So far, you’ve been hearing a lot of good things about fish oil, particularly Omega 3’s contained in fish oil. To recap, Omega 3’s can help with cognitive development, brain function, heart function, blood pressure and healing along with many other benefits. We can’t deny there’s many advantages to having fish oil as part of one’s daily regimen; but, we should also note there can be some side effects to watch out for.
Fish oil may cause gastrointestinal side effects. Though not serious, some people may experience belching (also known as fishy burp), upset stomach, acid reflux, diarrhea, bloating or abdominal pain. These reactions can be minimized by taking small amounts in the beginning and gradually working your way up. It is also helpful to take the supplements with a meal. If they continue, you may want to try switching to a different supplement or in a worse case scenario use another source of Omega 3 fatty acids such as krill oil.
Fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids can thin the blood. While fish oil promotes blood flow in the body, it may cause a person to bleed easily and for a longer period of time. Therefore, people who are taking blood-thinning medications and drugs such as aspirin and warfarin must take fish oil with caution and under supervision from a doctor. If taken together and in large amounts, it could pose a risk of abnormal bleeding as well as hemorrhaging.
Allergic reactions. Anyone that may be allergic to fish or seafood sources may need to start off with very low doses of fish oil. Low quality fish oil supplements will say “fish oil” or “marine lipids” on the label. If the source is not clearly stated on the label it would be best to avoid the supplement and perhaps choose an alternate source to get your intake of Omega 3.
Fish oil supplements may cause lower blood pressure. Omega 3’s in fish oil are effective in regulating blood pressure, however, if you’re already taking medications for your blood pressure issues, fish oil supplements may cause your blood pressure to drop to extremely low levels. If you are taking prescription medications for blood pressure, consult your doctor to ensure that fish oil supplements are safe for you to take.
Some fish oil supplements may be toxic. Many of today’s fish can be contaminated with mercury and other toxins. Fish that are at the top of the food chain tend to accumulate more toxins. If choosing a fish oil supplement, try to find one that is pure and free of other chemicals. Furthermore, farm-raised fish tend to have higher levels of Omega 6 and lower levels of Omega 3. High levels of Omega 6 may promote an elevation in blood pressure, inflammation and thickening of the arteries. When choosing a supplement, make sure the fish source is taken from the wild rather than from a farm.
All in all, though are there is a possibility to experience side effects from fish oil, generally speaking, these effects are quite rare and are usually not very serious. If you’re thinking about taking a fish oil supplement, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor to ensure that it’s safe for you take, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Once you’re given the “thumbs-up” from your doctor, you may be on the road to good overall health – thanks to fish oil.
