Want To Stop Binge Drinking? Omega 3 Fish Oils Show Promise Study Suggests

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Dan Ho

Too many people around the world the world drink too much alcohol. Some studies are suggesting that approximately 10% of cancers are linked to alcohol consumption.

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine may have unlocked how to stop binge drinking. In their quest to study the effects of DHA omega 3 fatty acid intake on bipolar disorder, they accidently stumbled upon another entirely different finding: that omega 3 fish oil intake decreased the desire for alcohol in mice that had an affinity for booze.

“We believe a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids may help the treatment and prevention of bipolar disorder, and may help with alcoholism as well,” Dr Niculescu said.

Source:

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Want-to-curb-binge-drinking-Try-fish-oil/796562/

My-Omega-3′s Comments:

Now, this is a far cry from saying popping some fish oil supplements is the definitive answer on how to stop binge drinking, but the beneficial effects of fish oil, especially DHA omega 3 fatty acids, on the brain never ceases to amaze us. Again, remember that the brain requires a great deal of DHA fats to function properly and more than half the brain’s weight is made up of fats. So, it would make sense that compulsions like the propensity for too much drinking would benefit from a healthier functioning brain.

Although this is anecdotal, one of the editors here, Dan Ho, quit drinking alcohol at a time when he increased his intake of omega-3 fish oil (this was well before this study was published). Although it wasn’t easy in stopping his binge drinking habits, perhaps the increased intake of fish oil, as this study suggest, contributed to his success in this goal to live a healthier lifestyle.

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Fish Oil and Diabetes: Can Omega-3 Prevent Diabetes and Help Those Already Diagnosed?

Posted on May 28, 2011 by Dan Ho

There has been some promising research over the years showing a beneficial link between fish oil and diabetes. The reason for the benefit, it has been argued by some health experts, is that essential fatty acids, such as omega-3′s, may raise “good” HDL cholesterol, keeping arteries supple, and help protect against nerve damage.

However, two new studies are also showing that the omega-3 fish oil and diabetes connection may be even more promising than previously thought by helping to prevent the condition from developing to begin with in many people.

The two studies were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

“One study, conducted in 3,088 men and women aged 65 and older, found that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids did not increase – but decreased – diabetes risk.

Those who had the highest blood concentration of DHA and EPA (combined) were 36 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes over 10 years. Participants with the highest concentration of ALA in their bloodstream had a 43 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes.

The second study analyzed the omega-3 fat intake of 43,176 Chinese adults, aged 45-74, living in Singapore and found that ALA intake was strongly protective from diabetes. Omega 3 fats from fish, however, neither increased nor decreased risk of the disease.”

Source:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/health-nutrition/leslie-beck/omega-3s-can-prevent-type-2-diabetes-study/article2032877/page1/

My-Omega-3′s Comments:

Interesting studies. As the article points out, the results differ from the different types of omega-3 essential fatty acids being studied. DHA, EPA, and ALA omega-3′s all have different actions and effects on the body. For example, it’s well known that DHA is the most important type of omega-3 for brain health.

The studies referenced above seem to suggest ALA plays a more prominent role in helping with diabetes, although we have found other studies in the past that did not lead to the same conclusion. This is why we personally use both ALA-rich sources of omega-3, such as cold pressed, organic flaxseed oil and a high quality fish oil supplement daily to get a broad spectrum of ALA, EPA, and DHA.

With more than 16 million people in the US alone suffering from diabetes, certain natural foods and supplements can possibly help these people effectively manage their condition and live a better life. Some researchers have previously shown that omega-3 and diabetes are linked in that consuming enough of these essential fats can help manage blood sugar by keeping insulin levels in check and possibly even reverse the disease.

Dr. Barry Sears has a good discussion on the latter part of this in his book “The Omega RX Zone: The Miracle Of The New High-Dose Fish Oil.”

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Heart Failure in Women Slashed By Consuming More Omega-3 Rich Fatty Fish

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Dan Ho
Omega 3-rich sockeye salmon

Omega 3-rich sockeye salmon

A rather large scale, long term study was analyzed by joint researchers from Harvard Medical School in the US and Karolinska Institute in Sweden on the possible effects of dietary choices.

Specifically, the researchers followed 36,234 women, who were between the ages of 48 and 83, over an 18 year period. The women “reported their intakes of various foods though periodic surveys” during this timeframe.

Here was the interesting takeaway: “Their analysis showed that eating one serving of fatty fish per week was associated with a 14 percent reduction in the risk of heart failure, compared with women who did not eat any fatty fish.

And it showed that eating two servings of fatty fish per week was associated with a 30 percent reduction in risk.

The researchers also estimated the women’s omega-3 intake (based on the types of fish eaten), and found that the highest intakes of omega-3s were associated with a 25 percent reduction in risk.”

