Therapist being very pushy about taking omega 3 fish oils...

I have recently started therapy and at the end of each session, my therapist starts talking to me about the "importance of omega 3 fish oils". She has repeatedly said that we don't get enough omega 3 in our diet and that taking supplements can help with anxiety, depression and various other mental illnesses. She has given me a few pages to read and take away.

She has been very pushy and insistant that I buy and take omega 3 supplements and it's hard to tell if she's either really passionate about it and really believes that it helps people's wellbeing, or if she's being paid to push people into taking these supplements

The thing is, I've never really believed in taking supplements myself. I've always believed that it's not right for the body to get vitamins and minerals this way, and that it isn't "natural".

I'm intrigued though and have bought some, but am yet to take them. I just want to know if anyone else recommends omega 3 fish oils and if they noticed any positive changes to their mental and physical health whilst taking them?

Is anyone else as against taking supplements as me for any particular reason? Are my gut instincts justified or am I just being paranoid?

Thanks,

Kate

reply to post by KatieVA


I give my dog fish oil pills to help her skin and coat but not sure if it helps her anxiety. I'm sure it's not going to hurt you to take them.

I found some info on it for you

he omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can also contribute to improved male fertility. Omega-3s are abundant in the sperm and DHA is especially prevalent in the sperm tail and may play a role in sperm motility.

Another benefit of Omega-3 fish oil is that it can reduce high-blood pressure in a person very effectively because of its ability to expand the blood vessels.

Many people with depression and other known mental health problems have been found to have lower levels of essential fatty acids in their blood. Recent studies show that fish oil may be beneficial in the treatment of depression.

One of the well-known Omega-3 fish oil benefits is its ability to deal with the ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) a problem in children during their schooling ages. Parents often tend to employ the use of fish oil supplements in order to raise the attention and consciousness in their children.

The Prevention of stroke… another significant health benefit of fish oil. However, some researchers disagree with this and say that the high consumption of fatty fishes or supplements may actually increase the risk of strokes! (Consuming the correct dosage will avoid this)

Decreases pain and inflammation… Consuming Fish oil moderately decreases exercise-related inflammation in fit men, says a study by R.J. Bloomer et al., at the Department of Health and Sport Sciences, The University of Memphis. Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, have a very positive effect on your inflammatory response.

Studies suggest that the fatty acids found in some fish promote ideal brain function…Increasing the amount of omega-3s you consume may improve ones memory and general IQ.

fishoilguide.org...

i agree with your idea that taking viatmins etc isnt the way we are meant to live, but at the same time we werent meant to eat genetically modified food and drinks.

Omega -3 is scientifically proven to be good for everyone, kids to adults. and from personal experience a mixture of daily vitamins with exercise is a very natural way to help allieviate stress/anxiety and possibly depression.

reply to post by KatieVA


Kate, it is good stuff and your Therapist is right. Just research it on the net for yourself. I take anywhere from 25-40 supplements a day from Omega 3 to Hawthorne, garlic, cq10,turmeric, l arginine and the list goes on. I am 45 years old and I have had the flu once in my life and the cold maybe 6 times, I don;t know the statistics on it but from observation around me I get exponentially less sick than other around me and I do not even catch what members of my own family get. The only thing I can attribute it too is the supplements.

I grill Salmon for my Omega 3's and serve with Angel Hair Pasta and Garlic Butter/Olive Oil steamed Broccoli....to get my Omega 3's in the old diet.

The benefits of the Omega 3 Oils is that they help counteract the stickiness and artery blocking effects of the thicker animal fats in the bloodstream.

Sardines work as well in providing these essential oils ....


Peace

reply to post by KatieVA


www.abovetopsecret.com...

This thread was made very recently, and I think it would be a good read if you are interested in omega-3 fatty acids.
Most of the protein in my diet comes from fish because I feel like it's healthier than greasy hamburger. I'm sure there is science that can prove or refute my belief, but I don't think it'll kill you as quick as mc donalds.

You are being paranoid. I swear by fish oil. Personally I use salmon oil. I ran out for a bout a week, and by the end of the week I was feeling pretty moody. As someone who use to suffer from depression, but hasn't for for quiet some time, I couldn't figure out what was up. After i got another bottle, I noticed my mood seemed to greatly improve again. Let's just say I never run out any more.

