When is the best time to drink fish oil? Fish oil – indications and contraindications: who needs fish oil and why? What vitamins are in fish oil
The value of fish oil lies in its unique composition. The natural product is rich in essential for the body fatty acids Omega group, as well as fat-soluble vitamins A and D, antioxidants. These useful substances regulate important metabolic processes within the body, promote better absorption of calcium, phosphorus, vitamins, have a preventive effect, and strengthen the immune system.
When light, heat and oxygen enter, the process of oxidation of the natural product occurs - fatty acids quickly turn into free radicals, and when they enter the body, they cause significant harm to humans. The benefits of fish oil in capsules are due to the fact that the gelatin shell protects Omega-3 from oxidation when interacting with air, preserving the value of the product. This is the main advantage of capsules over an oil solution.
Useful properties
A large amount of fatty acids in the product normalizes high cholesterol in the body. In addition, the drug lowers blood sugar levels, so its use is permitted in case of illness diabetes mellitus 2 types. Indications for the use of fish oil are determined exclusively by the doctor. TO useful actions means include:
- normalization of work circulatory system in the body;
- development and strengthening bone tissue and muscular system;
- prevention of inflammatory processes and colds;
- strengthening nervous system and immunity;
- acceleration of metabolic reactions;
- improved vision;
- correction of skin condition;
- strengthening the nail plate and hair;
- replenishment of the body with vitamins A and D.
Scientists from Pennsylvania State University have found components in fish oil that can destroy cancer cells and prevent the occurrence of cancer.
For women
Regular use of capsules has a beneficial effect on the condition of the female body:
- promotes cell restoration and renewal;
- normalizes hormone balance;
- prevents gynecological diseases;
- has a general rejuvenating effect.
How much fish oil capsules should be consumed and what is the norm? The product is recommended for women during the period of planning a child. During pregnancy and during breastfeeding the use of the drug must be agreed with the doctor.
The fatty acid components included in the food supplement normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands, can solve the problems of acne and pimples, and smooth out shallow wrinkles. Taking fish oil improves the condition of brittle and brittle nails, helps with hair loss, fights the appearance of pigmentation, preventing the occurrence of early gray hair.
To achieve greater effect, you can supplement oral administration of the drug with external use and prepare simple masks for skin and hair care. The following table provides effective recipes.
Table - Recipes for masks for skin and hair based on fish oil
For men
Fish oil provides positive influence for men's reproductive system, namely:
- has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- prevents the occurrence of prostatitis;
- protects against the formation of cancer;
- stimulates the production of the male hormone - testosterone;
- increases production and improves sperm quality;
- prevents the risk of prostate disease.
Fish oil actively saturates the body with energy. The product prevents the formation of fat deposits and accelerates growth muscle mass body, so it is perfect for use by athletes involved in weightlifting or bodybuilding.
For children
How many fish oil tablets should I take per day? In the presence of certain diseases, the dosage of fish oil capsules for children is better determined by a pediatrician. To a healthy child for preventive purposes, the drug should be given correctly and according to the instructions.
For children, the drug is usually prescribed to prevent infectious and viral diseases, normal physical development, mental activity, strengthening the immune system. The product helps:
- formation of bone tissue and muscles;
- mineralization and growth of teeth;
- strengthening nerve cells;
- preventing the development of asthma, allergies;
- improving fine motor skills;
- formation of sexual functions in adolescents.
For infants, fish oil is prescribed exclusively by a doctor, taking into account the metabolic processes in the baby’s body and the closure of the fontanelles on the head. Unauthorized use of the product can accelerate the process of ossification of the skull, which will negatively affect the development of the baby’s brain.
For the elderly
Fish oil brings significant benefits to people in old age, reducing inflammatory processes joints, improving tissue restoration. The product is able to protect against cardiac arrhythmia, thrombosis of blood vessels, and helps reduce the number of atherosclerotic plaques.
