subject: Here Are The Good And The Bad Side Effects Of Fish Oil Supplements [print this page] Here Are The Good And The Bad Side Effects Of Fish Oil Supplements
When considering to take fish oil supplements, among the things you would concern yourself with are the side effects of fish oil supplements. Most drugs come with adverse reactions, and even in the case of supplements that are not chemically formulated, side effects are not unheard of either. Fish oil supplements have gotten to be widely appreciated because of the tons of benefits one can derive by taking such on a regular basis. However, before you yourself jump into the bandwagon, stock up on some knowledge about fish oil, including the side effects of fish oil supplements, both the good and the bad.
What makes fish oil beneficial to humans is the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids. If you are constantly looking out for your health, you would know for sure that Omega-3 fatty acids are very important in the maintenance of good health. They are specifically linked to good heart health and brain development so much so that a deficiency of these essential fatty acids can possible spark the occurrence of heart ailments, mental illness, and chronic diseases.
Omega-3 fatty acids are, unfortunately, not produced by the body, hence they need to be taken from food sources, and fish oil happens to be one of these food sources where you can find good amounts of Omega-3.
It is important to understand that fish oil itself is not naturally endowed with Omega-3. Fish oil manages to get Omega-3 when the oily fish feeds on algae which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Not all fish oil would therefore contain Omega-3, when you think about it. So when choosing fish oil supplements, make sure that they come with Omega-3.
Yet even fish oil supplements with Omega-3 are not free of unpleasant side effects. Most reported are gastric upset, bloating, diarrhea (in high doses), abdominal pain, burping, and the fishy after-taste. These however can be relieved or at least limited by adjusting the dosage to levels you can tolerate or by taking the supplement with meals. Drinking fish oil with flavored water or juice is a great way to mask the not-so-pleasant smell and taste.
These unpleasant side effects of fish oil supplements, though not to be taken for granted, are far less in value when you compare them with the good effects of taking fish oil supplements which include:
* Lowered bad cholesterol levels
* Increased good cholesterol levels
* Increased brain function
* Improved auto-immune response
* Reduced inflammation
Fish oil supplements are not created equal. Manufacturers out to simply make money out of you are many and so you have to be very careful when choosing fish oil supplements. Aside from ensuring that your choice is not just fish oil but fish oil with Omega-3 fatty acids, you also have to see to it that:
* The fish source of fish oil is one that swims in deep, unpolluted waters
* The fish oil supplement is molecularly distilled, meaning, it has undergone an intensive purifying process to get rid of any toxins or chemicals
* The supplement is affordably priced. Fish oil supplements are not expensive, but they cannot be too cheap either.
Fish oil supplements are necessary for most people, but always make sure to talk to your doctor about taking fish oil supplements, especially if you are under some sort of medication, so your doctor can make the necessary adjustments or recommendations to prevent the bad side effects of fish oil supplements.