Heart failure in women is a serious condition that claims the lives of thousands of women tragically. Anything that can slash this risk, such as possibly consuming more omega-3 rich fatty fish is welcome news.

Sources:

http://www.vitalchoice.com/shop/pc/home.asp?kbid=2705

http://www.vitalchoice.com/shop/pc/articlesView.asp?id=998

My-Omega-3′s Comments:

Very promising information, if not too surprising to those of us who have been long time advocates of eating more fatty fish. What’s interesting to note is we also read a study which concluded that those who eat deep fried fish actually suffered a possible increase in adverse heart related events!

It’s unfortunate that many people in the Western world only seem to eat fish when it’s “tasty” as in the form of “fish and chips,” which tend to be deep fried and battered or fish sandwiches at fast food restaurants which are also battered and fried. These people would most likely be better off not eating those types of fish at all!

It’s important that you not only cook your fish in a healthy manner — steamed, or baked are best — but that you choose a type of fish that is one of the fattier species, which usually have much higher concentrations of the healthy omega-3 long chained fatty acids, such as salmon, hoki, tuna, herring, and so on.

Another thing to note about the study above is that it was not a clinical study. It’s nearly impossible to conduct a clinical study on that many people over such a long time span. Rather, it was an epidemiological study; therefore, it cannot be viewed as conclusively cause-and-effect when it comes to heart failure reduction by eating more omega-3 rich fatty fish.

For example, other dietary choices in addition to or despite the fatty fish consumed by those women who suffered lower rates of heart failure could be the or a possible cause or causes.

For our part, however, we’ll continue to include a couple of servings of high quality fatty fish, such as that offered by VitalChoice, in our diets each week, in addition to daily fish oil supplementation.

Posted in Omega-3 and Heart Disease | Leave a comment

Fish Oil Protects Cancer Patients against Muscle Wasting from Chemotherapy Regimen Effects

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Dan Ho

A new study suggests that cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment may be able to save their muscle.

Typically, one of the unfortunate side effects of chemotherapy regimen is the loss of muscle. This muscle loss actually increases mortality rate as the patient’s body becomes weaker.

Up till now, no known way has been identified to effectively counter the malnutrition caused by chemo.

The cancer patients using the fish oils were compared against patients undergoing the same chemo regimen without use of these omega-3 rich oils.

“Fish oil may prevent loss of weight and muscle by interfering with some of the pathways that are altered in advanced cancer,” study author Dr. Vera Mazurak, of the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, said in a news release. “This holds great promise, because currently there is no effective treatment for cancer-related malnutrition.”

The study was small, involving just 40 lung cancer patients, and some caution is expressed against cancer patients from just high dosing on fish oils by a dietitian cited in the article until further studies are conducted.

Source:

http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/hsn/fishoilseemstohelpcancerpatientspreservemuscle

My-Omega-3′s Comments:

Very promising if not sobering study. Cancer has overtaken heart disease as the number one leading cause of death in the United States.

First, as pointed out, the study was small. And also, not all cancers are the same. Would the results have shown equal promise if the cancer patients were suffering other types of cancers? Hopefully further research will confirm the promise of using fish oils in preventing muscle wasting from other types of common cancers.

What’s also interesting to note is that the cancer patients studied who used fish oil lost no weight on average during the study period, even despite the chemotherapy treatment.

Lastly, we like how one researcher mentioned that there are wider possible benefits here. For example, elderly people who tend to become frail due to natural muscle loss as they age, may potentially be a good target group in supplementing with fish oil to help them preserve more muscle in their later years, irrespective of any cancer diagnoses.

We personally believe that the vast majority of people, especially in the Western world, are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and if there’s one supplement people should strongly consider adding to their daily health regimen, it’s a high quality fish oil product.

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Overweight Eskimos Still Protected By Benefits Of Fish Oils & Omega-3

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Dan Ho

A study of a group of Eskimos known as the Yup’ik has revealed something fascinating. Researchers analyzed 330 of these eskimos and found that even though an astounding 70% of their population was overweight or obese, they still not did exhibit the same risk factors for heart disease from which the overall US population suffers.

The incidence of diabetes among their group was also lower than that of the overall US population.

It was revealed that these Eskimos consume 20 times more omega-3 essential fatty acids from fish sources than most Americans.

The heart disease risk factors that the Yup’ik had more favorable results in included: triglyceride and CRP levels. In other words, obesity is usually correlated with high triglycerides and high CRP levels (C-reactive protein, which is a marker for body inflammation and associated with heart disease).

However, in the case of the Yup’ik, despite obesity, they had trigylceride and CRP levels that were equal to people of normal weight.

“It appeared that high intakes of omega-3-rich seafood protected Yup’ik Eskimos from some of the harmful effects of obesity.”