How long should adults take fish oil? Scientists have proven that regular use of the drug prevents the onset of senile dementia and Alzheimer's disease, activates brain function and reduces depression.
Instructions for use of fish oil capsules
Each capsule consists entirely of concentrated sea fish oil. Auxiliary components are small amounts of gelatin, glycerin, sorbitol and an aqueous base. Doctors recommend that adults and children drink fish oil in capsules during the off-season and winter. There are four things to remember general rules taking a dietary supplement.
- Reception time. The drug should be taken during or after meals with purified water. Taking it on an empty stomach can cause stomach and intestinal upset.
- Dosage. The average daily dosage is two to four capsules, depending on the amount of product in the capsule.
- Duration of the course. The minimum period of admission is one month. The course can be repeated up to four times a year. Depending on medical indications, the duration of the course can be increased as prescribed by a doctor.
- For children. Children under seven years of age are recommended to take the product in liquid form. Positive Feedback deserved special children's fish oil in chewable capsules with various fruit flavors.
The capsules must be swallowed immediately with water. Don't put them in your mouth long time, since the gelatinous membrane in the oral cavity quickly becomes sticky, which makes it difficult for it to pass through the esophagus.
Reception scheme
The following table indicates the daily dose of dietary supplement use for different age categories.
Table - Fish oil intake regimen and dosage for prevention
Before taking fish oil capsules, you should consult your doctor. The dosage of the drug directly depends on age, health status, gender, body weight and other aspects. Regimen and dose different manufacturers may also differ significantly.
Contraindications
In rare cases, due to individual intolerance, the drug may cause allergic reactions. An overdose will only lead to such unpleasant consequences as disorder digestive system. The following chronic diseases are contraindications for the use of biological supplements:
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- duodenal ulcer;
- acute pancreatitis;
- renal failure;
- liver diseases, hepatitis C;
- cholecystitis;
- acute form of tuberculosis;
- sarcoidosis;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
- excess calcium, vitamins A and D in the body.
Taking fish oil for a long time reduces blood clotting and interferes with the absorption of tocopherol - vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant for the body. When taking the product, it is recommended to take dietary supplements containing vitamin E.
Positive reviews of fish oil capsules have led to the high popularity of the drug. In addition, the product can be used externally to treat damage to the skin - burns and wounds, mucous membranes of the body. You need to understand that fish oil is not independent medicine and a panacea for all diseases. But, thanks to its unique properties, it acts as a powerful preventive agent for many diseases. To avoid side effects, before use, you should definitely consult your doctor and carefully study the instructions in the instructions for the drug.
Similar materials
Fish oil became popular thanks to the Norwegian pharmacist Meller, who proved the effect of the drug on the restorative functions of the human body.
Fish oil is constantly used to prevent colds and when increasing physical activity. It helps improve immunity. The drug is an animal fat, an irreplaceable natural product with a thick consistency with a characteristic reddish or yellow tint.
It differs from other additives by the presence of a characteristic unpleasant fishy taste and smell. You can get rid of them if you take the drug in capsules. After swallowing it, you will not feel the disgust for the drug that appears if you consume liquid fish oil.
Do you want to know the benefits of this fat in liquid form? His beneficial properties are preserved and do not depend on whether it is in capsules or in liquid form. The capsule protects the product from oxidation.
Pay attention! It is recommended to use fish oil correctly during meals. Taking the drug on an empty stomach may cause indigestion.
How long to use this supplement?
Taking fish oil is intended for a long time. Doctors recommend carrying out the course for 1 month without a break. Three courses of treatment must be completed within 1 year unique drug.
At what age is it possible to give fish oil to children? Pediatricians believe that it can be started to be given to a child who is one month old.
How to take fish oil and how much per day?
Benefits and harms
To understand the benefits and harms of fish oil, let’s find out how its components affect the functions of the body.
Vitamins A and D, which are part of the drug, promote the growth of bone tissue and the absorption of minerals into cells, improve vision at dusk, relieve brittle and dry nails and hair, and serve as a prevention of rickets.
