Fish oils come from fatty fish, also known as oily fish, specifically the tissue of fatty fish, such as trout, mackerel, tuna, herring, sardines, and salmon.
Fish oils are of interest to nutritionists and health care professionals because of two main ingredients: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) - both types of Omega-3 fatty acids.
The fillets of oily fish contain up to 30% oil; this figure may vary. White fish, on the other hand, only contain high concentrations of oil in the liver, and have much less oil. Apart from omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish are also good sources of vitamins A and D. Whitefish also contain these nutrients, but at much lower concentrations.
Health experts commonly tell people that oily fish have more health benefits than white fish. However, their recommendations have never been compellingly proven scientifically in large population studies.
Many health authorities around the world advise people to consume either plenty of oily fish or to take supplements, because of their supposed health benefits. Studies over the last ten years have produced mixed results regarding the benefits of the dietary intake of fish oils.
Possible health benefits of fish oils
Over the last ten years, there have been dozens of studies on fish oils and omega-3 oils. Some have backed up these claims, while others have not.
Fish oils are said to have several health benefits if they are included in a human diet, including:
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Fish oils are said to help people with MS. However, a study carried out by researchers from University Hospital in Bergen, Norway, in April 2012 found that omega-3 fatty acids do not help people with MS.1
Prostate cancer
Fish oils reduce men's risk of developing prostate cancer if they follow a low-fat diet, one study found, while another linked omega-3 levels to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer2.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that omega fish oils raise prostate cancer risk. The authors, from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center reported that high fish oil intake raises the risk of high-grade prostate cancer by 71% and all prostate cancers by 43%.3
Post-natal (post-partum) depression
Fish oils protect from post-partum depression - Dr. Michelle Price Judge, of the University of Connecticut School of Nursing, said after carrying out a study in 2011 "DHA consumption during pregnancy at levels that are reasonably attained from foods has the potential to decrease symptoms of postpartum depression."4
Mental health benefits
fish oils help young people with behavioral problems, especially those with ADHD.5
Memory benefits
Working memory can improve in healthy young adults if they increase their Omega-3 fatty acids intake, researchers reported in the journal PLOS One (October 2012 issue).6
Protection from Alzheimer's disease
Claims were made for many years that regular fish oil consumption would help prevent people from developing Alzheimer's disease. However, a major study in 2010 found that fish oils and a placebo were no different in Alzheimer's prevention.
In contrast, a study published in Neurology in 2007 reported that a diet in fish, omega-3 oils, fruit and veggies reduces dementia and Alzheimer's risk.7
Protection from vision loss
Adequate dietary consumption of DHA protects people from age-related vision loss, Canadian researchers reported in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.8
Benefits for the fetus
omega-3 consumption boosts fetal cognitive and motor development - scientists from L'Université Laval Laval found that omega-3 consumption by the mother during her last three months of pregnancy improved her baby's sensory, cognitive and motor development.
Fresh, raw, organic produce heals. Produce heals everything. Other than that, foods high in iodine and foods that are high in selenium are known to aid thyroid function.
The thyroid gland requires iodine to function. Iodine taken by itself or ingested through fortified salt can be problematic. Good food sources include: meat, seafood, yogurt, milk, and eggs, but there are vegan sources as well.
Vegan Food Sources of Iodine
Blackstrap molasses
Seaweed
Himalayan sea salt
Navy beans
Cranberries
Selenium is required for the body to convert T3 into T4. Without enough selenium in the diet, the thyroid suffers. Seafood and meat are high in selenium, but there are also some vegan choices.
Vegan Food Sources of Selenium
Brazil nuts
Shiitake/white button mushrooms
Lima/pinto beans
Chia seeds
Brown rice
Seeds (sunflower, sesame, and flax)
Broccoli
Cabbage
Spinach
Supplements For Hypothyroidism
A number of vitamins and minerals are critical to thyroid health, and many herbs can help boost thyroid function as well. Due to the fact that thyroid conditions are associated with inflammation, anti-inflammatory herbs can aid in thyroid healing as well.
