Is It Dangerous To Combine Flaxseed & Fish Oil?

Written By Unknown on vendredi 21 septembre 2012 | 03:52

By Brad Wilson


These days, almost everyone has heard of the health benefits of Omega 3 . This fatty acid cannot be synthesized in the body and must be found in food or supplements, such as flaxseed oil and fish oil supplements . Omega 3 plays a large role in how our brains function . It determines the way we think, the way we feel and even how our memory performs. Continually researching the effects of this fatty acid on the body, in fact scientists are constantly trying to understand its implications and how it might positively impact those who suffer from memory loss, Alzheimers and mental disorders such as bipolar, schizophrenia and depression.

Omega 3 fatty acids are a rich source of DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid . Generally found in the brain, this acid is used to transmit signals to other parts of the body. The correct amount of Omega 3 means the brain received more DHA, so the communication level between brain cells increases . The opposite, however, is true as well .

With this knowledge, more and more individuals are looking at their diet and realizing they aren't consuming enough Omega 3s each day to improve their brain health . They begin looking for supplements to provide the nutrients needed by the brain in order to improve its health and development . Two of the most favoured supplements are flaxseed and fish oil, which both bring benefits to the body, but they may not be quite so wonderful when combined together.

Can You Combine Flaxseed Oil and Fish Oil ?

Before discussing whether these supplements can really be combined, let us pause momentarily to understand what flaxseed and fish oil are and what they do.

Fish Oil - Fish oil is amongst the most commonly known omega 3 fatty acid supplement and it contains two omega 3 types - DHA and EPA, also known as eicosapentaenoic acid. This supplement causes the body's platelets to have more difficulty forming blood clots because it has been found to lower triglyceride levels. The supplement is also able to lower blood pressure . These two affects result in a lower heart attack rate among those who take the supplement .

Flaxseed Oil- Almost 60 percent of flaxseed oil is made of alpha-linoleic acid, a type of omega 3 fatty acid . While this is a high amount of Omega 3, flaxseed oil functions differently than fish oil and is not as effective at treating various illnesses in the body . The reason is that, in order for alpha-linoleic acid to be effective, it must first be converted to DHA or EPA . Nonetheless, this oil can still be effective in lowering cholesterol and preventing heart attacks .

The use of both fish oil and flaxseed oil is generally safe for healthy individuals and may even be recommended, particularly if your body is low in Omega 3s, as part of your daily intake. It can, however, be dangerous to take them both together.

Consider, for a moment, the role of DHA and EPA in the body . They make it hard for your body's platelets to form blood clots. While they may reduce the chances of a heart attack considerably, consuming both oils may cause too much DHA and EPA to be produced, resulting in your blood becoming too thin and you may be unable to stop bleeding if your body is unable to form blood clots . It may be that you begin to bleed and bruise easily and, to stop bleeding from even a small cut or scrape, you may need medical attention.

While your overall brain function may be improved by taking flaxseed or fish oil separately, you should always consult your doctor before taking these two supplements at the same time. He will be able to monitor your body's ability to clot by running blood tests, keeping you healthy and safe .




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