Fish oil is derived from fatty types of fish such as salmon and mackerel. The two main components of fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a pair of omega-3 fatty acids. Both help lower levels of blood triglycerides and may stop the progression of atherosclerosis.
EPA and DHA are associated with numerous other health benefits as well. They can help treat inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis; are vital in the creation of prostaglandins (which help dilate blood vessels); and may be useful in the treatment of schizophrenia. EPA and DHA also improve the functioning of the immune system. Animal studies have shown that fish oil can prevent some types of cancer in animals, but these results have not been duplicated in humans.
Healthy people who frequently eat fatty fish usually do not need to take fish oil supplements. Most researchers who have studied EPA and DHA have used dosages equivalent to 10 grams of fish oil per day. Some positive effects have been in studies that used larger amounts (up to 21 grams per day).
Fish oil comes from oil fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines, cod, anchovies, and albacore tuna. The largest amounts of EPA and DHA are found in cod liver oil. The typical fish oil supplement contains 18 percent EPA and 12 percent DHA; more purified supplements contain higher amounts of DHA and EPA. Fish oil is available as a capsule, pill or extract.
Taking more than 3 grams of fish oil per day for several months may increase blood sugar and cholesterol levels. As a result, patients with heart disease and diabetes should consult with a health care provider before taking fish oil supplements. Some research suggests that the increase in blood sugar levels may be ameliorated by taking vitamin E.
Fish oil may also interact with certain medications, including cyclosporine, pravastatin and simvastatin. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care practitioner before taking fish oil or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.
References
Governor Gavin Newsom has retracted the proposed budget cuts to the Medi-Cal acupuncture program for low-income Californians for the 2024-2025 budget year. This decision marks a significant victory for health care providers and advocates who have long championed acupuncture as a vital component of comprehensive medical care.
There’s no doubt that many of your patients visit your practice because they are in pain. And there’s certainly no doubt that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can be incredibly effective in stopping that pain, whether due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute pain from intensive workouts. But your patients may also benefit from curcumin for other reasons.
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Fair and appropriate wages in health care are typically based on economic evaluations. A simple literature review illuminates that acupuncture is missing economic evaluations; which implies you are either underpaid or overpaid. The complexity of services provided by most American acupuncturists, which they are trained and certified to provide, must be reimbursed fairly.