For enhancing immunity and combating infectious diseases Omega-3 fatty acids are responsible.
In addition to the above, they perform many other functions:
- Expand blood vessels.
- They launch anti-inflammatory processes.
- Restore muscle tissue and normalize blood pressure.
The fight against thrombosis due to high cholesterol, a common modern disease, is thanks to these acids that are beneficial to the human body.
The work of fish oil antioxidants is to protect the body from the effects of free radicals and slow down the aging process.
Another scourge of our time - depression, irritability and stress - can be overcome with fish oil, which has “happiness hormones”.
With the help of the drug it strengthens immune defense body, it copes:
- with a lack of vitamins D and A;
- with dryness of both skin and mucous membranes;
- with painful condition of nails and hair;
- with memory impairment;
- with depression;
- with eye diseases,
- with development cancer cells for oncological diseases.
It also gets rid of cholesterol in the blood, lowering its level.
Important! Know that fish oil is used for preventive purposes, not for medicinal purposes! It is impossible to cure any disease using this remedy alone. With its help, the disease can be prevented or cured faster.
For better absorption of fatty acids by the body, vitamin E is taken simultaneously with fish oil, which slows down oxidation.
Know also that an excess of this remedy can be harmful to a person. Especially if it is fish liver oil. But muscle fat can be taken indefinitely if the label indicates that the acid content is no less than 15%.
This drug can be harmful due to the toxins it contains, which are accumulated by fish throughout their lives. Although their number is not small.
But this harm is not significant compared to the benefits of using fish oil. And before using the drug, do not forget to consult your doctor.
Contraindications for use
Who should not use fish oil? The use of fish oil is contraindicated for those who:
- increased levels of vitamin D and calcium;
- pulmonary tuberculosis progresses;
- gallstones or bladder;
- allergic reactions;
- increased thyroid gland;
- surgery is scheduled for the near future;
- sensitivity to fish products.
A warning from doctors about caution in using the drug can be given to heart patients, people with gastrointestinal diseases, peptic ulcer, With chronic failure kidneys and liver, suffering from hypothyroidism. Pregnant women and the elderly are also warned to be careful.
Scientists from Athens, observing patients who regularly consumed fatty fish, came to the following conclusion. Among people from 18 to 90 years old, problems with the heart and blood vessels are very rarely detected.
Boston scientists not only confirmed these findings, but also recommended eating sardines and mackerel - fish with dark meat.
According to scientists from the Australian University, children rarely develop symptoms of asthma with regular consumption of fish oil.
And memory restoration with the help of Omega-3 is a fact known even to ancient scientists and healers.
Women will be interested to know that fish oil is used for weight loss. Thanks to the normalization of all processes gastrointestinal tract and metabolism in the human body, the body weight is also brought back to normal.
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In distant Soviet times, fish oil was a daily torture for children - not everyone was able to drink a spoon for their mother without complaint. Then fish oil came in capsules and it became much easier to swallow. Only one thing was beyond doubt: the great benefits of fish oil for a child’s health. Time passed, and it turned out that it would not harm adults either. What is its benefit and is it not exaggerated?
What kind of beast
Interest in fish oil as a remedy for adults appeared in the 70-80s of the last century, when scientists discovered that Eskimos and other peoples living in the far North and eating mainly fish very rarely suffer from heart disease. But these diseases appear as soon as the Eskimos begin to eat like the rest of the civilized world. Eskimos had nearly ideal cholesterol levels at all ages. Scientists have concluded that the reason for this is the abundance of fatty fish in the diet, a source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish oil, as the name suggests, is an oil obtained from fatty fish, mainly cod, mackerel, and herring. The composition of the amber liquid is quite unique - it contains vitamins A, D, various antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Previously, fish oil was given to children solely for the sake of vitamin D, which in the northern country the body produced little in winter. Now it turns out that fish oil is good not only as a preventative against A, a disease that develops due to a lack of vitamin D.
