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Does Fish Oil Help Circulation Problems

Fish oil supplements are made from tissues of oily fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon and herring. One of the most important constituents is omega-3 fatty acids. These are beneficial for health in a number of ways; they reduce inflammation, help lower damaging cholesterol levels, reduce joint pain, reduce the risk of heart disease and help improve circulation.

  1. Causes of Poor Circulation

    • Damage to the circulatory system can caused by free radicals, toxins within the body, poor nutrition, smoking, poor absorption of nutrients and high alcohol intake. Common symptoms of poor circulation include: shortness or breath, lack of stamina, inability to concentrate, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, low energy and irregular heat rhythm. Poor circulation can cause a number of health problems including arthritis, diabetes, angina, hypertension, high blood pressure, high levels of LDL cholesterol and heart disease.

    Fish Oil

    • Fish oil is known for its ability to improve blood circulation. This is because of the high content of omega-3 fatty acids. The body uses omega-3 fatty acids to produce hormones, cellular membranes and for the transport of fat-soluble nutrients throughout the body.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Fish oil improves circulation because as the omega-3 fatty acids are absorbed by the body, they improve the integrity and function of the blood vessels. They also reduce the risk of the formation of blood clots, improve the flow of blood, lower LDL cholesterol levels (harmful cholesterol), improve the level of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), reduce the risk of heart disease and reduce inflammation.

    Daily Intake

    • There are no recommended daily allowances for fish oil in your diet or as a supplement. If you are taking fish oil as a supplement in tablet form, nutritionists suggest that you take 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day. If you are obtaining fish oil from adding fish to your diet, you should eat oily fish at least twice each week. Other sources of dietary omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds and walnuts.

    Side Effects

    • Side effects from fish oil are rare but may include heartburn, nausea, bad breath and diarrhea. If you experience these side effects you should stop taking fish oil/omega-3 and contact your physician immediately.

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