Fish Oil

I get a kick out of those commercials which portray conversations at the kitchen table or in the locker room in ways that we don’t normally see. Two women sipping coffee from pretty china cups might naturally start discussing headache medications or hygiene. Men might forgo the normal locker room banter for the much superior topics of foot care or that insurance that only a duck can seem to remember. Some people even get so excited about their cholesterol that they stop perfect strangers on the street to announce significant reductions in their own cholesterol levels.

Some of these commercials give us an excuse to leave the room for more pressing matters, while others make us smile in appreciation of their creativity. But there is one thing they have in common. They direct our attention to topics of great importance that we don’t naturally discuss. High cholesterol is one such topic. Fortunately cholesterol is getting more press these days. Not only do television commercials and news reports discuss the dangers of high cholesterol, but even cereal boxes are preaching the message.

Cholesterol is not the only enemy of heart health that is attracting more attention. Triglycerides are gaining notoriety in the public eye as adversarial to a healthy heart. Though triglycerides might not be the topic of choice in the average locker room I think it is safe to assume that it is of greater importance than the majority of subjects that occupy center stage in that arena. Whether or not we choose to speak of such things most of us know something of their importance and secretly hope they do not become an important factor in our lives or in the lives of those we love. But sticking one’s head in the proverbial sand is hardly proactive and does nothing to avoid potential problems. If triglycerides are an important health concern we should face the problem eye to eye and take action in true Western style.

Many doctors have not been alarmed with high triglyceride levels in their patients as long as cholesterol levels and other components of the lipid profile are within an acceptable range. That is because many believe that triglyceride levels alone do not adversely affect the heart. However, some studies are beginning to alter that thinking. For example, one study at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore demonstrated that people who are middle-aged or older having triglyceride levels above 100 are twice as likely to suffer from a heart attack, die from a heart attack or undergo treatment related to heart health than are people with triglyceride levels below 100 (Journal of the American College of Cardiology, May 1998). When we consider that triglycerides below 150 are within the accepted “normal” range we have cause to rethink the importance of triglycerides.

Heart health is not the only thing affected by triglycerides. A report in the Journal of the American Heart Association stated that high triglycerides are associated with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). This conclusion came from an eight year study involving 11,177 patients with coronary heart disease and no history of stroke or TIA. Those patients who later suffered from strokes or TIAs had higher than average levels of triglycerides and lower than average levels of HDL cholesterol.

There is no lack of research supporting the thesis that high triglyceride levels, either in conjunction with other risk factors or as an independent risk indicator, puts one in a more dangerous position in relation to heart attack or stroke. There are many folks who would ignore this fact even if a duck could learn to say “Triglycerides”. But what about the rest of us? Some of us are concerned. What can we do?

In the early 1970’s two Danish researchers observed that Eskimos had diets very high in fatty fish. They expected to find that these people would have high incidence of heart disease. In fact they found the exact opposite. It was discovered that the blood platelets of Eskimos were not as sticky as those of their European and American counterparts. The researchers attributed this “non-sticky” characteristic to the omega-3 fatty acids consumed in the Eskimos’ diet. Further studies have brought increased knowledge of the effects of fish oils and especially omega-3 fatty acids for the reduction of blood pressure and fat in the blood. Studies continue to uncover the positive effects that omega-3 fatty acids have in the treatment of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma and arthritis.

Concerning heart health, fish oils decrease the risk of sudden death from arrhythmia, decrease blood clotting, reduce atherosclerosis, help lower blood pressure and improve arterial health. More particular to this essay is the fact that study upon study has demonstrated that the fish oils in cold water fish have triglyceride reducing powers. It is no wonder the American Heart Association since the year 2000 has been preaching the importance of healthy adults eating fish.

But what about unhealthy adults already struggling with high triglycerides? The answer that many researchers are giving is, “Eat more fish.” Or more precisely, ingest more omega-3 fatty acids. People who have elevated triglycerides may need 2 to 4 grams of EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) per day provided as a supplement. High levels of omega-3 can not be ingested through diet alone. You should consult a physician to discuss taking supplements to reduce heart disease risk. Patients taking more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids from supplements should do so only under a physician’s care.

Let’s face it. Our diets are not nearly what they should be. It isn’t just about calories, carbohydrates and thin waistlines. Our hearts need more omega-3. If you are a fish lover then indulge your fantasies. Eat more. If you don’t love the slimy little creatures then fish oil supplements might be your answer. Perhaps what we need is not a talking duck. Perhaps a talking trout would be more apropos to get the message out. But I suppose that would be counter productive for the trout.

For more information on triglycerides and fish oils see:

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/triglycerides.html

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/fishoils.html

Greg holds degrees in science, divinity and philosophy and is currently an I.T. developer.

