How to Avoid the Side Effects of Fish Oil Supplements

More people are choosing to take fish oil supplements – and for good reason. The omega-3’s found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements have shown a variety of health benefits. They appear to lower triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease and thrombotic stroke. They also have anti-inflammatory properties which may help to relieve some of the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Although fish oil supplements have significant health benefits, they’re not always well tolerated. Here's how avoid the side effects of fish oil supplements.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. One of the most common side effects of taking fish oil supplements is digestive upset - including nausea and bloating. It’s also not uncommon to experience increased flatulence and a “fishy” taste in the mouth. In some cases, these symptoms come from taking rancid fish oils, so it’s important not to take oils that are past their expiration date.

2. Another way to reduce the fishy taste and nausea experienced with fish oil supplements is to take them with meals.

3. Another potential concern when taking fish oil supplements is the risk of bleeding. Because fish oil capsules affect the function of platelets which help clot the blood, there’s the concern that they could cause bleeding problems in some individuals. The way to avoid this side effect of fish oil capsules is not to take them if you're on blood thinners such as coumadin or aspirin. Always talk to your doctor before taking fish oil supplements.

4. People who are on a weight loss diet where calorie intake is closely monitored should be aware that fish oil supplements are not calorie-free. To avoid weight gain when taking fish oils, compensate by reducing calories somewhere else.

5. Many people worry about fish oil supplements being contaminated with mercury and PCB’s that are commonly found in the bodies of fatty fish. Studies suggest that fish oil capsules may actually be safer than eating the fish itself. When fish oil capsules were tested from a variety of manufacturers, most were found to be very low in mercury and PCB’s. If you're still worried about this side effect of fish oil supplements, take pharmaceutical grade fish oils which are supposed to be free of toxins.

[gurso27]

on 9/20/2009 good info!