B Vitamins
Vitamin B12 is found in every cell of the body. It is required for cellular metabolism and energy production, so obviously, without B12, the thyroid can't function optimally. B12 deficiencies are very common with hypothyroidism. A lack of B12 can cause and worsen hypothyroidism. Even though most people actually consume enough vitamin B12 in their diets, a deficiency occurs in many due to an inability to absorb the nutrient in the blood. This goes back to gut health. The body cannot absorb and assimilate nutrients properly with a poorly functioning digestive system.
In addition, if the liver is not up to par, this radically inhibits the body's ability to utilize B12. Unless a knowledgeable naturopath recommends it for a limited amount of time, do not take vitamin B12 alone. We recommend a B vitamin complex with extra B12.
Vitamin D
Over a billion people worldwide do not get enough vitamin D. A recent study showed that vitamin D levels were significantly lower in people suffering from hypothyroidism than the general population. While vitamin D deficiencies and hypothyroidism do tend to take place together, a lack of vitamin D and pretty much every other disease coincide as well. It's unlikely anyone's hypothyroidism is primarily caused by a lack of vitamin D, but it's a certainty that the body will not fully heal without enough vitamin D.
Vitamin A
We all know vitamin A is required for good vision. We also need vitamin A for the immune system, hormone synthesis, and the production of T3. Without enough vitamin A, thyroid hormone levels drop quickly.
Bromelain
Bromelain is the enzyme that makes pineapple the superfood that it is. Bromelain helps reduce inflammation.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has many benefits, including the ability to significantly improve liver function, and it can help stabilize cortisol levels. This helps stimulate T3 and T4 hormone synthesis.
Licorice Root
Licorice root can benefit the thyroid and adrenal glands for people who have low cortisol (adrenal fatigue).
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushroom is a good source of selenium, and it has a ton of other benefits including boosting the immune system.
Schisandra chinensis
This is another adaptogenic herb that helps the thyroid and has many other health benefits.
Selenium
Selenium is the major cofactor for the key thyroid enzyme 5'deiodinase. This enzyme converts T4 into T3 and can help normalize the thyroid hormone balance.
Zinc
A zinc deficiency has been shown to inhibit T3 production. Zinc also contributes to immune modulation, which may reduce thyroid antibody levels. Additionally, like selenium, zinc also contributes to 5'deiodinase activity.
Iodine
A lack of iodine inhibits the body's natural detoxification, leads to cancer cell growth, and causes hypothyroidism. The thyroid absorbs iodine and, in doing so, replaces other toxins it has accumulated.
It's also important to avoid excessive iodine intake for anyone with Hashimoto's or hyperthyroidism. As stated above, we highly recommend that any iodine consumed come from whole food sources.
Traditional Asian Herbs
Coleus forskohlii(Indian coleus)
Melissa officinalis(lemon balm)
Ningpoensis(Chinese figwort)
Prunella vulgaris(common selfheal)
Radix scrophulariae(xuan shen)
Conclusion
If the gut is healed and the diet is healthy, in most cases, the thyroid will eventually heal. Unfortunately, it can take a very long time, often many months. With desiccated thyroid, the process is much faster, and relief from hypothyroid symptoms are immediate. But again, you must fix the gut! Be sure to check out How to Kill Candida and Balance Your Inner Ecosystem to heal the intestinal tract. And see Understand Hypothyroidism - Prevention and Natural Remedies for more information, including a specific supplemental protocol.
Flaxseed is one of the most important oilseed crops for industrial as well as food, feed, and fiber purposes. Almost every part of the flaxseed plant is utilized commercially, either directly or after processing. The stem yields good quality fiber having high strength and durability. The seed provides oil rich in omega-3, digestible proteins, and lignans. In addition to being one of the richest sources of α-linolenic acid oil and lignans, flaxseed is an essential source of high quality protein and soluble fiber and has considerable potential as a source of phenolic compounds. Flaxseed is emerging as an important functional food ingredient because of its rich contents of α-linolenic acid (ALA), lignans, and fiber. Lignans appear to be anti-carcinogenic compounds. The omega-3s and lignan phytoestrogens of flaxseed are in focus for their benefits for a wide range of health conditions and may possess chemo-protective properties in animals and humans. This paper presents a review of literature on the nutritional composition of flaxseed, its health benefits, and disease-prevention qualities, utilization of flaxseed for food, feed, and fiber, and processing of flaxseed.