The study was led by researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in conjunction with the Center for Alaska Native Health Research at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks.

Source:

http://health.yahoo.net/news/s/afp/healthusheartfood

My-Omega-3′s Comments:

This is one of the more interesting studies we’ve come across. It reminds us of some other articles and research we’ve read recently where doctors are perplexed that some overweight people did not exhibit the normal markers for weight related diseases. What explained the fact that some people were overweight but in seemingly good health whereas most overweight people suffer a much higher incidence of dangerous illnesses?

If this study is onto something, then it would appear that one possible answer is the inclusion of certain nutrients that are offsetting the weight issue.

One thing we would have liked the researchers to shed more light on was why the Yup’ik are often overweight to begin with? Do they live a typically sedentary “western” lifestyle other than high fish consumption? Or eat other foods that causes the weight gain (since fatty fish consumption is actually correlated with reduced weight and therefore highly implausible as the cause of their weight gain)?

In conclusion, this study gives hope to the notion that even if one isn’t prepared to make dramatic changes to one’s diet and lifestyle, the simple inclusion of potent health promoting substances like high DHA and EPA containing omega-3 fish oils may help counteract otherwise less than optimal choices.

Posted in Omega-3 and Heart Disease | Leave a comment

When To Take Fish Oil: During Pregnancy Is A Crucial Time For Your Mental Wellbeing

Posted on May 25, 2011 by Amie Colquhoun
Omega 3 during pregnancy is critical for mother's mental wellbeing

Omega 3 during pregnancy is critical for an expectant mother's mental wellbeing

In a recent randomized study, women who consumed docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) during pregnancy had lower depression scores than women taking a placebo.

The research, presented at a conference in Washington DC, confirmed researchers’ theories that getting adequate amounts of omega 3 during pregnancy works to lower the risk of post partum depression.

The study involved 42 women between the ages of 20 and 28.  Half were given omega 3, and half were given a corn oil placebo pill.

The results of the study showed consistent results with depression scores that were 6 points lower than women taking the placebo.

Sources:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/741718

My-Omega-3′s Comments:

The results of the study confirm what we already know about the critical importance of getting enough essential fatty acids when you are expecting.

EFAs are critical to the development of baby’s eyes and brains.  Normal behaviour, problem solving skills, and hand-eye coordination have all been scientifically related to getting enough of these nutrients when the fetus is developing.

In order to ensure as healthy a baby as possible, a woman’s body naturally takes all available resources from her and provides it to the fetus.

If a woman is already deficient in omega 3, this leads to an even greater deficit, which scientists have related to post partum depression.  In several studies, women suffering from post partum depression have been shown to have lower levels of both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA.  Corresponding studies have shown that women who have an adequate level of DHA in their bodies, either from regular seafood consumption or from taking fish oil during pregnancy, were at less risk of developing PPD.

It’s important that women choose a fish oil high in DHA – they aren’t all high in DHA – in order to protect themselves from post partum depression.  In the University of Arizona Medical School study, just 500mg a day showed positive results, and doses of up to 1.4 grams showed the most noticeable effects on mood.

The focus is so often on ‘eating right for baby’ when a woman is pregnant.  This research shows that ‘taking care of mother’ could also have far-reaching effects, and taking fish oil during pregnancy is one way of preserving a mother’s mental well-being.

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Eating Omega-3 Rich Fish Once A Week or More Can Help Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Dan Ho

Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in Americans age 50 and over — with some statistics showing at least 6 million sufferers of the condition.

Symptoms can include blurry, gray, or blank spots in the center of one’s field of vision, even while peripheral vision remains clear and sharp; color dilution; and distorted vision — for example, objects appear blurry, or to be the wrong shape or size, straight lines appear curved or wavy.

Some studies have suggested strong benefits to increasing omega-3 fat consumption for those already afflicted with age-related macular degeneration. However, recent studies also show that consuming more omega-3 essential fats can also help prevent the onset of age-related macular degeneration.

According to a study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, higher consumption of DHA (a type of omega 3 fatty acid) in women lead to a 38% lower incidence of the eye disease than women who consumed less DHA.

The study was impressive in that over 38,000 women’s dietary habits were collected and analyzed over a 10 year time frame for age-related macular degeneration occurrence.
The takeaway from the study was that women (and presumably men) should ensure they consume at least 1 serving of fatty fish per week.

Sources:

http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/omega-3-prevents-age-related-macular-degeneration

My-Omega-3′s Comments:

No surprise here. It’s well accepted among natural health experts that it’s much easier to prevent an illness or condition than to treat one that has already occurred. If you have a family history of eye conditions, you might want to take extra precaution and make sure you obtain enough DHA and EPA omega-3′s from your diet, whether through high quality fish oil supplementation, or eating enough fish every week.