It turned out that omega-3s have extremely valuable qualities. It is these fatty acids that reduce the risk of thrombosis, dilate blood vessels, and improve recovery processes in the body, normalize blood pressure, reduce the level of stress hormone (cortisone), improve the condition of the skin, nails and hair.
Vitamin A protects against free radicals, helps maintain normal vision and has a positive effect on the immune system. Vitamin D is involved in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which is essential for building bone tissue. And the available antioxidants slow down the aging process of the body.
Fish oil and the heart
In recent decades, scientists have been actively studying the positive properties of this product. Thus, Greek researchers observed a group of people aged 18-90 years and came to the conclusion that regular consumption of fatty fish at least 2-3 times a week or fish oil helps maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. This is largely due to the fact that fish oil can lower blood cholesterol levels. It is a proven fact that high cholesterol is one of the risk factors for developing heart disease. It is believed that the most useful in this regard are sardines and mackerel.
Fish oil may protect against heart attack and risk sudden death from heart failure. According to studies, consuming fatty fish or fish oil increases your chance of surviving illness by 30%. heart attack. The risk of an attack is reduced due to the ability of omega-3 to reduce the likelihood of blood clots, which can clog the coronary vessels and lead to a heart attack.
Children and fish oil
Basically, fish oil is given to children so that there is no deficiency of vitamin D. This is extremely important for the formation of bone tissue in the growth of the child. But it turned out that fish oils are good for more than just that.
Australian scientists found that children who regularly took fish oil from infancy were much less likely to develop.
Fish oil and brain
Recent experiments have shown that those people who consume omega-3 acids in sufficient quantities have a brain volume in old age that is larger than that of their peers, and is comparable to brain volume young man. Meanwhile, a decrease in brain volume is often a sign of approaching Alzheimer's disease and brain aging. Omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) helps nerve cells communicate with each other. This is why fish oil is extremely beneficial for the brain.
American researchers have found that omega-3 acids and fish oil improve memory. 1,111 women participated in the experiment. They took the drug for 8 weeks, and when a test was done to assess their brain volume, those taking omega-3s had almost 0.7% more brain volume and 2.7% more volume in the hippocampus region, the center responsible for for the memory. It is known that this area begins to shrink in Alzheimer's disease, and the shrinkage occurs before the formidable signs of the disease begin to appear.
Therefore, American scientists believe that omega-3 acids and fish oil help maintain brain function and remain in a clear mind until old age.
Why else does fish oil have a beneficial effect on the brain and psyche? It turned out because it is able to increase the amount of serotonin in the body, which is responsible for a good mood. Therefore, with the help of fish oil, you can fight the autumn loss of strength and low mood, as well as depression. It is known that one of the causes is a decrease in the amount of serotonin.
Fish oil and mental disorders
People with bipolar mental disorder are characterized by sharp mood swings from severe depression to a state of euphoria and obsessive mania for something. Such people, in order to live a full life, are forced to constantly take antidepressants and various sedatives. It turned out that the condition of such people can be significantly alleviated by introducing foods containing omega-3 into the diet.
This mental disorder, as, can greatly impede socialization and interfere full life. Again, it turned out that fish oil can relieve symptoms here too.
The positive role of fish oil is especially pronounced in the treatment of children with ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Such children cannot concentrate their attention for a long time, are impulsive, their excitability prevails over inhibition, as a result of which, as people say, they cannot stop in time. Recent studies have shown that such children benefit greatly from a diet containing large amounts of omega-3 acids. And, therefore, fish oil will be very useful in complex treatment.
US scientists even came to the conclusion that fish oil can reduce the number of diseases by 25%. 80 people at risk took part in Dr. Amminger's experiment, which divided them into two groups. Some received fish oil, others received a placebo. A year later, it turned out that in the group that took fish oil, only 2 people had attacks, and in the group that drank pacifiers, 11 had seizures.
