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Email a friendThe Health Benefits of Fish Oil
Newspaper Columns, Herb & Home Remedy Q&A May 6, 2008
Q. I am an RN and am constantly on my feet at the hospital. I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis two years ago and had steroid injections in both heels several times without much relief.A couple weeks prior to seeing the podiatrist who would do surgery on my heels, I began taking fish oil for my cholesterol. I was a little embarrassed when I went because at that time I wasn't having any discomfort. I told him about the fish oil I was taking and he told me that fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties. I take 4 a day so I don’t need the surgery and have no pain!
A. Your podiatrist is quite right that the omega-3 fats in fish oil have anti-inflammatory activity (Pain, May, 2007). Other conditions that may respond favorably to fish oil include ADD, arthritis, heart disease, depression and dementia.
We have discussed the health benefits of fish oil with some of the country’s leading experts. Anyone who would like a CD of this one-hour radio interview can order it for $16 from this web site (show 602).
Tags: ADD, Anti-Inflammatory, Arthritis, Cholesterol, Dementia, Depression, Fish Oil, Heart Disease, Omega-3, Plantar Fasciitis
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
© 2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Reader Comments
This fish oil is amazing. My husband has been under the doctor's care for years for arthritis. After I read the article, he tried it. Within one day the swelling began to go down in his fingers. He is able to stand for a long period of time now without the swelling. He still takes his prescribed medication, but in lower doses. This relief is so much better.
Posted by: LI | May 6, 2008 11:17 PM
My concern with fish oil is the impact to LDL cholesterol, which isn't widely publicized. Fish oil can raise LDL cholesterol. So, it's a trade-off. No one knows if the beneficial effects to HDL and triglycerides are offset by the LDL increase. Is there a cause for concern?
Posted by: Tom R. | May 7, 2008 10:16 PM
Fish Oil. The gel caps refused to dissolve in this old body. I tried several versions and am now back to the real (ugh) thing like we used to gag at when we were kids. I have ordered some more real fish oil with mint flavoring. I totally believe in the benefits.
Posted by: Don Blair | May 9, 2008 7:51 AM
I was interested in the fish oil article, as I also have foot problems. Would like more information on the brand of fish oil as I found many to choose from with different ingredients and prices. What is best and even though they say dosage is 2 per day is it 4 that you need to make a difference?
Posted by: joan | May 9, 2008 11:09 AM
As an interesting aside for those of you who taste the fish oil all day after taking it . . . a holistic doctor told me recently to keep the fish oil in the freezer to avoid this problem. Apparently the gel cap doesn't dissolve until it's farther along in the digestive system. I don't have this issue, so haven't tried it, but sounds like a good solution.
Posted by: Jo | May 9, 2008 12:22 PM
My physician orders Nordic Naturals ProOmega, a Pharmaceutcial Grade* Omega 3 Fish Oil for me from the manufacturer at his physicians discount. If you can not arrange this, know that it is very expensive in stores. However if you search online sites, you can find it at a significant discounnt. Nordic Naurals also has wonderful information and studies on their site.
Posted by: LR | May 9, 2008 1:24 PM
I had open-heart surgery to repair MVP last year and was told by my cardiologist NOT to take Omega3 because new research indicates it may be harmful to people with heart disease. Your opinion would be most appreciated.
Posted by: cc | May 10, 2008 11:06 AM
Another, perhaps better (since I assume it "fixes" the problem rather than just reduces the swelling), solution for the plantar fasciitis is a simple exercise: flex your feet as hard as you can (toes pointing back to you), then point your toes as hard as you can. Do this several times each morning. I got some relief within the first couple weeks and complete relief after about 14 months.
Posted by: tmf | May 12, 2008 11:00 PM