Tags: fish oils, heart health, omega 3, triglyceridesfish oils, heart health, omega 3, triglycerides

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Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is responsible for numerous deaths in the U.S. and other countries around the world. It is not the same as a heart attack. A heart attack normally occurs when advanced atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries) slowly starves the heart causing irreversible damage. The heart finally cannot function properly and stops. Sudden cardiac death occurs when the electrical impulses that control heart function become erratic resulting in an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). When the arrhythmia is severe enough the heart suddenly stops, starving the brain of needed blood. Death often follows quickly unless emergency care is administered immediately. Often sudden cardiac death occurs when no other heart disease is detected.

It has long been understood that eating fish can reduce the likelihood of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. The reason? Fish, especially cold-water fatty fish, is high in two omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These two fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 has been shown to reduce the build-up of artery clogging atherosclerosis and keep blood platelets from sticking together thus reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

But more recent studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids also have an effect on the dangerous arrhythmias that can cause sudden cardiac death by regulating the impulses that control heart rhythm.

One study involved the use of mycocytes (cells that beat independently). By adding the free fatty acids to these cells arrhythmias were aborted. When the fatty acids were extracted from the mycocytes the arrhythmias would reoccur thus indicating that omega-3 fatty acids have a stabilizing effect on heart rhythm. The apparent mechanism for controlling rhythm involved cell ion channels, proteins that control the movement of sodium, calcium and potassium ions across the membrane of the cell.

Another study, conducted by Danish researchers, examined the relationship between heart rate variability and omega-3 fatty acids in healthy subjects. It had already been determined that heart arrhythmias could be positively impacted in patients who were recent heart attack victims. These researchers wanted to determine if people otherwise free of heart disease could gain the same arrhythmia controlling benefits from omega-3 fatty acids.

Sixty healthy adults were randomly divided into three groups. The first group received daily supplements containing 6.6 g of omega-3 (containing 3.0g EPA and 2.9g DHA). Group two received 2.0g of omega-3 (containing 0.9g EPA and 0.8g DHA). The remaining group received only an olive oil placebo. The supplements were given for 12 weeks. Before and after the supplements were consumed heart rate variability and blood cell fatty acids were measured. It was found that heart rate variability was favorably influenced by the amount of omega-3 consumed. In other words, the more omega-3 one consumed the higher the heart rate variability, especially in men with low heart rate variability before supplementing.

The researchers concluded that omega-3 fatty acids positively affected heart rate variability thus having a protective effect on heart function. These finding were similar to those of earlier studies showing that omega-3 positively affects heart rhythm in patients who had suffered a previous heart attack. Since sudden cardiac death is the result of erratic heart rhythm, omega-3’s heart protective qualities show great promise in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest. The mechanical studies completed by these and other researchers seemed to confirm other studies that the oral ingestion of fish and fish oils provide prophylaxis for the prevention of fatal cardiac arrhythmias when taken regularly in small amounts. In simple terms, consuming fish and fish oil supplements can save lives.

Greg holds degrees in science, divinity and philosophy and is currently an I.T. developer.

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/fishoils.html

http://www.optimal-heart-health.com/cardiacarrest.html

Tags: cardiac arrest, fish oils, heart attack, heart disease, omega 3, sudden cardiac deathcardiac arrest, fish oils, heart attack, heart disease, omega 3, sudden cardiac death

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If your family is eating fish to get the benefits of the omega 3 oils in the fish, and you want to keep them safe and healthy, this is one of those articles you’ll want to read all the way to the end.

News about the superb health benefits of omega 3 fish oils are everywhere. Medical science proves they help you think faster, improve memory, protect your heart, eliminate or diminish many symptoms of Autism and ADD/ADHD and even help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.

BUT– Are the fish oil supplements you take safer than eating fish?

There’s growing concern in the medical community about the dangerous chemicals found in fish (both wild and farmed), like mercury, PCB’s, dioxins and other toxins.

So, after a thorough review of the medical literature, here’s the skinny on the “smart fats”, whether the fish oil supplements you take are safe, and, if you eat fish, which type is safest for your family?

1. Is Your Tuna Safe?

On August 1, 2005, a Wall Street Journal article, talking about the failure of the FDA to warn about the high levels of pollutants in fish, told about a 10 year old boy suffering from mercury poisoning because his parents thought eating tuna fish was safe.

Sadly, the boy had recently acquired severe learning difficulties and neurological tests revealed he had nearly double the mercury levels in his blood than the EPA deems safe.

Finally in March 2004, the FDA issued a mercury advisory recommending limits on tuna and other fish consumption for pregnant and nursing women and children, but it was years too late for the 10 year old boy.

2. Mercury Levels In Some Common Fish.

Note: Albacore, the most expensive type of tuna, has nearly three times more mercury than other tuna. The source on this information is the FDA: Northeast
States for Coordinated Air Use Management.

