Quote:
Originally Posted by pamperedmomoftwins
Is Flax one of the ones they highly recommend?? What does it do??
|
I would definatly take either the Flax Oil or something similar to the Total Woman which has Primrose Oil! They both can be found cheaper than what MRC offers!
Here is some info. on the Primrose Oil, Flax Oil, and Fish Oil!
Primrose Oil
What It Is Used For
Evening primrose oil has been used since the 1930s for eczema (a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, or scaly because of allergies or other irritation).
More recently it has been used for other conditions involving inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Evening primrose oil is used for conditions affecting women's health, such as breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome.
Other conditions for which evening primrose oil is used include cancer and diabetes.
Side Effects and Cautions
Evening primrose oil is well tolerated by most people. Mild side effects include gastrointestinal upset and headache.
Flax Oil
What It Is Used For
Flaxseed is most commonly used as a laxative.
Flaxseed is also used for hot flashes and breast pain.
Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions than flaxseed, including arthritis.
Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used for high cholesterol levels and in an effort to prevent cancer.
Side Effects and Cautions
Flaxseed and flaxseed oil supplements seem to be well tolerated. Few side effects have been reported.
Flaxseed, like any supplemental fiber source, should be taken with plenty of water; otherwise, it could worsen constipation or, in rare cases, even cause intestinal blockage.
The fiber in flaxseed may lower the body's ability to absorb medications that are taken by mouth. Flaxseed should not be taken at the same time as any conventional oral medications or other dietary supplements.
Fish Oil
Benefits
What is fish oil and what are the fish oil benefits?
Fish oil is harvested from cold-water fish, including mackerel, tuna, salmon, cod and others. Nutritionists have recommended including cold water fish as part of a heart healthy diet for years, as it contains two of the most important and easily absorbed Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.
The Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil are essential for heart health, and offer the following heart specific benefits, among others:
Benefits of Fish Oil:
Extensive scientific research has concluded that Omega 3 fish oil health benefits include:
1) Lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body.
2) Stopping the buildup of fatty deposits (triglycerides) in the arteries.
3) Increasing the body's HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
4) Reducing inflammation in the blood.
Fish oil has also been used to treat conditions such as depression, eczema, IBD, macular degeneration and arthritis. Fish oil benefits the heart significantly, as well as the rest of the body.
Side effects and Cautions (Info. from 2 different sites)
The most commonly reported side effects of fish oil supplements include fishy odor on the breath, upset stomach, and greasy stools. A more serious side effect can be an increase in LDL cholesterol, a harmful form of cholesterol. Large doses of fish oil supplements may also cause weight gain and decrease the absorption of vitamins A, E, D, and K from the stomach. If you have diabetes, use caution when taking fish oil supplements, they are reported to increase blood sugar.
Consuming excessive amount of fish-oil capsules can result in excessive bleeding, gastrointestinal distress, anemia, or strokes. Other possible adverse effects that have been reported include easy bruising, and occasional nosebleeds. Some patients report a slight "fishy taste" in their mouth after taking fish oil capsules. In this case, a strong mouthwash might be recommended to remove the taste and any residual bad breath.
Sounds like a personal preference to me! Doing the research, I might rethink which one I take! The cancer prevention is a plus, seeing as cancer runs in my family! The constipation thing don't seem like it would be an issue due to the amount of water we drink! I havn't noticed any affects on the other meds I take!