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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Keko on October 25, 2004, at 18:08:06
I've seen some of you talk about the importance of Fish Oil (Omega 3's) in helping with depression. Do they really help? Also, how about the enteric coated capsules? Would they work as well -- and do they really avoid the fish *burps*?
Posted by Larry Hoover on October 25, 2004, at 18:08:06
In reply to FISH OIL capsules, ENTERIC coated, do they work we, posted by Keko on October 25, 2004, at 14:27:07
> I've seen some of you talk about the importance of Fish Oil (Omega 3's) in helping with depression. Do they really help?
For most people, I would have to say yes, but not noticing a true benefit doesn't mean they aren't helping at all. Fish oil is good for your heart, for example.
> Also, how about the enteric coated capsules? Would they work as well -- and do they really avoid the fish *burps*?
I haven't seen enteric-coated fish oil, but yes, that would prevent fish burps. You'd have to ensure that you took them with a decent-sized meal, hopefully a reasonably fatty one, or uptake would be reduced.
Lar
Posted by Keko on October 26, 2004, at 2:41:38
In reply to Re: FISH OIL capsules, ENTERIC coated, do they work we » Keko, posted by Larry Hoover on October 25, 2004, at 16:59:33
Thanks Larry. I'm new to the alternative side of antidepressants. Phew, looks like a lot of you have a degree in psychopharmacology, neurobiology. A lot for me to learn. Did a lot of you learn much of this from reading the boards?
I have another Q. In addition to depression, I also have extremely high lipids, even though my weight is good. It's familial. My cholesterol is in the lower 320's, and tris in the 400's - I don't want to go back on Lipitor/Pravachol, so is it true that fish oil capsules might be a good way to lower my lipids? The statin drugs also tend to have a depressing effect on me, on top of causing fatigue and muscle problems. But--I HAVE to do something! Thanks so much! Keko
Posted by tealady on October 26, 2004, at 5:08:07
In reply to Re: FISH OIL capsules, Larry Hoover et al., posted by Keko on October 26, 2004, at 2:41:38
Just something I heard that might help in the future
I've heard that fish oil capsules should not be taken before any cholesterol test as it can alter the results..same as taking iron before iron/ferritin blood tests.
Not sure how long b4 a test you need to stop taking them thoughNo idea on any of your questions though sorry
Jan
Posted by Keko on October 26, 2004, at 12:02:43
In reply to Re: FISH OIL capsules,...cholesterol test » Keko, posted by tealady on October 26, 2004, at 5:08:07
Thanks, Jan, that makes sense. I haven't started taking the capsules yet, as I have no idea how much I should start out at, and I want to avoid the upset stomach I might get (so I hope the enteric coated will help that and work as well). I'm still a newbie at this fish oil and other alternative forms of treating my depression, anxiety and cholesterol problems. Hoping to hear back from others who can give me the benefit of their knowledge/experience on this, and how much to start out at.
Posted by JLx on October 26, 2004, at 21:11:21
In reply to Re: FISH OIL capsules, Larry Hoover et al., posted by Keko on October 26, 2004, at 2:41:38
> Thanks Larry. I'm new to the alternative side of antidepressants. Phew, looks like a lot of you have a degree in psychopharmacology, neurobiology. A lot for me to learn. Did a lot of you learn much of this from reading the boards?
Larry is a chemist, I believe. Most of the rest of us are rank amateurs. Or at least I know I am! :) I've learned a lot from these boards, mostly in bits and pieces as much goes over my head.
> I have another Q. In addition to depression, I also have extremely high lipids, even though my weight is good. It's familial. My cholesterol is in the lower 320's, and tris in the 400's - I don't want to go back on Lipitor/Pravachol, so is it true that fish oil capsules might be a good way to lower my lipids? The statin drugs also tend to have a depressing effect on me, on top of causing fatigue and muscle problems. But--I HAVE to do something! Thanks so much! Keko
Joseph Mercola is a DO who has veered into alternative medicine and disease prevention.
"The standard fish oil capsule is 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. You should take approximately one capsule for every ten pounds of body weight, preferably in two divided doses."
http://www.mercola.com/2002/mar/27/omega3_fats.htm
Other things I read seemed to simply say 4 grams, but by weight makes more sense to me. Note that when you take fish oil you also need to take Vit. E.
Do you have a doctor you can work with on nondrug measures? Have you ever tried niacin to lower cholesterol and triglycerides?
Whole Health MD is a site I like too for basic information. They are another group of regularly trained doctors who embrace some alternative med. On niacin:
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/hc/doctortips/1,2316,476_892,00.html
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,892,00.html
Diagnose-Me is a naturopathic site where you can, for a fee, answer a detailed questionnaire and get back either a computer generated and/or doctor analysis and recommendations. I haven't done this, but I might if I had the money as I check out their information quite often and it seems to be accurate and up to date. Here's a whole page of ideas about cholesterol:
http://www.diagnose-me.com/glossary/G553.html
Life Extension always has good research summaries too:
http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-032.shtml
JL
Posted by Larry Hoover on October 29, 2004, at 7:48:30
In reply to Re: FISH OIL capsules, Larry Hoover et al., posted by Keko on October 26, 2004, at 2:41:38
> Thanks Larry. I'm new to the alternative side of antidepressants. Phew, looks like a lot of you have a degree in psychopharmacology, neurobiology. A lot for me to learn. Did a lot of you learn much of this from reading the boards?
>In my case, being a toxicologist, the very same questions are asked of a toxin as you ask of a drug. How does it get into the body, how is it transported, where does it go, what does it do when it gets there, and how does the body excrete it. Such like.
Anything I know about nutrition is entirely self-taught. The motive to learn about nutrients was my poor response to drugs. Who knows, if Paxil had worked for me, I might not be here with you, today.
> I have another Q. In addition to depression, I also have extremely high lipids, even though my weight is good. It's familial. My cholesterol is in the lower 320's, and tris in the 400's - I don't want to go back on Lipitor/Pravachol, so is it true that fish oil capsules might be a good way to lower my lipids?
In my own case, I found my risk factors changed from being quite substantial, to being of no concern, due to fish oil intake. Familial traits tend to be genetic, so your own efforts might lead you along different paths.....but, in the end, cholesterol and lipids respond to dietary cues. It's not so much about how much cholesterol you eat, for example (because 90% or more of the cholesterol in your blood is synthesized from scratch by your liver), but instead, the nature of the stimuli that food presents to your liver. I'll look around for a nice summary review of dietary management techniques.
> The statin drugs also tend to have a depressing effect on me, on top of causing fatigue and muscle problems. But--I HAVE to do something! Thanks so much! Keko
The statins are powerful drugs. I'm sure you found that out. I'll come back to this, soon.
Lar
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