Fish Oil

Happy Tuesday! Dr. Kelly here. Your grandma’s favorite Cod Liver Oil.

Did you know that cod liver oil has omega 3, vitamin D, and vitamin A!

It not only helps with inflammation, your nerve and brain health, it also supports bone, eyes, and immune system with vitamin D & A. Your grandma did know best.

So, do you need Fish Oil?? – YEP!

Omega 3 fatty acids are important and unique. Your body cannot make them.

When it comes to chronic pain, nutrition becomes critical!!

Omega 3’s from fish have been shown to be as effective as NSAIDs in supporting pain and inflammation in the joints from acute injury.

I cannot stress this enough. With chronic pain, nutrition becomes critical.

We need to reduce pro-inflammatory foods like sugar, refined or excess carbs, trans fats, processed/packaged foods, deep-fried foods, sodas—regular or diet, high omega 6 oils.

Replace with foods containing omega 3: wild-caught fatty fish, wild game/lean organic meats, olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, organic fruits and vegetables, raw unsalted nuts, clean filtered water, organic green tea, and spices.

People with a ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 above 4:1 are in serious trouble.

Guess what the average American is at? 25:1

Do you want to know what your ratio is?

Take a quick finger prick to see what your omega ratio is!

We can test with a simple at-home blood testing kit.

We can even add cognitive testing. How cool to see the age that your brain is functioning at? Younger or older????

The two primary essential fatty acids are Omega 6 & 3.

They help with the development and function of the brain and nervous system.

They help support cardiovascular and mental health.

The Omega 3 essential fatty acids are ALA, EPA & DHA.

ALA is found in plant sources. EPA & DHA are found most concentrated in fish.

EPA is for inflammation

DHA is for brain

When you look at a bottle of fish oil, look to see how much EPA and DHA is there.

Depending on your needs, you want a certain ratio.

If you are looking for brain protection, dementia, concussion, etc, – you want more DHA.

If you are looking for anti-inflammatory, you want a fish oil that focuses on EPA.

In general, you need to look for a fish oil that does not have mercury.

Our oceans are filled with toxins.

Making sure you are not exposed to heavy metals is important when choosing fish oil.

This is why some companies use sources from smaller fish like sardines, mackerel, and anchovies instead of cod. They are naturally lower in heavy metals.

It is a bit tougher to find that information out. You need to research and see if the company gets an independent test to show that no heavy metals are present.

Precaution: If you are on a blood thinner, consult with your prescribing doctor before you start. If you are going for surgery, let your doctor know you take fish oil. There has been some mixed research on fish oil and thinning the blood.

We typically get Omega 6 from our diet easily.

Omega 6 is found in avocados, olive oil, eggs, and nuts.

Omega 3 is the most difficult one to get. It is mainly in deep sea fish. There is some in eggs, flaxseed, and chia seeds, but it is minimal.

EPA &; DHA can come in an ethyl ester (EE) or a triglyceride (TG) form.

Ethyl ester is cheaper and less absorbable.

Look for the triglyceride form of EPA and DHA.

This could be on the bottle or a company standard.

For example, Designs for Health’s entire line of fish oil products use the triglyceride form.
The triglyceride form has far superior absorption and bioavailability. Some studies show 70% more absorption!!

OrthoMolecular states it clearly on the front of the label.

Also, look at potency. The DFH OmegaAvail Hi-Po provides 800mg of EPA and 800mg of DHA.

If you are going in for surgery, like a hip replacement, or have a lot of inflammation, you will want to add a SPM.

SPM is a Specialized Pro-resolving Mediator.

Its clinical benefits support a normal pain response, promote tissue repair, facilitate a healthy inflammatory response, and support wound healing.

It may also address age-related inflammation (like stiffness you feel getting up from a chair after sitting too long), physical stressors, pro-inflammatory diets, and chronic inflammation.