In addition, some people mistakenly believe that all fish sources are equal. You might be surprised to know that some very popular types of fish, such as Tilapia, which is served at untold numbers of restaurants, has almost no omega-3 fatty acid content whatsoever.

Also, fried (or battered) fish is also a poor choice, and unfortunately many people consume their fish in this manner to make it more palatable. This process of cooking may offset any health benefits one would otherwise obtain.

Posted in Omega-3 and Eye Conditions | Leave a comment

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fats Are Vital For Good Health and Must Be Obtained From Dietary Sources

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Dan Ho

Many natural health experts argue that when it comes to supplementation, omega-3 fats are the single most important supplement you can take daily.

Supplements aside, the fact of the matter is omega-3 polyunsaturated fats are arguably the most important fats required by the human body from before birth until the end of life.

Higher omega-3 fatty acid levels are correlated with higher intelligence. Fetal brain and heart development requires the mother pass on these fats through diet. They are also passed on to the nursing baby when breastfeeding, and later in life, they are vital for the proper functioning of the heart and brain. In the elderly, illnesses like dementia and memory loss have been shown to be improved with omega-3 fats.

Our bodies can produce many nutrients it needs for good health, but omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA, DHA and ALA are not among them. That is, we must all obtain them from dietary sources.

ALA is a form of omega-3 found typically in vegetable, fruit, and nut sources. For example, canola oil and flaxseed oil, leafy greens like kale and spinach; nuts, such as walnuts and almonds.

The best sources of DHA and EPA come from fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna. Hoki from New Zealand is another excellent species most people are unaware of, especially in the Western world.

Vegetarians tend to do better on ALA forms of omega-3, whereas protein types do better on DHA and EPA from fish sources. It’s important to note that whether someone is a vegetarian or a meat eater is not necessarily indicative of what’s best for their body. Some people, for example, are vegetarian for philosophical and ethical reasons and must be careful in obtaining the other nutrients needed by their body through careful planning and dietary choices.

Because most humans are mixed types — meaning, we require both high quality sources of both protein and vegetable matter — most people should use a high quality fish oil supplement in addition to a vegetarian source such as organic, cold pressed flax seed oil daily.

My-Omega-3′s Comments:

I personally use 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day of fish oil omega 3′s (DHA and EPA) and have recently added a tablespoon a day of cold pressed flax seed oil, providing another 8,000 mg of omega 3, primarily in the form of ALA.

Additional Sources:

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/why-good-fat-is-so-important-20110512-1ejn2.html

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Omega-3 Fats May Help Alleviate Symptoms of Depression in Elderly Women

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Dan Ho
Omega 3 can help alleviate depression in the elderly

Omega 3 can help alleviate depression in the elderly

Depression, one of the most prevalent illnesses, afflicts approximately 18 million Americans each year alone.

World wide statistics are harder to accurately gauge, and the condition often goes undiagnosed in countless people.

According to a new findings published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, omega-3 supplements has helped elderly women experience a significant lessening of their symptoms.

The dosage level was 2.5 grams taken daily. The EPA level (one form of omega-3) was 1.67 grams per day and 0.83 grams per day of DHA (another form of omega-3).

According to the researchers: “This [quality of life] observation has never been achieved before and it appears of great value from the clinical point of view, due to the importance of these aspects in the elderly population.”

“Therefore, the amelioration of quality of life in depressed elderly patients after supplementation with omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids is an important finding,” they added.

Source:

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/On-your-radar/Omega-3/Omega-3-may-reduce-depression-symptoms-in-the-elderly-Study

My-Omega-3′s comments:

When looking at the dosage level, it’s important to understand that when looking at a fish oil supplement label, total amount listed is not the total amount of DHA and EPA per serving. For example, one will often see “1,000 mg” listed as total amount, but the EPA may only be 250 mg and the DHA only 250 mg per capsule. Many people mistakenly think 1 capsule in this scenario provides 1 gram per day (i.e., 1,000 mg) of omega-3, when, in fact, total omega-3 is only 500 mg (a half a gram).

Moreover, it should be noted that certain researchers quoted in the article argue for the mixed results of omega-3 fatty acids when it comes to improving the symptoms of depression. What is never noted, however, is the source of the omega-3 fats being used. Might the discrepancy between positive results in one study and lack of notable improvement in another be attributable to differences in the quality of the source? That would seem to make sense to us but we have yet to ever come across a study that highlights this possibility/.

The fact of the matter is 60% of the fat that comprises our brain’s weight is omega-3 fats, so one might logically conclude they are highly important for healthy brain functioning, and, therefore, have a beneficial impact on depression, as many studies do seem to show.


- Dr Oz on Omega 3′s brain fat composition.

Posted in Omega-3 and Depression | Leave a comment