Brain In The News

Omega-3 Supplements Soothe Asthma Symptoms

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August 24, 2009

By Daniel G. Amen, MD      

Over the years, I have written extensively about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as fish oil. Scientific evidence has found that taking fish oil has many positive effects on both mental and physical health, including the following: * lowers triglyceride levels * anti-inflammatory * prevents heart arrhythmia * enhances immune system * stabilizes nerve cells * maintains normal blood flow as it lowers the body’s ability to form clots * raises heart rate variability (HRV), which is good for both brain and heart health * may reduce high cholesterol * decreases the risk of sudden cardiac death * decreases blood pressure * reduces joint pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers * improves the appearance of the skin * helps stabilize moods in the treatment of bipolar disorder * reduces symptoms of depression * eases symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause * may improve focus and concentration in people with ADD Now, a new study has uncovered yet another benefit of omega-3 supplementation. Researchers in Egypt have found that taking omega-3 supplements, along with vitamin C and zinc, significantly decreased symptoms of asthma in children with moderately persistent asthma. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease, and the researchers suggest that the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 could be the reason for the improvements. If you aren’t already taking omega-3 supplements, you may want to consider it. The typical dosage of fish oil is 1 to 2 g a day for prevention and 4 to 6 g a day to treat illness. I often recommend 2 to 4 g a day for adults, and 1 to 2 g a day for children. Amen Clinics, Inc., has its own brand, which we took years to develop. To your brain health Daniel

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