Are you using fish oil supplements? It shows that you care about your health. You understand just how important this means of gaining Omega 3 is. Plus fish oil supplements are a far more cost-effective option to taking seafood every day, and are easy to consume.
For numerous years, fish oil has been appreciated in both modern and traditional medicine around the world. The primary cause of its popularity is its extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is crucial that when you pick fish oil, prioritize purity, freshness, and origins to truly reap its multitude of health benefits.
Failing to exercise caution while shopping for these oils can potentially result in more harm than good. Whether you are trying fish oil supplements for the very first time or are a regular consumer, make sure that your efforts and investment are not for nothing.
We’ve listed the most significant dos and don’ts of fish oil supplements here so that you can make informed buying and consuming decisions.
Fish Oil Supplements: Do’s and Don’ts
Fish oil is not uncommon in the world of nutritious supplements and alternative healthcare. However, there is still a lot of information masses don’t know about it. There are right and wrong ways of using fish. This guide, comprising of dos and don’ts, will help you use fish oil supplements for maximum benefits.
- Do Buy Fish Oil Supplements With Safe Sources
Fish oil does not come from the same kind of fish. The most common kind of fish oil in the liquid form is cod liver oil. Meanwhile, most fish oil softgels and capsules are sourced from various varieties of fatty fish. Therefore, check your supplement label to see what kind of fish it’s from and the locality of the species. Certain fish contain toxins. Fish from regions with known contaminated water is not usually safe for consumption. Needless to say, the oil derived from these isn’t safe either. Do your due diligence and know what you are taking to lead a safe and healthy life.
- Don’t Keep Your Fish Oil Outside For LongFish Oil Supplements
Would you leave fresh fish outside? Fish oil liquid and softgels are natural, purified extractions of a fish—hence the reason these smell and taste ‘fishy’. If you leave your fish oil supplement outside, chances are that it will go rancid quickly. Always keep your fish oil in the refrigerator. Even better, freeze it. And don’t worry if it goes cloudy, as all oils go from clear to opaque as these change physical composition in lower temperatures.
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- Do Adhere To A Reasonable Dose
Moderation is key! Too much of any health supplement has damaging side effects, and the same goes for fish oil. Before you add fish oil supplements to your daily dietary regime, know your ideal dosage levels. Fish oil consumption amount depends on age, weight, any medical conditions, any other ongoing medication, and so on. If you are unsure, consult a physician to know how much Omega 3 fish oil you should take in a day, as well as exactly what EPA, DHA, and ALA (fatty acids in fish oil) concentrations are best for you.
- Don’t Get Fish Oil In Bulk Quantities
You may be tempted to buy fish oil in bulk to get it for cheaper or to avoid repurchasing since you’ll take it every day. That’s not ideal; fish oil has a short expiration date. This window becomes even shorter if you live in hot and humid regions, as temperature has an immense effect on fish oil. If you buy your fish oil in bulk, it’s likely that you will go past the expiration date, and consume fish oil that upsets your digestive system instead of providing benefits.
- Do Stick To Regular Intake Of Fish Oil
The key to leveraging the maximum perks of fish oil for health and well-being is consistency. You’ve heard this time and again: be regular. Be regular with skincare, exercise, diet control, and anything and everything that has to do with looking after yourself. The same goes for fish oil; if you want a healthier heart, bones, eyesight, and more, take those supplements on time!
- Don’t Buy Fish Oil That Smells Too ‘Fishy’
Fish oil supplements do smell slightly fishy—the keyword being ‘slightly’. If you buy a bottle of fish oil that reeks of a fish market, it’s likely that it has been on the shelf for way too long or is of poor quality. High-quality fish oil does have a distinct smell, but more of waves of the ocean and sea life than that sharp smell of rot that makes you want to cover your nose. Check the manufacturing date on the bottle and buy only from reliable brands.
- Do Check For Balanced Additional Nutrients
Some fish oils also contain other beneficial nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D. However, it’s important to read the label carefully. You may consume higher-than-recommended concentrations of other nutrients while trying to meet your Omega 3 goals. As a result, you may face adverse side effects. For instance, too much Vitamin A can cause headaches and rashes.
- Don’t Take Fish Oil On An Empty Stomach
To ensure maximum benefits from your fish oil supplement, it’s best to consume it with a meal or a significant amount of food. You may feel nauseous if you consume supplements on an empty stomach. Additionally, it’s advisable to pair your fish oil supplement with a good source of fat. This helps enhance the bioavailability of Omega 3 fatty acids and potentially boost the effectiveness of the fish oil.
Bottom Line…
There are many types and brands of fish oil supplements out there, so choose carefully. Understand the composition, the manner of consumption, and potential side effects. It pays to be careful about where you keep your supplements and what time of the day you consume these, and go with other fish oil supplement best practices!
