fish oil had developed schizophrenia compared to 28 percent from those on the substitute - a very impressive result, but not yet published in a peer reviewed journal. [1]

A recent meta-study by the Canadian Medical Association Journal found fish oil supplementation did not demonstrate any preventative benefit to cardiac patients with ventricular arrhythmias.

See also Coronary heart disease

See also Health benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids

See also Health risks of Omega 3 fatty acids

The American Heart Association recommends the consumption of 1g of fish oil daily, preferably by eating fish, for patients with coronary heart disease. Note that optimal dosage relates to body weight.

The US National Institutes of Health lists three conditions for which fish oil and other omega-3 sources are most highly recommended: hypertriglyceridemia, secondary cardiovascular disease prevention and high blood pressure. It then lists 27 other conditions for which there is less evidence. It also lists possible safety concerns: "Intake of 3 grams per day or greater of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding, although there is little evidence of significant bleeding risk at lower doses. Very large intakes of fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids ("Eskimo" amounts) may increase the risk of hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke."

Several studies report possible anti-cancer effects of n−3 fatty acids found in fish oil (particularly breast, colon and prostate cancer). Omega-3 fatty acids reduced prostate cancer growth, slowed histopathological progression, and increased survival. Among n-3 fatty acids (omega-3), neither long-chain nor short-chain forms were consistently associated with breast cancer risk. High levels of docosahexaenoic acid, however, the most abundant n-3 PUFA (omega-3) in erythrocyte membranes, were associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer..

References

1. ^ Moghadasian MH (May 2008). "Advances in dietary enrichment with n-3 fatty acids". Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 48 (5): 402–10. doi:10.1080/10408390701424303. PMID 18464030.
2. ^ EPA (2007-01-31). "Fish Consumption Advisories". Retrieved on 2007-02-08.
3. ^ Jess Halliday (2006-04-13). "Dioxins prompt second UK fish oil withdrawal". Retrieved on 2007-02-08.
4. ^ "Pollutants found in fish oil capsules" (2002-04-06). Retrieved on 2007-02-08.
5. ^ STEPHEN MIHM (2006-04-16). "Does Eating Salmon Lower the Murder Rate?", NYTimes. Retrieved on 8 February 2007.
6. ^ Gesch CB, Hammond SM, Hampson SE, Eves A, Crowder MJ (2002). "Influence of supplementary vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids on the antisocial behaviour of young adult prisoners. Randomised, placebo-controlled trial". The British Journal of Psychiatry : the journal of mental science 181: 22–8. doi:10.1192/bjp.181.1.22. PMID 12091259.
7. ^ Huan M, Hamazaki K, Sun Y, Itomura M, Liu H, Kang W, Watanabe S, Terasawa K, Hamazaki T. (2004). "Suicide attempt and n-3 fatty acid levels in red blood cells: a case control study in China". Biological psychiatry 56 (7): 490–6. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.06.028. PMID 1540784. http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/bps/article/ PIIS0006322304007061/abstract.
8. ^ M. Bousquet, M. Saint-Pierre, C. Julien, N. Salem Jr., F. Cicchetti, and F. Calon (2007). "Beneficial effects of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid on toxin-induced neuronal degeneration in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease". The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology 22: 1213. doi:10.1096/fj.07-9677com. PMID 18032633. http://www.fasebj.org/cgi/content/abstract/fj.07-9677comv1.
9. ^ Walter J. Lukiw (2005-06-28). "A role for docosahexaenoic acid–derived neuroprotectin D1 in neural cell survival and Alzheimer disease". J. Clin. Invest 115: 2774–2783. doi:10.1172/JCI25420. http://www.jci.org/cgi/content/abstract/115/10/2774. Retrieved on 9 February 2007.
10. ^ Nair GM, Connolly SJ (January 2008). "Should patients with cardiovascular disease take fish oil?". CMAJ 178 (2): 181–2. doi:10.1503/cmaj.071654. PMID 18195293. PMC: 2174997. http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/178/2/181.
11. ^ "Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids". American Heart Association. Retrieved on 2007-02-09.
12. ^ NIH Medline Plus. "MedlinePlus Herbs and Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid". Retrieved on 2006-02-14.
13. ^ Augustsson, Katarina; Michaud, Dominique S.; Rimm, Eric B.; Leitzmann, Michael F.; Stampfer, Meir J.; Willett, Walter C.; Giovannucci, Edward (January 2003). "A prospective study of intake of fish and marine fatty acids and prostate cancer". Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 12 (1): 64–67. PMID 12540506.
14. ^ De Deckere, E.A. (July 1999). "Possible beneficial effect of fish and fish n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast and colorectal cancer". European Journal of Cancer Prevention 8 (3): 213–221. PMID 10443950.
15. ^ Caygill, C.P.; Hill, M.J. (August 1995). "Fish, n−3 fatty acids and human colorectal and breast cancer mortality". European Journal of Cancer Prevention 4 (4): 329–332. PMID 7549825.
16. ^ Yong Q. Chen, at al (2007). "Modulation of prostate cancer genetic risk by omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids". The Journal of Clinical Investigation 117 (7). doi:10.1172/JCI31494. PMID 1890998. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1890998. Retrieved on 30 November 2008.
17. ^ Valeria Pala, Vittorio Krogh, Paola Muti, Véronique Chajès, Elio Riboli, Andrea Micheli, Mitra Saadatian, Sabina Sieri, Franco Berrino (2001). "Erythrocyte Membrane Fatty Acids and Subsequent Breast Cancer: a Prospective Italian Study". JNCL 93. PMID 11459870. http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/93/14/1088. Retrieved on 30 November 2008.

