Posted on March 1, 2010.
Crohn's and Colitis:: Help How Omega3 fish oil in inflammatory bowel disease? Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a group of inflammatory diseases of the small and large intestine. The main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, although there are several less common types. Each of these may benefit from fish oil, because of the natural anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is a challenge. For years, steroids, surgery and immunosuppressive drugs have been considered the most effective forms of treatment. Given all these options are accompanied by undesirable side effects, many health professionals now believe that the first line of treatment is dietary change.
Regime change is the first step
Often, a system of exclusion is recommended. Foods that are known to cause inflammation are eliminated from the diet. Foods that have a natural anti-inflammatory properties are added. This is sometimes called an anti-inflammatory diet, similar to what is often recommended for arthritis and osteoarthritis. Fish oil is one of the supplements recommended, with a complement of high quality multi-nutrient.
Omega 3 fish oil is different
The omega-3 oils in fish are different from those in plants such as flaxseed. It was argued that the omega-3 fatty acids in flax can be converted to other essential fatty acids in the body. But researchers have shown that flaxseed supplementation does not increase circulating levels of DHA, which means that DHA is itself "essential." For strict vegetarians or vegans, supplements containing seaweed are better choices. This is where the fish get their DHA.
Herbal extracts and vitamins
Other supplements that are beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease such as vitamin D3, Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and vitamin E. The natural plant extracts which have anti-inflammatory drugs are also beneficial. These include green tea extract, olive leaf, ginger and turmeric. Many doctors recommend 2-3000mg of fish oil per day distilled. A strong suggestion is to start with 1000 mg if well tolerated, it can be increased. At high doses, it sometimes causes diarrhea.
Fish oil - special treatment
Molecular distillation is recommended because of the risk of mercury and other contaminants. Molecular distillation does not interfere with the content of omega-3 supplement that some companies say. No heat is used in the molecular distillation. The oils are cleaned using pressurization.
Probiotics important
Probiotics may also be beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease, particularly if a person has recently taken antibiotics, and often took in the past. Probiotics restore the natural flora that contributes to digestive health. You see, fish oil is not the only natural suggestion.
Powerful combination: fish oil and multi-nutrient
A good complement multi-nutrient is recommended to help reduce inflammation and also because of the low nutritional intake and poor absorption of nutrients. Frequent episodes of diarrhea lead to poor absorption of nutrients. Loss of appetite medium to low nutrient intake.
During outbreaks, a low fiber diet is recommended. During periods of remission, a diet rich in fiber is recommended. Thus, dietary changes over time is one of the key management. With omega-3, increased nutritional intake and dietary changes, and inflammatory bowel disease can be managed effectively without surgery or drugs. See my website for more information on the value of oil Fish and overall health. Thank you, Larry L. Taylor