Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There are thousands of reports and studies surrounding Omega-3 and its health benefits, particularly omega-3 helping IBD patients. Although determining a specific diet for IBD patients, a common food that always comes up is salmon and fatty oil fish. This is because of the amazing anti-inflammatory properties the fish (omega-3) possesses. In some cases, Omega-3 can actually be used as an alternative therapy for IBD patients. After being told I should be taking some form of omega supplement several times, I decided to do some research into what would be the best ones for me.

 

Immediately when I hear Omega-3 I think of cod liver oil capsules. I used to take them when I was younger, and although I cant say I remember any health benefits from them, I can remember them giving me fish burps! I'm told the way around this is to take them with food, but the burps alone were enough to put me off of them, so I did stop taking them. But since being diagnosed with Crohns, and after reading and hearing all the health benefits taking the fish liver oils have I decided I could withstand the burps and take them up again. Whilst researching what capsules I should take, I came across some very interesting information that shows cod liver oil in not the greatest of lights. Cod are 'dirty' fish in the sea and feed off of the bottom of the seabed meaning they eat other fishes faeces, pollution and even dirty metals. This means that if you are taking cod liver oil, it actually could do more harm than good. This is also why cod liver oil is often so cheap, as is isn't of a good quality. Boots own brand cod liver oil capsules, recently had to be taken off the shelves as metals were found in them, so it really is important to research any supplements you are considering taking. I know often most people prefer going for the cheaper option, as it can become quite costly when you are taking lots of different supplements, but it is important to be taking good quality ones. Especially as you are taking cod liver oil to help with your Crohns, not make it worse. When taking good standard fish liver oils, studies show that IBD patients are twice as likely to remain in remission as compared to those not taking it. So I didn't let the cod liver oil stories put me off of finding a good product that could really help.

It was actually my beautician that recommended me try another form of fish oil - salmon liver oil. Although this fish could still be dirty, and eat undesirable things, she could recommend a specific brand to me that produced very high quality fish liver oil. I have been seeing my beautician every month as since going on a lot of strong medication, my skin has been bad which has never been a problem of mine before. I often have a lot of dry patches on my face which are itchy, unsightly and uncomfortable. She said this could be because I am lacking in essential fatty acids, and although I eat salmon and other fish regularly, having Crohns means that I cant absorb nutrients from foods as affectively as non suffers so I would benefit from taking supplements. She explained that often what is going on on the outside of our bodies, signifies there is something going on inside our bodies. So taking the oil supplements would not only help my Crohns on the inside, but also my skin on the outside. I definitely wanted to give them a try! The product is from Advanced Nutrition Programme, and they produce Skin Omegas+ containing vitamin A, Omega-3 and Omega-6. They also hold a 'Friend of the Sea' certificate and harvest liver oil from clean salmon using methods that conserve marine habitats and resources - which I think is really important. The initial dose is to take the capsules twice a day and you should notice a difference within 2 weeks.

I have started the capsules this week and am really hoping to see the benefits from taking them. I will keep you all updated with my progress, and hopefully post a picture of my nice glowy skin!

XOXO Crohnie Girl