There are few things we can do that are simpler and more impactful to our health than taking a good quality fish oil supplement. Numerous health benefits have been attributed to the powerful omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), that come from fish oils.

There is an enormous amount of research to demonstrate the effectiveness of fish oils in the treatment and prevention of disease. Heart health, brain function, joint health, skin health and healthy blood sugar regulation all benefit from fish oil supplementation. Fish oil intake is also strongly encouraged during pregnancy and lactation, times which are crucial for the optimal development of the child’s brain.

The EPA within fish oil is anti-inflammatory, accounting for the benefit of fish oil in inflammatory conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, eczema, inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune disease. The DHA is specifically beneficial to the brain. In fact, about 11% of the brain is DHA, emphasizing the importance of adequate intake. This is especially important during pregnancy and childhood, when the brain is growing at such a fast rate. Depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions have all been shown to benefit with dietary supplementation of DHA from fish oil.

The fish oils recommended by your Naturopathic doctor are high quality products. They are thoroughly tested for safety, purity and content, are well tolerated and can be taken with a wide variety of other supplements. Depending on your health concerns, different types of fish oils or specific doses may be most appropriate. Ask your Naturopathic doctor how fish oils can be included as a part of your overall health regime.