I HAVe repeatedly encouraged readers to supplement their diets with fish oils. I now return to the subject because medical research continues to discover more and more benefits from this natural supplement.
Fish oils are the best dietary source of certain essential fats called omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of two main groups of key fatty acids - the omega-3 and the omega-6 - that are vital to human life. They are called essential fatty acids (EFAs), because the body cannot make them, but they are absolutely necessary for normal growth and development. These fats must be supplied by the diet.
People living in industrialised Western countries eat up to 30 times more omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids, resulting in a relative deficiency of omega-3 fats.
Too much omega-6 fatty acids create inflammation that results in allergic and inflammatory disorders and make the body more prone to heart attack, stroke and cancer. Eating diets rich in omega-3 acids and/or taking fish oil supplements can restore the balance between these two types of fatty acids and can possibly reverse these disease processes.
FIGHTING OFF DISEASE
Omega-3 fatty acids are good for the heart. They protect the heart by preventing blood clots and by keeping other harmful fats from injuring the walls of the blood vessels. They not only relax the arteries but also help to prevent thickening of the blood. They can reduce the need for the use of blood-thinning medication.
Numerous medical studies have shown that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of heart attack, stroke and abnormal heart beat.
Clinical trials demonstrate that regular consumption of fish or fish-oil supplements can prevent sudden death due to abnormal heart rhythms. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially useful after the menopause in the prevention of heart attacks in women.
In addition, eating omega-3-rich food will result in a lowering of total cholesterol levels, an increase in the concentrations of good cholesterol (HDL) while decreasing the concentrations of bad cholesterol (LDL).
TACKLING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Several studies have shown that eating 200g of fatty fish or taking three to five grams of high-quality fish oils daily will lower blood pressure. Therefore, omega-3 fats can benefit patients who have high blood pressure while helping to prevent hypertension in those at risk.
BABIES AND CHILDREN
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for normal development of vision and brain function in newborns and children. Human breast milk contains the appropriate amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fats and is best for all babies. This is particularly true if the mother has supplemented her diet with unpolluted fatty fish and/or fish oils.
If the mother's milk is unavailable, then formulas that provide higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial. Studies have shown that babies given formulas supplemented with essential fatty acids (EFAs) have better vision and score higher in tests, compared to babies on formulas that do not contain additional EFAs.
BEATING BACK ARTHRITIS
Because omega-3 fatty acids inhibit inflammation and pain, they can help control arthritis symptoms. Significant reduction in the number of tender joints and morning stiffness, as well as an increase in strength, has been observed in arthritic patients taking fish oil capsules.
Research shows that patients taking fish oil supplements for rheumatoid arthritis require fewer pain medications and may even discontinue their medication completely. Personally, I have patients who have been able to avoid joint replacement surgery using fish oil and other supplements.
ASTHMA
Taking high doses of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation of the airways and reduce asthma attacks. According to Donald Rudin, the author of the book entitled Omega-3 Oils, allergic disorders such as asthma may be triggered by too much omega-6 and too little omega-3 fat in our diet. Fish oil supplements can keep the omega-6 fats in check and decrease the inflammatory reactions associated with asthma.
MENTAL DISORDERS
Research indicates that many common mental disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder (manic-depression), attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), anxiety and schizophrenia, may be triggered by deficiencies of omega-3 fatty acids and/or B vitamins. The rates of depression are lower in countries that eat a lot of fish, while the rate steadily rises in countries eating more processed foods and less fresh fish and vegetables containing omega-3 fats.
Supplements containing omega-3 fats have also reportedly been effective in children with ADHD precipitated by essential fatty acid deficiencies. Furthermore, a 25 per cent decrease in schizophrenic symptoms were observed in patients taking the omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil.
CANCER PREVENTION
Omega-3 fatty acids inhibit cancer growth when injected into animals. Flaxseed oil, which is a plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to prevent cancer of the breast, colon and prostate. The Mediterranean-type diet, high in fish and vegetables, decreases the risk of getting cancer.
One study showed that the risk of getting cancer was decreased by over 60 per cent in persons on the Mediterranean diet, as compared to those on just a low-fat and high-fibre diet. Omega-3 fats, it seems, strengthen the immune systems and inhibit the formation and growth of tumours.
I could go on and on, as in my medical practice I use a specially pure and potent type of fish oil in treating many other conditions ranging from diabetes and hormonal imbalance to sugar sickle cell anemia and neuropathy. I just hope that by now you have got the point. Everyone can benefit from supplementing their diet with fish oils.
Email Dr. Tony Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com or listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on Power 106 FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
