Skip to main content
603-969-2229 New Patient Request Schedule an appointment

Not Just For Your Brain

Family Acupuncture and Wellness Blog Not Just For Your Brain

Not Just For Your Brain

 

What if you could resolve fertility issues, eliminate chronic pain, and lose weight all with one supplement? Sound too good to be true? The fact is that fish oil has been scientifically proven through numerous studies to do just that and more. 

Fish oil contains two fats found in omega-3 oils that are crucial to your health – DHA and EPA. Your body needs both these fats to not only build and repair tissue (your brain is composed of 50% DHA), but to carry out functions. They fight inflammation, process information, help maintain normal levels of blood cholesterol, expand blood vessels, and inhibit abnormal cell proliferation.

Even if you think you may get enough of this oil from your diet, consider that most sources of fish don’t have significant levels of omega-3 fatty acids.   If the fish you buy is farmed raised, it is mainly fed a diet of corn, grain, and other additives. Therefore there are lower levels of omega-3s and higher levels of toxins than found in wild sources. Vegetarian sources (chia seeds, flax, walnuts) do not actually have the DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids.  They contain the precursors to these fats which must be converted within the body.  For many people this conversion process is inefficient.

An over-consumption of omega-6 fatty acids, found in vegetable oils which are in almost every salad dressing, chip, cracker, cookie, fried food…is another issue.  The American diet is filled with this fat. Too many omega-6 fats interfere with your body’s ability to utilize the small amounts of omega-3 fats that it does get.

DHA and EPA are essential in maintaining health. One of the best ways to get these fats into your diet are with a daily fish oil supplement.  If you have any lingering questions about this helpful oil, please come talk to me about your condition.

Author
Adam Learner, L Ac. Adam Learner, LAc, provides functional medicine and acupuncture for the residents of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, at Family Acupuncture & Wellness. In his practice, he uses a holistic approach to medicine and emphasizes addressing causes, not symptoms.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Rehabilitation: What Are the Benefits of Cupping?

Cupping, much like acupuncture, is a very old form of treatment. How do you know if it’s something that would work for you? In this post we discuss some of the benefits of cupping, as well as what you might expect if you have a cupping treatment.

How Your Gut Microbiome Impacts Your Health
You’ve probably heard the phrase “gut health” at some point in the recent past, or even heard someone refer to your microbiome. In this post, we discuss the gut microbiome specifically and the surprising impact it can have on your health.

5 Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid
Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, can cause a variety of symptoms that aren’t always easy to recognize. It’s often mistaken for other conditions. Here’s what you need to know.

5 Signs You’re Dealing with IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly called IBS, is more common than most people realize. The severity of IBS ranges from mildly annoying to debilitating, and it’s possible to have it and not realize it. Here are five signs.

Can Acupuncture Strengthen My Immune System?

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for a number of different issues, but it also has preventive benefits. In this post we consider whether or not acupuncture can serve as an immune booster.