Originally posted by nh_ee


I grill Salmon for my Omega 3's and serve with Angel Hair Pasta and Garlic Butter/Olive Oil steamed Broccoli....to get my Omega 3's in the old diet.

The benefits of the Omega 3 Oils is that they help counteract the stickiness and artery blocking effects of the thicker animal fats in the bloodstream.

Sardines work as well in providing these essential oils ....


Peace

Mmmmm... you just made me really hungry. Good thing lunch is almost here.

everyone needs supplements today, period.

even if you eat a fabulous meal one day with fruits and veggies, not only are you not getting the same nutrition you would 50 years ago but, you have to eat that EVERY DAY. supplements are definitely necessary, mind you they won't make a huge change but, at least 10%

reply to post by KatieVA


Oh, and I have never had a flu shot and the only time in the last 30 years I have been to a hospital or Doctor were for a muscle pull so bad in my back I couldn't stand or walk and a dislocated elbow.

It's very helpful for the body. However, you have to make sure you're buying a safe product. Such as research the brand make sure it does not contain unsafe levels of PCBs. I prefer eating foods rich in it rather than supplement taking for Omega3.

haha I have to laugh only because this post is very relevant to me. I last week just started taking Omega 3 pills.

Every evening around dinner. And I must say I have clearly noticed a difference. My brain feels happy for lack of better description, heh. I feel more focused and alive. I feel my brain is awake and functioning better.

I too was skeptical about the whole supplement thing and it being unnatural and all, but I did some research on the topic and came to the conclusion that it was worth a try. So I would definitely recommend doing your own research before blindly taking anything. But in my experience, and its only been about a week, I have seen positive results!



The pills taste and smell fishy - like real fish (not meaning sketchy lol) so that helps with believability.

I suffer from psoriasis and omega3 supplements combined with vitC really help.
Whenever I take a course of omega3 I always feel healthier, can't explain it, I just do. Also I play a musical instrument and my hands go through a lot of strenuous repetitive movement, my joints usually feel suppler when I'm taking omega3.

There is a mountain of evidence to support what your therapist is suggesting, there's is no conspiracy here, but nowadays people look for conspiracies everywhere, try not to be paranoid.

Mackerel, Herring , Sprats and other oily fish are great for omega 3 and tasty too.
I recommend eating two portions a week but no more than that due to the nasty stuff in the sea.
www.weightlossresources.co.uk...

Thanks very much everyone, I think I'll go for it and hopefully I'll see a difference.

Originally posted by dreamingawake
It's very helpful for the body. However, you have to make sure you're buying a safe product. Such as research the brand make sure it does not contain unsafe levels of PCBs. I prefer eating foods rich in it rather than supplement taking for Omega3.

What are PCBs? I read that I should find some omega 3 supplements that are very pure and aren't full of nasty polluted rubbish, is that what that means?

You in urban areas all need supplements these days. The environment, stress play the major role, and air quality. It's just all bad for your health. The ones living in green around countryside will have a lot less to worry about and their healths will function more properly.

I wouldn't worry about taking omega3, it is good for you.

But at the same time dont think that taking these for a few weeks will cure your aniexty or depression, they will help alittle, but ive never noticed it personally and i suffer from the same things.

Bottom line take them without worrying, but also exercise every day, you'll feel a decent bit better.

reply to post by KatieVA


Yes, look for a well rated product. Which I don't think should be hard, as there are many options. Wikipedia lists a few brands you might not want to try under the Fish_oils 'Pollutants' section,
Here
Article also mentions that they are cod liver or shark liver oil, which would contain more chemicals.


Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are basically pollutants from chemical run off and more present in the environment and building up in the bodies of fish in rivers, similar to mercury.

EPA lists more info.

Health Effects PCBs have been demonstrated to cause cancer, as well as a variety of other adverse health effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system, and endocrine system.... epa

reply to post by KatieVA


DO NOT BUY NATURE MADE!!! they are the most toxic! Im really pissed off as I thought i had found good ]reviews for that brand so I bought it... now, after further research: THEY SUCK!

Fish Oil Test

I swear - you try to take one step forward and ya get knocked back 9 steps!!! I am so fed up with the lies!!!

reply to post by ThatGuy45


You cant beat cod liver... When I was a fishmonger in my youth we used to throw loads of it away but sometimes we made pate out of it.
If you ask a real fishmonger they will save you it and it will not cost owt.