How to Use Fish Oil to Treat High Cholesterol

Salmon is high in omega-3 polyunstaurated fats.

Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, which the Mayo Clinic rates as one of the top 5 foods that can lower cholesterol and protect your heart. High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, increases your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack. As cholesterol collects in your blood vessels, it hardens into plaque, narrowing your arteries and restricting oxygen-rich blood from your brain, heart and other vital organs. Fish oil can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while simultaneously raising HDL cholesterol levels.

Instructions

1. Eat two 3.5-oz. servings of cold-water, saltwater fatty fish each week, recommends the American Heart Association. Both the AHA and the Mayo Clinic recommend eating fish, rather than taking supplements, to receive the most benefits from the omega-3s.

2. Talk to your doctor about taking fish oil supplements. If you already have coronary heart disease or high triglycerides, larger doses of omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial. However, there is a risk of decreased blood clotting and prolonged bleeding associated with higher doses of fish oil.

3. Take fish oil supplements with your meals. Fish oil supplements may cause slight gastrointestinal distress and burping, especially burping that has a fishy aftertaste. You may choose to take a flavored fish oil to avoid any unpleasant taste.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are pregnant or nursing, you may want to take fish oil supplements that have been filtered to remove toxins, rather than eating fish that may be high in mercury, PCBs or dioxins.

• Always talk to your doctor before taking any type of supplement.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol - Top 5 Foods to Lower Your Numbers
• American Heart Association:Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 in Fish - How Eating Fish Helps Your Heart
• MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-Linolenic Acid - Safety
• Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Fish Oil

Resources

• Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease