Lupus and Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oils and More
Clinical studies indicate omega-3 fatty acids may help with lupus, cancer, depression, heart and lung disease. There is a in-depth article citing several studies,
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Vital to a longer, healthier life in LE Magazine at the Life Extension Foundation.
Fish oils that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids have strong anti-inflammatory properties but they can be as tainted as the fish they come from, with mercury, lead, pesticides, PCBs and other toxins. If you're taking a blood thinner like heparin or warfarin, be very sure to consult with your doctor before taking these supplements.
If you do buy fish oil supplements, they must be distilled to remove contaminants. Look for brands without a fishy flavor, as they’re easier to stomach without bouts of burping. To learn the benefits of omegas and choose a safe fish oil product, visit ConsumerLab.com's
Product Review: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA and DHA) from Fish/Marine Oils
For more information, read up on
Omega-3 Fish Oil at Saint Luke's Hospital. Then, see
Omega-3 Fatty Acids at WholeHealthMD.
Sardines, extra-virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, walnuts, spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables. have plentiful omega-3 fatty acids. Give
Safe Sources of Omega-3s a read at DrWeil.com but don't forget what you've read in Lupus and Mercury - Pretty Fishy, here at LNL.
Evening Primrose oil has some omega-3 fatty acids and some studies say it is helpful but, like corn, sunflower, safflower and poppy seed oils, it also has omega-6 fatty acids which, in excess, can trouble the autoimmune system, intensifying our symptoms.
On the topic of oils, mice have developed lupus after exposure to
pristane a chemical in mineral oil, which caused severe kidney damage. Mineral oil is petroleum based and petroleum products or byproducts are especially bad for those of us with lupus.