External links

• EPA Fish Consumption Advisories
• International Fish Oil Standards-- An organization concerned with the quality of omega-3 products as it relates to the international standards established by the World Health Organization and the Council For Responsible Nutrition for purity and concentration.
• Joyce A. Nettleton, ed. "PUFA Newsletter". Retrieved on February 20, 2006. Two newsletters, both quarterly, reviewing recent publications in essential fatty acids. One is written for researchers, the second is for consumers. Industry sponsored, academic contributors.
• Clover, Charles. 2004. The End of the Line: How overfishing is changing the world and what we eat. Ebury Press, London. ISBN 0-09-189780-7

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Other common ingredients

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Pregnancy, fish oil and smarter babies

By David McEvoy

According to a recent study which was published in the ‘Archives of Disease in Childhood' in 2006, babies born to women who took fish oil supplements during the last 4 months of pregnancy had better hand to eye coordination, were better speakers and could understand more at the age of two and a half, than babies born to mothers who were given olive oil instead.

The Study

The double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was conducted by the University of Western Australia and led by Professor Susan Prescott. Also involved in the study were King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and Centre for Child Health Research Australia.

A total of 98 women were initially enrolled in the study, all of who were non smokers and who did not regularly consume more than 2 portions of oily fish a week. A total of eighty three of these women completed the study. Researchers gave half of the women in the trial 4gr of fish oil supplements on a daily basis from twenty weeks of pregnancy and these supplements contained a combination of both Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The remainder of the women were given 4gr of Olive Oil. Development checks were carried out on a total of 72 of the babies when they had reached the age of two and a half years.

The children whose mothers received fish oil had a significantly higher score for eye-hand coordination than the babies whose mothers had been given olive oil instead. The growth rates were similar in both groups, as were the general language skills, however, the fish oil group showed higher scores for receptive language, phrase length and vocabulary. The positive results were not related to possibly influential factors such as maternal age and length of time breastfeeding as these factors had already been accounted for.

Fatty acids and the brain

The link between Omega 3 fatty acids and the brain has already been well established and many studies have now shown that fish oil can alleviate the symptoms or help to prevent the onset of several types of depressive disorders, including post natal depression. EPA in particular is believed to improve concentration and memory and cognitive function in general, and some studies have shown it can even help to prevent or slow down the progress of Alzheimer's disease.

It is during the last three months of pregnancy that the baby's brain is developing very rapidly and so this is a time when it is particularly vital that the mother gets enough of the essential Omega 3 fatty acids that are only found in any significant quantities in oily fish such as Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Herring and Anchovies. These fatty acids facilitate healthy structure and development of the brain and many professionals now believe it is DHA that is important for the structure of the brain and EPA for efficient functioning of the brain on a day to day basis.

Scientists at The University of Bristol in the UK are currently investigating the benefits of giving fish oil to children, as much of the evidence to date has come from dietary factors during pregnancy. For example, previous research by Bristol University found that children whose mothers ate fish regularly during pregnancy had better vision and cognitive development and behaviour than those whose mothers ate little or no fish.

So why don't we just eat more fish?

Due to the potentially high levels of toxins, particularly mercury, in fresh fish, the current recommendation is for pregnant women and women and girls who might have a baby one day in the future to eat no more than 2 portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily, and no more than 4 portions of fish for everyone else, no more than two of which should be oily.

The indications are that Pharmaceutical grade fish oil might be an option for everyone, including during pregnancy and beyond. Indeed, this type of fish oil is superior to standard grade fish oils and is becoming increasingly popular because the processes involved in producing it means the oil has been filtered and concentrated to contain high levels of the all important fatty acids without the danger of toxins associated with fresh fish.

Conclusion

The Australian study would appear to suggest that there are no adverse effects for mother or baby from taking relatively high doses of fish oil in late pregnancy. Not only can it have a beneficial effect on baby's cognitive development and reduce the risk of developing post natal depression, there are also numerous other health benefits associated with taking fish oil. However, if you are pregnant or trying to conceive and would like to consider the option of taking fish oil supplements, it is important that you discuss the implications with your doctor or other health care provider first.

Fish Oil and Gout - Could This Be the Cure?

By Alvin Hopkinson

Gout is a painful condition the effects the joints in a person. Generally, the big toe knuckle is the first location a person begins to have trouble with. Although gout can inflict pain in any area near a joint, such as toes, ankles, elbows and wrists.