Average Mercury (parts per million)

Salmon .01

American Lobster .31

Catfish .05

Cod .11

Pollock .06

Swordfish .97

Chunk light tuna .12

Albacore .35

Note: There are no safe levels of mercury, PCB’s, dioxins
for your body and brain.

3. What Are These Pollutants, and What Are The Dangers of Mercury, PCB’s and Dioxins?

*** Mercury ***

Mercury is released into the air from coal burning power plants and solid-waste incinerators. When it gets into the water, it converts into a dangerous neurotoxin which destroys nerve tissue.

The largest fish, and predatory fish, naturally have the highest levels of mercury. But, watch out, when you eat the fish, methylmercury accumulates into your bloodstream. Although it can be removed over time, it takes more than a year to drop to safe levels.

If you are in your child bearing years, pregnant, nursing or have young children, your risk of mercury toxicity is even higher. Further, it can be passed from the mother to the
unborn baby. It gets worse.

According to the June, 1998 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers at Dartmouth College found that children exposed to even low levels of methlymercury (evidenced in hair samples) perform more poorly in cognitive tests.

Since 8% of US women of childbearing age have unsafe mercury levels, this means that more than 300,000 babies are born at risk for memory, language, physical and attention span impairments. A scary thought isn’t it?

Every time I go to the supermarket, I want to stop at the tuna fish aisle and warn the moms buying all that tuna their kids are going to eat every day.

*** PCB’s ***

Although PCB’s, which were once used as insulating tools in electrical transformers, were banned in 1977, they are fat soluble and still in the fatty tissue of marine and animal
species. PCB’s are linked to impaired memory, certain cancers, and learning problems.

The New England Journal of Medicine reported on Sept. 12, 1996, that a study of 212 children born to women who had eaten PCB contaminated fish from Lake Michigan, were three times more likely to lag two years behind in reading comprehension and
adversely affected intellectual function.

*** Dioxins ***

Dioxins are by products of industrial chemicals and also accumulate in the fatty tissue of fish. In various animal studies, dioxins have been found to cause birth defects, nerve damage, changes in immune function, and higher levels of miscarriages.

4. Can You Get The Health Benefits Of Omega 3 Fish Oils Without The Risk?

If you’re a conscientious consumer and pay attention to third party quality assurance programs, you can be absolutely assured that the fish oil supplements you take are safe.

BUT BEWARE - Not All Fish Oils Are Created Equal.

Recent medical journal studies show that most “off the shelf” fish oils were rancid, even before their expiration date, and had high levels of mercury, PCB’s and dioxins. So before you run to your local store or warehouse shopping center for
the least expensive fish oils, read on…

5. Who Are The Third Party Fish Oil Quality Assurors and Which Fish Oil Supplements Have The Highest Rating?

There are several organizations that independently insure the quality of fish oils and attest to the fact that there is no mercury, PCB’s, dioxins, or other toxins in the fish oil.

These labs are highly regulated and rigorously test the fish to make sure that any contaminants are molecularly distilled out through many steps.

a. The IFOS - International Fish Oil Standards program.

IFOS measures quality of omega 3 products through more stringent global standards than that of the World Health Organization and the Council for Responsible Nutrition. Interestingly, the FDA standards for contaminants in fish oil are the least stringent of all the organizations.

IFOS program uses a lengthy series of dissolution rates, gas chromatography, and cold water vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy, etc., to determine contaminants and omega 3 content as a percentage of weight. Further their program tests product levels at higher parts per trillion than any of the others to insure greater safety.

Products which have received the highest IFOS Program rating:

Although I am not recommending that you stop eating fish, you would have to consume many pounds of possibly contaminated fish to obtain what you could get in even one capsule of the purest omega 3 supplement.

So here are the omega 3 supplement products which have received the highest rating from IFOS program:

http://HowToLearn.com/omega3.html/

Remember, fish oil in omega 3 supplements have hundreds of health benefits. If you want to improve your memory, think faster, remember longer, lower your blood pressure,
eliminate many of the symptoms of Autism, depression and ADHD, take a look at these valuable supplements.

(Medical disclaimer: no part of this article is intended to convey medical advice. Seek the advice of your health care or medical professional before taking any supplements, and ask your doctor whether you can take fish oils especially if you are currently taking blood thinning medications).

© 2006 Pat Wyman, M.A. known as America’s Most Trusted Learning Expert and the best selling author of Learning vs Testing, Strategies That Bridge the Gap, What’s Food Got To Do With It? 101 Natural Remedies for Learning Disabilities and the Instant Learning

Tags: fish oil supplements, fish oils, omega 3, omega 3s, omegasfish oil supplements, fish oils, omega 3, omega 3s, omegas

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