Essential fatty acids in fish oil reduce the risk of brain cell damage early age as a result of oxidative stress. There is a hypothesis that children with OM had a genetic predisposition to be too sensitive to free radicals. And oxidative stress in such children can trigger the development of a. The supply of fatty acids to the body with the help of fish oil can prevent the development of cancer or alleviate its symptoms.
Fish oil and
With glaucoma, it is especially important to control eye pressure. It turns out that the fatty acids contained in fish oil normalize the outflow of eye fluid, which helps get rid of increased eye pressure. Of course, fish oil is not a cure for glaucoma, but it can improve the condition of a sick person and increase the effectiveness of medications taken.
Fish oil and excess weight
In recent decades, more than 20 studies have been conducted that have unequivocally shown that fish oil helps fight excess weight. The results of the research by Icelandic scientists were published in the International Journal of Obesity. An experiment was conducted with the participation of 324 people with large mass bodies. They took fish oil capsules for a month, sunflower oil, fatty fish.
As a result, it was found that the combination of fish oil with a low-calorie diet allows for faster weight loss. The most effective way is to combine it with physical activity and exercises.
However, in fairness it must be said that the loss of mass was not as great as we would like.
And the most important discovery is that fish oil and its omega-3 acids protect against damage to the DNA membrane. Omega-3 extends the life of cells and slows down the aging process.
Who should take fish oil?
Taking fish oil as part of a comprehensive treatment is necessary for those who suffer from cardiovascular diseases, have visual impairments, are often sick, and suffer from persistent low mood and depression. It will help improve the condition of hair and skin, restoring its elasticity. Fish oil also improves the condition of joints and is useful for patients with arthritis.
Externally, fish oil is an excellent treatment for irritations and irritations.
How to take medicine correctly
An overdose of fish oil only leads to unpleasant consequences for the body. Like any medicine, fish oil must be taken correctly and in strict dosage. For an adult, the daily dose is 15 ml, or 1,000-2,000 mg per day. This is equal to 2-4 capsules of 500 mg. If the packaging of a dietary supplement contains a recommendation to take more than 10 capsules, this should be alarming. You should not drink fish oil all at once at one time - you should drink it 3 times a day.
You should take fish oil for no longer than a month. Then you definitely need to take a break, otherwise you can get an overdose of vitamin A, which is no less harmful than its lack.
It is best to start taking it in the autumn months. In the summer you need to take a break.
An overdose can lead to a severe decrease in blood clotting.
For whom is fish oil contraindicated?
Those who have money for fish will have to give up fish oil. Also, you should not rely on it if the body’s calcium metabolism is disturbed and its content in the blood is high, there are kidney stones or gallbladder, renal , . Should be taken with caution by those with chronic diseases kidneys and liver, elderly people and nursing women. It is completely contraindicated for people with hemophilia.
Fly in the ointment
Fish oil is healthy and good in many ways. But nothing in the world is perfect. Fish oil also has its downsides.
Its taste leaves much to be desired. Although now, with the advent of gelatin shells, the taste of fish oil has ceased to be a minus.
The product is made from fish. This means that its quality directly depends on the quality of the raw materials. Fish has the ability to accumulate mercury. And if fish oil is produced precisely from such fish, then along with omega-3 fatty acids it will supply the body with completely unnecessary and even toxic mercury.
It should also be taken into account that if a person suffers from pancreatic diseases, then fish oil can do him more harm than good.
Of course, fish oil is not a panacea for all diseases. And it cannot be considered an independent medicine. But his unique properties allow it to be used as a powerful prophylactic against many diseases. Regular intake of fish oil allows you to keep your organs healthy and prolong your life, making it much more active and fulfilling.
Fish oil is very healthy, but its taste and smell disgust many people. Modern pharmacological companies produce fish oil in capsules, which makes it possible to remove the unpleasant aroma and taste. And if you're determined to improve your family's health, you should definitely know how to take fish oil, reports womenzone.org.
