Nowadays, when you go to a pharmacy, you see a lot of different types of vitamins and supplements. Among them, fish oil is very popular among many people. Many people use these for various reasons, such as being good for the heart, good for the brain, good for joint pain, good for the skin... So if you are also a user of fish oil, or if you are thinking of using it, it is very important to know a little more about this in detail.
What exactly is this fish oil?
Simply put, fish oil is an oil extracted from the tissues of fish. The most important thing about this oil is the omega-3 fatty acids it contains. These are essential fats that our body cannot produce, but they are essential fats. Therefore, we need to get them from food or supplements.
These omega-3 fatty acids help with many things in our body.
- Heart health: Helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Brain function: Contributes to improving memory and learning ability.
- Eyesight: Helps maintain eye health.
- Reducing Inflammation: It can help reduce swelling and pain in the body (especially in the joints).
But one thing is important to remember. These are just dietary supplements. They are not recommended to cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease. They are just a supplement to your diet.
Things you should tell your doctor before using fish oil
Although it's easily available at the pharmacy, it's important to talk to your doctor before using fish oil, especially if you have any of these conditions.
- Bleeding disorders or problems: Omega-3s can have a blood-thinning effect. So if you are at risk for bleeding or have a condition that prevents your blood from clotting easily, taking fish oil may increase that risk.
- Lung diseases like asthma: Fish oil may cause breathing difficulties in some people.
- Allergies: If you have any allergies to fish, other seafood, or other medications or foods, you should tell your doctor.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: It is imperative to seek medical advice before using anything during this time.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Anything you take can pass to your baby through your milk. So don't use these without talking to your doctor.
- If giving these to children: If giving these to children, be sure to consult a pediatrician and give them only the dosage and for the recommended period of time.
How exactly do you use this?
It is usually recommended to take fish oil capsules with a glass of water. Taking them with a meal can help reduce stomach upset and fishy-tasting foods. Follow the instructions on the package or as directed by your doctor. Take them at the right time. Do not take more than your doctor tells you to.
What do you do if you take too much?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other medications that may interact with fish oil
This is a very important fact that many people don't know. Although fish oil is a natural product, it can interact with other medications you may be taking. This can increase the risk of unwanted bleeding.
| Drug/Supplement Type | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Blood thinners | For example, medications like warfarin, enoxaparin, and heparin . Taking fish oil with these greatly increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Aspirin and similar drugs | Since these also thin the blood, the risk may increase when taken together with fish oil. |
| Some herbal products | Some herbal supplements, such as ginger, garlic, and ginkgo biloba, also have blood-thinning properties. |
So, when you go to see the doctor, bring a complete list of all the medications, vitamins, Ayurvedic medicines, and supplements you are taking .
What are the possible side effects?
Most of the time, fish oil does not cause serious side effects, but some people may experience minor discomfort.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Redness of the skin, itching, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If this happens, seek immediate medical attention. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Heartburn, stomach pain, belching, a fishy taste in the throat, and bad breath. |
Can't you get omega-3 naturally?
Of course you can. It's best to get this nutrition through a healthy diet. Omega-3s are especially abundant in oily fish. Examples:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Sardines
- Kumbalao (Mackerel)
- Halibut
It would be great if you could add this type of fish to your diet at least twice a week.
Take-Home Message
- Fish oil is not a magic pill. It is just a nutritional supplement that can be taken in addition to a healthy lifestyle.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before you start taking fish oil, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
- Give your doctor a complete list of all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Before having any surgery or tooth extraction, tell your doctor that you are taking fish oil. You may need to stop taking it before the procedure.
- Not everything that says "natural" on the label is 100% safe. That's why it's important to choose a trusted product.
- If allergic symptoms occur, seek medical advice immediately.
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