Introduction About My Fish Oil Cholesterol Dilemma
Oh geez.
The doctor said my good cholesterol was VERY GOOD.
And, she said my bad cholesterol was VERY VERY VERY BAD.
And, I listened on the phone feeling confused.
I felt like I had cleaned my diet up pretty good. I’m exercising daily. I don’t really snack or eat much fast food or anything.
Yet, my bad cholesterol was so Goddamn terribly bad.
And, she prescribed some type of medication.
Then, I started thinking. And, I thought about all the fish oil I take. I’ve been doing an experiment where I take a huge amount of fish oil. Twelve capsules a day.
And, yes indeed. Fish oil is extremely high in cholesterol.
But, now I don’t know what to do.
(Well, I threw the huge jug of fish oil capsules away. That damn sale at Costco where I got the huge fish jug for seven dollars. I would have been better off if I skipped that one. Anyway, I think I’ve been overdoing it with the vitamins, generally speaking. I’ve made big changes concerning all the vitamins. My vitamin D level was also sky high, but that’s another story. I totally overdid it with the Vitamin D also. She told me to stop taking it for the rest of the year…)
Should I not take the cholesterol medication?
I haven’t been taking it.
I have a difficult time talking to my doctor. Maybe it’s because it’s a Medicaid type scenario. But, anyway…I can’t get in touch with her. One of the tags on here is “ignored by doctor.”
I don’t really know what to do.
What’s new?
So, I decided to do a deep-dive research about fish oil and cholesterol.
Fish Oil And Cholesterol Research
Yes, fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to have potential benefits for lowering high cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that is found in certain types of fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. They have been associated with various health benefits, including cardiovascular health.
The two main types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids have been studied for their ability to reduce triglyceride levels and improve overall lipid profiles, which includes lowering LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) and increasing HDL cholesterol (referred to as “good” cholesterol).
Several scientific studies have suggested that fish oil supplementation, particularly those high in EPA and DHA, can lead to modest reductions in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association recommends consuming fatty fish at least two times per week or considering fish oil supplements if dietary sources are not sufficient.
However, while fish oil may have a positive impact on cholesterol levels, its effects can vary among individuals, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating supplements into your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
It’s worth noting that a balanced diet, rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, along with regular physical activity, remains a cornerstone of cholesterol management. A healthcare provider can provide personalized recommendations based on your health status and needs.
Sources of information and my life experience
- Kris-Etherton, P. M., Harris, W. S., & Appel, L. J. (2002). Fish consumption, fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease. Circulation, 106(21), 2747-2757.
- Mozaffarian, D., & Wu, J. H. (2011). Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: effects on risk factors, molecular pathways, and clinical events. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 58(20), 2047-2067.
- Siscovick, D. S., Barringer, T. A., Fretts, A. M., Wu, J. H., Lichtenstein, A. H., Costello, R. B., … & Kris-Etherton, P. M. (2017). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (fish oil) supplementation and the prevention of clinical cardiovascular disease: a science advisory from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 135(15), e867-e884.