People often ask me, “what do recommend that most people take to improve overall health status and for prevention.” In response, I can give most people a daily supplement regimen that would include a multivitamin and mineral supplement, vitamin D3, iodine, and Fish Oil, in addition, of course, to a healthy, whole foods diet. I could have a separate article on each of these supplements, and I probably will in the future, but today I would like to discuss the importance of Fish Oil.

When I talk about Fish Oil, I am really talking about the Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in high amounts in Fish Oil, and the health benefits of these essential fats. The Omega-3 fatty acids called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and they are considered ‘essential’ because we have to ingest them to have them in our bodies. In other words, your body does not make Omega-3 fats, so you have to eat them to reach your requirement of this essential nutrient.

So why should everyone take this supplement? Let me count the ways…

1. Brain Development and Intelligence – high DHA levels are associated with increased intelligence; they are protective to the brain and can be helpful for epilepsy, depression and anxiety, ADD, ADHD, and behavioral problems.
2. Heart Protective- EPA and DHA are helpful in lowering cholesterol, reducing angina (heart pain), and adequate essential fatty acid intake is associated with prolonged survival in patients with coronary heart disease.-JAMA. 2010: 303(3): 250-25.
Additionally studies have founds that EPA and DHA supplementation reduces the risk of heart attack by 90%!
3. Reduces pain- EPA and DHA are potent anti-inflammatory and can therefore reduce pain from migraine headaches, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, and virtually any kind of pain. The Framingham Heart Study found that supplementation with EPA and DHA may provide a safe and natural way to reduce inflammation and promote overall health. -Am. J. Clinical Nutrition 2000;
4. Improves Memory and Cognition – High DHA level was associated with a significant reduction (47%) in the risk of developing all cause dementia and increased fish and EPA/DHA intake were also found to be protective against cognitive decline and the risk of developing Alzheimer disease.-Arch Neurol. 2006;63:1545-50.
DHA and EPA are food in certain foods. Cold water fish such as anchovies, cod, sardines herring, mackerel, salmon, and tuna are an excellent source, as are krill and squid. But unfortunately most people do not eat enough fish to provide all of the Omega 3s that are needed by the body to function optimally. So, how do you choose a good fish oil supplement?
There have been reports that many Omega-3 products are contaminated with PCBs and heavy metals which add to the toxicity of the product and decrease the health benefits. I am firm with my patients that they must buy a high quality product. And if they choose not to purchase their fish Oil from me that they must do their homework and buy a product that is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified, and the company submits to third party testing for contaminants, molds and bacteria, and content. It is well worth it to your health to add in a high quality Fish Oil supplement into your daily regimen and to include some cold water fish into your diet. It is certainly not a cure-all, but it is a cure-many!

Dr. Eliza Klearman is a Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist practicing in Eagle. For more information call 328-5678 or visit www.drklearman.com.