What's Better For Me, Fish Or Fish Oil?

 The general population is well aware of the benefits associated with regular intake of omega-3 fats, either in supplement or dietary forms. These benefits extend to the immune, nervous and cardiovascular systems to name a few, with research ongoing. 

 With regard to the debate as to whether it is more beneficial to obtain those omega-3 fats through diet or supplementation, evidence is piling up in favor of the dietary route.

 Earlier this year in March evidence was presented that indicated the dietary form of omega-3 was more beneficial than supplementation to control for blood pressure. The reason is based in the notion that the dietary form assists in the vasodilation of the smooth muscle that comprises the blood vessel walls.

 We have to remember that blood vessels are simple pipes with many layers. The smooth muscle that envelops the vessels relax (dilate) and contract based upon a number of factors, none of which are voluntary. While you can make your bicep muscle contract and relax, you cannot make your blood vessels contract and relax. Whole fish assists in the relaxation of those blood vessels, this in turn helps to lower blood pressure.

Recent Medical News

As a chiropractor who believes in using the latest medical evidence to make decisions about patient care, it is essential to stay up-to-date with newest research. In doing so, often times, interesting articles are passed along through this blog. Here are a few of the most recent examples.

Acupuncture has been shown to effectively
treat a number of conditions.

- Acupuncture is a centuries-old form of treatment by which needles are inserted into the dermis to stimulate a response. Often times it is used as a pain control mechanism. A recent study found that acupuncture can help in the treatment of Bell's Palsy. Bell's Palsy is paralysis of one of the nerves of the face that controls a large number of motor functions. According to the research, as the level of acupuncture intensity, whether via depth of needles or stimulation of needles, increases so does the efficacy of treatment. 

Grapes have a chemical called
Resveratrol which can help fight
against inflammation.

- More research is confirming that red wine can be an elixir for a number of degenerative or inflammatory processes including, as it turns out, protecting your ability to hear effectively. The powerhouse chemical found in red wine, and specifically in the skin of the red grapes is a molecule called resveratrol which, "is a very powerful chemical that seems to protect against the body's inflammatory process as it relates to aging, cognition and hearing loss," states Michael D. Seidman MD of Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Rats treated with the chemical were found to have significantly lower noise-induced COX-2 expression when compared with untreated animals after 24 hours of continuous exposure to loud noises.

Omega-3 Fatty acids are beneficial
for everyone to use.

- Lastly, as if we needed more evidence that taking an omega-3 supplement can have wonderful benefits on degenerative and inflammatory processes, a recent study found that administering an emulsion containing an omega-3 fatty acid within hours of an ischemic (oxygen-deprived) stroke "reduced brain tissue damage in mice by half." While taking an omega-3 supplement daily has been demonstrated to induce wonderful health benefits, it is essential to note that now there are therapeutic benefits to its administration as well. At RASC Rockford, we advise the use of USANA brand Omega-3 - mention this blog and receive 25% off your next bottle of USANA BiOmega Supplements.