From among nutritious recommendations for reducing risk of urinary infection, we may point out drinking sufficient quantities of water every day. One of the ways, which has been proved for decrease of infection, is to make bladder area becomes acidy. Some foodstuffs may help us in this regard. One of the herbs, which had been used for control of urinary infection among American Indians, prior to discovery and protraction of antibiotics, was Cranberry. The said plant is originated from North America. Cranberry is enriched with Vitamin C, Flavonoids, Citric Acid and Benzoic Acid. Various studies have designated the effect of the Cranberry in prevention of urinary infection in the individuals, who vulnerable against recurrent infections. However, they didn’t limit the said effect only by change in acidity of the urinary tract. According to studies contracted earlier, extent of change in acidity of urinary tract after receiving berry is trivial. However, mechanism of the effect of the said fruit in reducing risk of infections is focused on prevention the bacterium to be connected and stuck to mucous membrane. The said antibacterial property of Cranberry is attributed existence of fructose and Proantocianidine in extract of the said herb. The desirable effect of Cranberry is to prevent reoccurrence of recurrent urinary tract infection among women, confirmed by American Gynecologists Association. In addition to prevention of said infection, the said compound is also used during treatment period in order to expedite recovery process of infection of urinary tract. It should be noted that no intervention has been reported yet with respect to consuming the said compound with antibiotics, affecting treatment of urinary infections. Consequently, Cranberry can be used together with common antibiotics for treatment of urinary infections with peace of mind. The said compound may be reused after recovery for prevention of such infection as well.
In addition to using Cranberry, from among other concerning points about prevention of urinary infection are frequent urination and not preventing discharge for a long period. Using herbal compounds of diuretic property may be helpful for prevention of aggregation of bacteria in urinary tract and eventually prevention of infection. For example, Bearberry and Golden Rod enjoy diuretic property and are helpful for property urinating and clearing urinary tract.
In honor of National Birth Defects Prevention Month, make a PACT to get healthy before and during pregnancy to increase your chances of having a healthy baby. January 4-10 is National Folic Acid Awareness Week. You can plan ahead by getting enough folic acid each day.
Folic acid is a B vitamin. It is an important part of preconception health, which refers to the health of women and men during their reproductive years. If a woman consumes the recommended amount of folic acid before and during early pregnancy, it can help prevent some major birth defects of the baby's brain (known as anencephaly) and spine (known as spina bifida). Anencephaly is a serious birth defect in which parts of a baby's brain and skull do not form correctly. Babies born with anencephaly cannot survive. Spina bifida is a serious birth defect in which a baby's spine does not develop correctly, and can result in some severe physical disabilities. All women, but especially those who want to become pregnant, need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
Woman taking a pill
All women, but especially those who want to become pregnant, need 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
Woman eating salad
In addition to getting 400 mcg of folic acid from supplements and fortified foods, you can eat a diet rich in folate.
Do I need folic acid?
Yes! Every woman needs to get enough folic acid each day, even if she does not plan to become pregnant. This is because our bodies make new cells every day—blood, skin, hair, nails and others. Folic acid is needed to make these new cells. Start a healthy habit today and get 400 mcg of folic acid every day.
Why can't I wait until I'm pregnant to start taking folic acid?
Birth defects of the brain and spine (anencephaly and spina bifida) happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman finds out she's pregnant. Also, half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned. These are two reasons why it is important for all women who can get pregnant to be sure to get 400 mcg of folic acid every day, even if they aren't planning a pregnancy any time soon. By the time a woman realizes she's pregnant, it might be too late to prevent these birth defects. Plan ahead! Starting today is the best option.
How do I get folic acid?
