Fish Oil: What You Ned to Know

UGH! This getting old thing!

If you are like me, this aging thing is really strange. I don’t feel old, well, I don’t think I do until my body reacts in ways it never used to! Like sitting for a while and getting up quickly only to find that my joints are stiff! What is this is all about! I’m not ready to be old, are you?

I’m a huge believer in eating healthy and exercise. I spend more hours now as an adult focused on my health than I EVER had to even think about in my twenties. But now it takes a little more work. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that aid in this process and I literally feel like I’m reducing a few years of that age by doing so.

One of those ways is through supplementing with fish oil. I’m sure you’ve heard the chatter about fish oils in the news, maybe from your doctor and probably from your health nut friends. But if you walk into any grocery store, supplement store, or shop online you will quickly find out that there are thousands of options available. However, not all fish oils are created equal and if you actually want to have health benefit here are a few key things you need to know:

1. Fish oil in itself doesn’t generate the amazing health benefits you are hearing about. It is specifically the long chain fatty acid’s (omega 3 and 6) that are our body cannot produce on its own. We must eat them to gain their benefits.
2. Omega-3’s include ALA, DHA and EPA, and are all known to help reduce inflammation. DHA is primarily known for its health benefits around brain health, while EPA is known for benefits around heart health. DHA and EPA are only naturally found in eggs and fish. The last omega-3 ALA is the most easily available omega-3 and is found in foods such as flax seeds and other nuts. While there is less direct correlation with ALA benefits, science continues to show there are cardiovascular benefits.  The American diet is the most depleted of omega-3’s, and almost all of us need to supplement. Look for supplements with high DHA and EPA depending on what you are focused on.
3. Omega-6 is an essential oil that is needed, but there is a fine line between leveraging the benefits of omega-6’s and having too much. Omega-6’s have shown benefits in heart health and some studies show reducing inflammation, it is a fine line.  Too much and the body reacts negatively and the side effect is actually increased inflammation. Another note to be cautious of: omega-6’s are easily found in foods like dairy and meats. It is most often recommended not to supplement with omega-6’s.
4. Omega-9’s are not a long chain fatty acid, our bodies can make them, and they are unnecessary to supplement. You can easily obtain these through a typical diet.
5. Is Generic OK? Generic brands versus the recognized leader brands truly have little difference; it is often just the difference of marketing and branding expense.  Focus more on where the product was manufactured and how OLD the product is…you don’t want stale, old fish oil. Not only will it cause things like fish burps, it just loses it potency.

Be careful not to fall for the gimmicks of marketing that exist.  Read the labels to be sure you are getting the omega-3 that is actually going to benefit you. Check out these examples where you think you are getting a lot of great benefit but in fact getting a lot of filler oils.

Look at these top rated fish oils on amazon.com.

Ivy Natural’s Premium Omega-3’s - While it promotes over 1,000 mg of fish oil and that sounds great, there is only 160 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA.

Nature’s Made Fish Oil 1000 mg, provides 250 mg of DHA and EPA per 1000 mg. of fish oil.

If you would like a list of our preferred sources of fish oil, let us know directly. We are happy to help you navigate through the landmine of nutritional supplements.

Kellee Wip has more than 15 years experience as a professional coach, mentor and trainer. Before being an entrepreneur, Kellee held a variety of management roles in Marketing, Sales, Training and Operations.   Most recently she was the Senior Director of Employee Development and Training at Provide Commerce where she oversaw employee management training, communications, and performance management. She also served as Director of Sales and Services for the company, where she managed an inside sales and customer service team for a large call center of more than 3,000 agents during peak times. Kellee earned a master’s degree in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.