Fish oil is incredibly beneficial for the body. It contains vitamin A and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Also during the production process, fish oil is enriched with vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium. Fish oil also contains other useful substances: iodine, phosphorus, bromine. But there are so few of them that they do not show any therapeutic effect on the body.
Fish oil is prescribed for various diseases, as a means of strengthening. Fish oil is very useful for pulmonary tuberculosis, diseases of the bones, glands, rickets, and anemia. Also, taking fish oil can improve vision in case of night blindness. Doctors prescribe taking fish oil when cardiovascular diseases. The fact is that the polyunsaturated omega-3 acids included in the drug have a vasodilating effect, they transform “harmful” into “useful”, and also reduce the risk of blood clots.
The use of fish oil is often used for preventive purposes to support the immune system. Indeed, children who take fish oil get sick much less often. Moreover, consuming fish oil helps improve the condition of your skin and hair. Dull and brittle hair regains its natural shine and strength.
Today, fish oil is sold in any pharmacy, and it comes in two forms: capsules and liquid. The use of a gelatin shell eliminates the unpleasant odor and taste that many people experience gag reflex. Moreover, thanks to the gelatin shell, fish oil does not oxidize, so the product is stored better. But still, doctors recommend using liquid fish oil, as it is more natural. Regardless of which form of the drug you choose, fish oil should be taken correctly.
Manufacturers of capsules must indicate in the instructions for the drug the appropriate dosage for an adult. Depending on the size of the capsules, they can contain up to 500 mg of fish oil. On average, an adult needs to drink 1000 mg of fish oil at one time. Take capsules 2-3 times a day.
Please note that fish oil capsules should not be taken by children under 6 years of age!
Liquid fish oil, unlike the drug in capsules, can be taken by children from a very young age. True, the dosage must be prescribed by the attending physician. Be sure to consult your doctor if you want to introduce liquid fish oil into your baby's diet. As a rule, children under one year of age are given fish oil in the amount of 3-5 drops 2 times a day. Children after one year can be given a teaspoon of fish oil per day. Preschoolers take 2-3 teaspoons of fish oil per day, and from the age of 7 they drink 1 tablespoon twice a day.
Fish oil is an extremely useful natural substance extracted from cod liver. This product is enriched with vitamins A and D, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, essential for our health. But, despite all its beneficial properties, its improper use can lead to an upset stomach or the onset of other negative consequences. To avoid this, you need to clearly know how to drink fish oil.
Before you start taking fish oil, you should consult your doctor. The dosage of this product is determined individually in each case and depends on gender, weight, age, health status and a host of other factors. Today this substance is sold in two forms - gelatin capsules filled with the product, and in the form of a liquid bottled. If fish oil is to be taken by a child under one year old, then most likely the daily dose will be six to ten drops, which should be drunk in two doses - morning and evening. If the child is over one year old, then daily norm will make a teaspoon. Preschoolers can be given two spoons, and children over seven years old can be given three teaspoons twice a day. In order to get rid of the natural smell and taste of this product, manufacturers add food flavorings to it, which makes taking this medicine more pleasant. The dosage of a product packaged in capsules is determined by their size and is usually indicated on the package or package insert. Most often, this packaging is aimed at adults, and the daily dose of the product is about six capsules, which should be taken three times a day, two pieces each.
- It is recommended to consume this product directly during meals, along with salads or first courses.
- A one-time dose will not bring any results - fish oil must be taken systematically for one to two months. However, this period should also not be exceeded; the accumulation of vitamin A in the body can cause its toxicity.
- You should not take fish oil on an empty stomach as it may cause digestive problems. An overdose of the product may lead to abdominal pain, nausea or diarrhea. In order to get rid of them, you should stop taking the product.
- The drug should not be used by people with excessive thyroid function, kidney stones or gall bladder stones. People with individual intolerance to this product, as well as those who have a high calcium content in the body, should avoid using the product.