There are many preventative measures that can be taken to fight the possibility of being diagnosed with gout and many that you can use to prevent future flare ups from gout. There seems to be a link between fish oil and gout . A link that can minimize the discomfort of a gout attack.

Through studies and research of various vitamins it has been indicated by astonishing results that fish oil can successfully change the severity of an attack. Fish oil has properties that are anti-y inflammatory, thus assisting with an inflammation and decreasing how intense the pain can be.

Also, fish oils can promote a healthier body overall. The omega 3 fatty acids can assist in a healthier body for those individuals that do not enjoy eating fish. It induces a balance between the omega 3 and 6 oils. For many people, taking a supplement is necessary to ensure the proper amount of fish oil is received daily for both overall health and treatment of gout.

If you suffer from gout you should be aware of the types of fish you should avoid. As you probably know you should avoid all purine rich foods and some fish are high in purines. If you have gout you should avoid eating sardines, mackerel and anchovies. Instead, you might want to enlist the help of a vitamin supplement.

You can purchase fish oil supplements at almost any convenience store, pharmacy and retail chain in your neighborhood. It is not necessary to buy the most expensive brand as long as the brand you buy is indeed fish oil. You should however, buy a fish oil supplement that is produced by a molecular distillation process because the dioxins and PCBs are eliminated from the supplement.

In your quest to find the best remedies for curing your gout, treating your gout and eliminating the severity of an attack you will find many great ideas. Among them will be modification in diet and lifestyle, exercising and using supplements and medication.

You will also find connecting factors between fish oil and gout, purines and gout and alcohol and gout. If you have any questions about how to successfully live pain free with gout you should speak with your doctor.

Alvin Hopkinson is a leading researcher in the area of natural remedies and gout treatment. Discover how you can have instant gout relief using proven natural home remedies, all without using harmful medications or drugs. Visit his site now at http://www.goutremoval.com.

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7 Fish Oil Benefits Proven by Research

By Michael Byrd

Research studies show fish oil benefits are down right amazing.

And knowing this is the second most important thing you can do for your health. (We'll get to #1 in importance soon.)

Studies are published almost daily as the scientific community discovers more and more of the many extraordinary omega 3 fish oil benefits.

If you haven't already been swept up in the net yet, here are 7 proven omega 3 benefits you should know about.

1. Less Pain and Inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, have a very positive effect on your inflammatory response. Through several mechanisms, they regulate your body's inflammation cycle, which prevents and relieves painful conditions like arthritis, prostatitis, cystitis and anything else ending in "itis."

2. Cardiovascular Health. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been proven to work wonders for your heart and the miles and miles of arteries and veins that make up your cardiovascular system. They help to lower cholesterol, tryglicerides, LDLs and blood pressure, while at the same time increasing good HDL cholesterol. This adds years to your life expectancy.

3. Protection from Stroke and Heart Attack. When plaque builds up on arterial walls and then breaks loose, it causes what's known as a thrombosis, which is a fancy way of saying clot. If a clot gets stuck in the brain, it causes a stroke and when it plugs an artery, it causes a heart attack. Research shows omega 3 fatty acids break up clots before they can cause any damage.

4. Better Brain Function and Higher Intelligence. Pregnant and nursing mothers can have a great impact on the intelligence and happiness of their babies by supplementing with fish oil. For adults, omega 3 improves memory, recall, reasoning and focus. You'll swear you're getting younger and smarter.

5. Less Depression and Psychosis. Making you smarter is not all omega 3 does for your brain. Psychiatry department researchers at the University of Sheffield, along with many other research studies, found that omega 3 fish oil supplements "alleviate" the symptoms of depression, bipolar and psychosis (Journal of Affective Disorder Vol. 48(2-3);149-55).

6. Lower Incidence of Childhood Disorders. Just to show how fish oil fatty acids leave nobody out, studies show that children (and adults) with ADD and ADHD experience a greatly improved quality of life. And those with dyslexia, dyspraxia and compulsive disorders have gotten a new lease on life thanks to omega 3 oils.

7. Reduction of Breast, Colon and Prostate Cancer. And finally, omega 3 fish oil has been shown to help prevent three of the most common forms of cancer – breast, colon and prostate. Science tells us that omega 3s accomplish this in three ways. They stop the alteration from a normal healthy cell to a cancerous mass, inhibiting unwanted cellular growth and causing apoptosis, or cellular death, of cancer cells.

So you can see why knowing these benefits is the second most important thing you can do for your health. Can you guess what number one is?

That's right! Now it's time to put your knowledge to work. Eat more cold water oily fish and start taking good quality pure omega 3 fish oil supplements regularly.

Copyright by Michael Byrd. All Rights Reserved.

Michael has nearly 20 years experience and education in nutrition and physical therapy. His pursuit of wellness has led him to understand the extraordinary healing power of natural whole foods and the many fish oil health benefits.

To look younger, feel better and stay healthy, visit Michael at the omega 3 web site and request your Free CD on the omega 3 industry secrets..

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