What Is All The Hype About Fish Oil??

by Dr. Laura Riley Jones

What is all the hype about fish oil??

The words “fish oil” lead many people to visualize a less than pleasant childhood memory of their mother pushing a tablespoon of cod liver oil into their mouth, insisting that it would keep them healthy.  As usual, our mothers were right!!

I know, it sounds too slimy and smelly to be good for you. However, fish oil has more to offer than most people realize. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3s are essential fatty acids (EFAs) that our bodies are unable to create on their own. Therefore, we must obtain EFAs from food. Most people do not get enough of these polyunsaturated fats from their diet. This is why supplementation with fish oils can be so important to our health.

EPA and DHA play a key role in brain development, nervous system function, and eyesight.  They also play a protective role in the body, reducing the risk of developing high blood pressure, arthritis, cancers, and heart disease.  In fact, a large amount of research on omega-3s has focused on their effects on heart disease.

EPA and DHA are linked to lower triglyceride levels, decreasing one’s risk for atherosclerosis.  These two fatty acids can also decrease inflammation in the body, improve immune function and promote skin, hair and nail health.

Recent clinical research has shown that not only the quantity of fat in the diet, but also the type of fat affects body weight and metabolism.  Diets rich in omega-3 oils result in healthier body weight and metabolism as well as the best body composition in terms of fat/muscle ratio.  In addition, fish oils act as strong antioxidants throughout the body and improve the oxygen delivery to cells thus improving aerobic performance.

If purchasing fish oil, make sure it is from a reliable source, free of environmental contaminants (pesticides and heavy metals), and contains vitamin E to protect and preserve the oil.  It is important to store your oil in a cool location, away from direct light.

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Dr. Laura Riley Jones earned a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine with Honors from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with Honors from the University of New Hampshire.  Her Naturopathic medical practice, Whole Health Concord, is located in Concord, NH.
Dr. Riley Jones is a licensed primary care naturopathic doctor.  She treats patients of all ages with a variety of health concerns.  Her areas of greatest interest are Women’s Health as well as Autoimmune diseases, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolic disorders.  Dr. Riley Jones also specializes in the treatment of symptoms associated with Menopause and the use of phytoestrogens and Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy. She employs several naturopathic modalities when treating patients with a focus on Clinical Nutrition including vitamins and mineral supplementation, Homeopathy and Herbal Medicine.  She works with each patient to uncover the cause of their illness and develop a treatment plan using the Naturopathic modalities that best suit their individual needs.

During her training, Dr. Riley Jones was a member of the Diabetes Research Group which focused on treatments for patients with Type II Diabetes, High Cholesterol and Weight gain.  Dr. Riley Jones lectures throughout New Hampshire on various topics related to health.  She is a member of the New Hampshire Associaton of Naturoapthic Doctors. Please visit her website at http://www.naturalmedicinenh.com/