I’ve blogged extensively on research showing that fish oil can help many different things—from your heart to your joint pain. Now a new study suggests that the relationship between fish oil and exercise may be more beneficial than we knew. Let me explain.
Why Is Fish Oil a Big Deal?
Fish oil contains omega fatty acids. These are usually broken down into two components, one called DHA and the other called EPA. DHA is believed to be better at helping the brain while EPA may be better for joints. Prior studies have suggested that fish oil may do the following:
- Reduce hardening of the arteries
- Help stroke victims recover
- Turn bad inflammation into better healing
- Make you a more efficient athlete
- Reduce your heart risk
Taking Good Fish Oil Is Critical
The stuff you buy at Costco or Walgreens by the huge tub isn’t likely getting the job done. What we’re talking about here is high-quality fish oil that’s concentrated and processed the right way. Here’s more information on fish-oil quality:
- Seventy percent of cheap fish-oil brands don’t show omega-3 amounts on the label (click here for the “rip-off” list).
- The cheap fish oil is not the natural form (click here to find out how you can tell the difference).
- How much good fish oil should you be taking?
The New Study and Fish Oil and Exercise
The new study looked at 36 patients and randomized them to take either milk with animal fat or milk supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids. All of the heavier patients with metabolic syndrome (prediabetic) were then placed in a rigorous six-month exercise program. After that, various blood tests were run. Insulin sensitivity (measured by intravenous glucose-tolerance test) was improved by 32% in the fish oil group. In addition, the serum concentration of C-reactive protein (which measures bad inflammation) and high-density lipoprotein (which is also known as “good cholesterol”) were improved by 32% and 10% respectively. Basically, the fish oil group had better markers showing an improvement in prediabetes as a result of the exercise than the group that didn’t take the fish oil.
The upshot? Fish oil has some interesting studies showing some really amazing benefits. This most recent research points in the direction that good fish oil and exercise together may well give your exercise a bigger punch!
How does fish oil make exercise more effective?
Corrine,
From the standpoint of important health markers, good quality fish oil appears to make a difference. The health benefits studies have previously noted are reducing hardening of the arteries, helping stroke victims recover, turning the switch from bad inflammation to good inflammation, and making you a more efficient athlete by making the exchange of oxygen more efficient. This study suggests that when good quality fish oil is taken by people who exercise, very important markers of prediabetes are improved. Significant because diabetes (your body’s inability to get the glucose from the food you eat to your organs) is related to so many health issues, one of the main ones of interest in this case being arthritis. http://www.regenexx.com/blog/diabetes-drugs-cause-severe-joint-pain/
After reading the article about rip-off fish oil, what brand do you recommend? I read almost every article you post and I’m considering doing the stem cell procedure for both of my shoulders and left hip. Possibly my left knee as well. I played five years in the USFL and NFL. I work out 6 days a week, lifting weights at least 3 days, playing hockey 2 times and golf twice a week. I’m very active and thrive on a healthy life style. Don’t drink or smoke. What is the basis of being considered a candidate for stem cell?
Tony,
We’d recommend either The Regenexx Super Concentrated Omega 3 Fish Oil http://www.regenexx.com/regenexx-advanced-stem-cell-support-formula/, or, the Nordic Natural Pro or Ultimate Omega line. Regenexx Candidacy is determined by whether based on our experience and the data from over 32,000 procedures, there is a good, fair, or poor chance that we can help your particular situation. Being healthy and active is always a good thing! If you’d like to see if you’re good candidate for a Regenexx procedure, please fill out the candidate Form here: http://www.regenexx.com