Fish Oil

**starsapphire** · 07-11-2008, 09:21 PM

I started taking fish oil capsules a few weeks ago. Dh bought them for the cardiovascular benefits. I actually feel mentally better - alot more balanced and calm.

I saw a show on tv awhile back that said that the human brain needs a balance of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids. In the average north american diet we consume alot of products that contain omega 6 (most vegetable based oils) and not nearly enough foods that contain omega 3 (fish, shellfish, flaxseeds, walnuts) so the brain can get out of balance and may even be a cause of depression. I don't suffer from depression but it runs in my family. I definitely feel better and I'm going to continue to take them. I asked DH if he noticed any difference and he said no.

Anyone else take fish oil capsules? If so, did you notice a difference?

*disclaimer* I'm not anywhere near being any kind of medical professional. I'm just relating my personal experience.

**mamamia** · 07-12-2008, 12:08 AM

Yes, I take both fish and flaxseed oil capsules. My mom had breast cancer and they attribute the low rate of this cancer in Japan because of the high fish consumption there. So, because I'm the only one in the house that really likes fish, I don't get to cook it too often, so that's where the supplement comes in for me.

But for anyone who's on any kinda blood thinning drug, be sure to talk to your doc 1st, because it does have blood thinning properties in it also.

Glad it's helping you!

Theresa

**starsapphire** · 07-12-2008, 12:20 AM

Thanks Theresa! After my post I did some googling and and found one article that said a study was done on animal and human brain cells and they found that the active ingredients in fish oil actually grows new nerve cells in the brain. Isn't that fascinating?!

I also forgot to mention that fish oil has also cleared up my dry skin problem. In the summer my legs dry out and get agonizingly itchy and I scratch until I draw blood. Tried all kinds of creams and lotions and they help for awhile until they wear off. Not anymore

**lovestoread** · 07-12-2008, 09:08 AM

do you have any trouble with burping it up? I took it years ago, and that made me stop taking it..... the taste was awful.....

**PrairieRose** · 07-12-2008, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by berryshaker

do you have any trouble with burping it up? I took it years ago, and that made me stop taking it..... the taste was awful.....

Oh you can surely taste it if you don't buy the 'burpless' or I think it's called enoteric (sp?) coated...... which helps you not to burp fishy all day. We take fish oil and flax seed oil caps daily and at bedtime....supposed to help promote good sleep too, just FYI.

**Natalie** · 07-12-2008, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by starsapphire

I also forgot to mention that fish oil has also cleared up my dry skin problem. In the summer my legs dry out and get agonizingly itchy and I scratch until I draw blood. Tried all kinds of creams and lotions and they help for awhile until they wear off. Not anymore

Yup. My eye doc told another lady I know to take fish oil capsules to moisturize her eyes. I find it helps me, too. Maybe that's why my skin's not quite as dry as usual...

**Natalie** · 07-12-2008, 12:15 PM

That's enteric coated. Helps it get past the stomach a bit better.

**COUNTRYBUMPKIN** · 07-13-2008, 04:05 AM

I take a brand called NSI Mega EFA/DHA from www.vitacost.com and it has strawberry extract in it so that you do not have that burped up fishy taste.

Glad you notice the difference. Did you know that our brains are mostly fat and that's why the omega 3's are so good for our moods, etc?

**C@rol** · 07-13-2008, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by starsapphire

Anyone else take fish oil capsules? If so, did you notice a difference?

I take fish oil and flaxseed capsules and they are wonderful. My energy level has risen, you're right about brain function, I feel I'm sharper and during the winter they greatly help with aches that show up with the cold.

**frugalandsimple** · 07-13-2008, 03:49 PM

I've started taking Thera Tears fish oil capsules to help moisten my eyes.

**Geoff** · 07-13-2008, 09:28 PM

When I was a small boy, maybe four or five, in rural Maine, I used to take something called "Father John's Medicine" which I think was cod liver oil. I don't know if it did anything for me, but I've always like sardines since then.