There has been a lot of buzz about fish oil and its benefits. Researches
and studies have proved the numerous health benefits that fish oil can
give. But every coin has two sides. So, is it possible for something
beneficial like fish oil, to have bad effects, as well? Yes, it is
possible.
If you have fish oil capsules or liquid at home, then you would have to
make sure that it would not be exposed to heat, light and oxygen. When
exposed for too long, the fish oil would get oxidized and would get bad.
Once the fish oil gets bad, it would lose its nutritional value. Aside
from that, bad fish oil and fatty acids are said to contribute to the
development of cancer and other diseases.
Minor side effects of fish oil would include a fishy aftertaste, diarrhea,
and fishy burps. Some would report nose bleeding as a side effect of fish
oil intake. Aside from this, you would have to be conscious with vitamin
A, E and D. Accumulated or large doses of these vitamins can eventually
lead to poisoning.
There are also serious side effects of fish oil. If these side effects
happen to you, it is best to consult a health care professional. You would
have to stop taking fish oil supplements or it could mean other serious
ailments.
Fish oil is said to increase the risk of bleeding, especially
gastrointestinal bleeding. So if you would notice red blood on your stool
and vomiting blood, the consult a health care professional immediately.
Serious effects could also include hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the
brain. Common symptoms would include vision and speech changes, numbness
or loss of strength in the limbs and frequent and painful headaches.
If you have diabetes, then it would also be better to check with your
doctor if taking fish oil supplements is safe. Taking fish oil supplements
can sometimes result to hyperglycemia or high blood sugar. Be watchful or
conscious of allergic reactions. Symptoms that you are allergic with fish
oil supplement include rashes, itching, swelling, wheezing and difficulty
in breathing or swallowing.
To avoid the minor side effects, you can take the fish oil supplement along
with your meal. This would get rid of the aftertaste and make it easier to
digest. It is less likely for you to experience abdominal or stomach pain.
There are few who keep their supplements refrigerated. It is said that
keeping them frozen or cold would help lessen gastrointestinal problems or
side-effects.
Too much is always not good. The problem is we do not how much is too
much. There is maximum amount that an individual should take. But there
is a recommended amount, for male it is 1600 mg while women are recommended
to have 1100 mg.
As mentioned, we should be cautious with Vitamin A,E, and D overdose. How
do we deal with this?
Read the labels. Know what kind of supplement you are taking. You have to
know if the fish oil supplements you are taking exceed the recommended
level. To avoid an overdose of Vitamin A and D, avoid using fish oil that
includes the internal organs like liver.
Fish oil is something that can very essential in improving our physical and
mental health as long as it is taken in recommended doses and amounts. Let
us remember that fish oil is not a magic pill that would immediately remove
us of any ailments and pains. It’s effects can be gradually noticed over
time.
