Fish Oils

Fish Oils might help lower triglyceride levels in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia. Another indication might be to prevent death in individuals who have had myocardial infarctions. Fish Oils are used to decrease blood clotting tendencies. Fish Oils might also be indicated for preventing restenosis following coronary angioplasty, lowering blood pressure, alleviating some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, and helping to prevent relapse in Crohn's disease. Fish Oils might be helpful to stabilize mood in bipolar disorder. There is little evidence in support of its use in angina. There is no convincing evidence to support indications for asthma, hay fever, and psoriasis. There isn't sufficient data to make a judgment about possible use of Fish Oil in cancer.

Fish Oil supplements should be used by children, nursing mothers, and women who are pregnant only if recommended and monitored by a physician. Hemophiliacs and those taking warfarin (Coumadin) should apply caution in Fish Oil supplement use due to the possible anti-thrombotic effect. Fish Oil supplements should be stopped before surgical procedures. There isn't any evidence that Fish Oil supplements have detrimental effects on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, or insulin resistance in non-diabetic subjects. Diabetics need to discuss the use of Fish Oil supplements with their physicians and note if they affect their glycemic control. Diabetics taking Fish Oil supplements should be monitored by their doctors. There haven't been reports of serious adverse events in individuals taking Fish Oil supplements, even up to 15 grams daily for prolonged periods of time. The side effects reported include mild gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, halitosis, nausea, eructation and fishy smelling breath, skin, and urine. The blood thinning effects can cause easy bruising and occasional nosebleeds. Interactions might occur between Fish Oil supplements and aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and herbs such as garlic and ginkgo. These interactions may be manifested by increased susceptibility to bruising, hematemesis, hematuria, hemoptysis, nosebleeds, and blood in the stool. Most people who take Fish Oil supplements and the above drugs or herbs don't suffer from these problems. The dose should be lowered or discontinued if these problems occur. This website is intended to educate and inform, and should not replace discussions with your doctor.