An easy way to be sure you're getting enough folic acid is to take a daily multivitamin with folic acid in it. Most multivitamins have all the folic acid you need. If you get an upset stomach from taking a multivitamin, try taking it with meals or just before bed. If you have trouble taking pills, you can try a multivitamin that is gummy or chewable. Also be sure to take it with a full glass of water.
Folic acid has been added to foods such as enriched breads, pastas, rice and cereals. Check the Nutrition Facts label on the food packaging. A serving of some cereals has 100% of the folic acid that you need each day.
In addition to getting 400 mcg of folic acid from supplements and fortified foods, you can eat a diet rich in folate. You can get food folate from beans, peas and lentils, oranges and orange juice, asparagus and broccoli, and dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, and mustard greens.
Our Work
CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) has made a significant contribution to neural tube defects prevention in the United States over the past two decades, and has led the way in establishing that every woman who can get pregnant should consume 400 mcg of folic acid daily to prevent neural tube defects.
Birth Defects COUNT
NCBDDD has a global initiative, Birth Defects COUNT (Countries and Organizations United for Neural Tube Defects Prevention), to significantly reduce death and lifelong disability resulting from the more than 300,000 neural tube defects that occur worldwide each year.
The initiative builds on CDC's expertise and experience in neural tube defects prevention and aims to increase folic acid intake among women of reproductive age to help reduce neural tube defects globally. Through Birth Defects COUNT, CDC provides the scientific and programmatic expertise to expand neural tube defects prevention efforts and strengthen the ability to track rates of birth defects worldwide. These efforts can help prevent approximately 150,000-210,000 neural tube defects each year in low- and middle-resource countries.
Resources for Health Professionals
Recently, Vitamin C has been forced into the backseat as other antioxidants have stood in the limelight. Vitamin C is the grandfather of antioxidants and it has clear health benefits.(1)
Dr. Ronald Hunninghake is well known for being an expert on this vitamin. He joined Dr. Hugh Riordan over twenty years ago and conducted research on I.V. administration of vitamin C for cancer patients. Though his clinic is the leading expert on vitamin C therapy for cancer, that hasn’t stopped others from completing similar research.(1)
New study builds on prior work of Dr. Hunninghake and shows that vitamin C kills colorectal cancer cells!
A recent study found that vitamin C could help fight colorectal cancer. The equivalency of vitamin C found in 300 oranges was found to kill colorectal cancer cells. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. Approximately 50 percent of cases are more aggressive and do not respond to conventional therapies.(2)
The new study from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York discovered that in these cases, that high-dose vitamin C caused oxidation in the cancer cells and impaired the growth of the tumors.(2)
Vitamin C concentration equivalent to 300 oranges effective in causing oxidation of colorectal cancer cells and impairing growth of the tumor!
Vitamin C is generally thought to improve health because of its antioxidant effect, which prevents or delays some types of cell damage.(2)
The studies findings may also be helpful in treatment of renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer and pancreatic cancer. The authors of the study report that that dosage would most likely need to be through I.V. as oral doses are not absorbed efficiently enough through the intestine.(2)
High doses of vitamin C do not absorb efficiently through the intestine and should be administered intravenously
Dr. Hunninghake recommends an average person take 1 gram of vitamin C twice per day. If you are suffering from chronic infections or fatigue you can gradually increase the does to a bowel tolerance dose. For most patient, oral dosages are fine but if you are fighting a serious illness, Dr. Hunninghake recommends I.V. vitamin C therapy.(1)
If you are seeking to increase vitamin C consumption through food, consider increasing your fruit and vegetable intake. Many eat oranges for their vitamin C content, but red and yellow bell peppers have the highest vitamin C coming in at 306 percent of daily value. Other fruits and vegetables are guavas, dark leafy greens, kiwi, broccoli, berries, tomatoes, peas, papaya, and of course oranges.(3)
As winter approaches, don’t forget about vitamin C! Start eating more fruits and vegetables and consider adding a high quality supplement. If you are battling cancer or another chronic disease, consider intravenous vitamin C therapy!