When you go to the pharmacy or supermarket, you must have seen fish oil capsules in beautiful bottles, right? Maybe a friend or relative of yours is taking these. Or maybe you are already taking them. What exactly are these Omega-3s that are said to be good for the heart, brain, and eyes? What do we need to know before taking them? Today, we will talk about this simply and in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is fish oil?
Simply put, fish oil is an oil that comes from oily fish. It contains something that is very important for our bodies. That is, omega-3 fatty acids . These are a type of fat that is essential for our bodies. "Essential" means that our bodies cannot make them on their own, and we must get them from the foods we eat.
So what are the benefits of these omega-3s for our body?
- Helps heart health .
- Supports brain function .
- Helps maintain good eyesight .
- It can also reduce inflammation in the body.
But there's something you definitely need to remember here. This fish oil is just a dietary supplement . It's not a miracle cure or a cure-all.
Things to tell your doctor before using this
If you are considering using fish oil, or are already using it, it is very important to talk to your doctor about it. Not everything is right for everyone. It is especially important to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Situation to be concerned about | Description |
|---|---|
| Bleeding problems | If you have trouble stopping bleeding even from a small wound, or if you have a medical condition that prevents your blood from clotting easily. |
| Respiratory diseases | If you have lung diseases like asthma. |
| Allergies | If you have allergies to fish, fish oil, other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is essential to consult your doctor before taking any supplement. |
How to use fish oil capsules correctly?
The way to use this is very simple, but it's important to do it correctly .
- Drink this with a glass of water .
- It is often best to take these with food . This will reduce stomach upset and help the body absorb them better.
- Try to take it at the same time every day.
- Do not drink more than the amount recommended on the bottle or by your doctor.
What to do if you accidentally drink too much? (Overdose)
Imagine if you accidentally drank too much of this... If that happens, don't panic. But you need to act immediately. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This is for your personal use only. Do not share it with your friends saying, "This is good, you should try it too." Not everyone's physical health is the same.
What to do if you miss a dose?
We don't always remember everything. So it's possible to forget to take a dose. If that happens, take it as soon as you remember . But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Although fish oil is a natural product, it can interact with some of the other medications you are taking. These interactions can cause side effects or change the way your medications work. So it's important to be aware of this.
| Materials that may cause collisions | Description and risk |
|---|---|
| Aspirin and similar medications | Because these are blood thinners, and fish oil has a similar effect to some extent, taking them together may increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Anticoagulant | If a person taking blood thinners such as warfarin or heparin takes fish oil, the risk of bleeding may be significantly increased. Do not take these together without your doctor's advice. |
| Some herbal products | Some herbs, such as ginger, garlic, and ginkgo biloba, also have blood-thinning properties. So taking these with fish oil may increase the risk. |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbal products, and supplements you are taking. He or she can then decide if it is safe for you to use fish oil.
Things to consider when taking fish oil
- A good diet and exercise: Taking these pills won't fix everything. Eating a good, balanced diet and exercising daily are the most important things for a healthy life. Fish oil is just a help in that.
- Natural sources: If possible, include oily fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines in your diet at least twice a week. That's the best and most natural way to get omega-3s.
- Before surgery: If you are going to have any surgery or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking fish oil, as you may be advised to stop taking it a few days before the procedure.
- Be careful about quality: Unlike prescription drugs in our country, the quality control of these types of dietary supplements is not as strict. Therefore:
- Buy these from a trusted, reputable pharmacy or organization.
- Read the label carefully. Check the ingredients and expiration date.
- Don't assume that just because something is "natural" it is 100% safe.
What are the possible side effects?
Most people do not experience any major side effects from fish oil. However, some people may experience minor discomfort. And, rarely, severe allergic reactions can occur.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Severe allergic reactions | Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms such as skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing. |
| Common (if persistent, inform your doctor) | |
| Bad breath | An unpleasant smell from the mouth, like a fishy smell. |
| Going to Gudus and tasting fish | A fishy taste or smell in the mouth when eating. |
| Heartburn | Burning sensation from the stomach towards the throat. |
| Stomach discomfort | Conditions such as indigestion and nausea. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How do you keep this medicine safe?
- Keep them out of reach of children. These pods are so colorful that young children may mistake them for toys.
- Store at room temperature, away from moisture, and in a dry place as directed on the bottle. Avoid storing in areas with high humidity, such as the bathroom.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Fish oil is a health-promoting dietary supplement, not a cure-all.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before using this, especially if you are taking medication for other conditions.
- Take these capsules with food to reduce side effects. Never take more than the recommended dose.
- The best way to get omega-3 is to eat natural foods, such as oily fish.
- Always buy good quality products from a trusted source.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න