Can Fish Oils help situational depression?

Q. I was on anti-depressants for 6+ years, and the finest pure fish oils by Pharmax cured my depression! I think I was lacking the Omega 3’s. My question is, can omega-3 fish oils help situational depression? My sister is feeling like she is a little depressed but I think it's because she Russia and is having a very rough spot in her marriage, and her 7 year old is having some problems in school. Would taking fish oil help her fight her depression?

A. I'm so glad to hear that you've cured your depression though the Pharmax Finest Pure Fish Oil and haven't needed any medications!

Certainly fish oils could be helpful for your sister, but she could also be deficient in vitamin D due to the lack of sunlight a good portion of the year in Russia. I would also recommend this:

• D-Mulsion liquid vitamin D drops to help her get her vitamin D levels up. She could start off with 2-3 drops a day with meals to start improving her levels, then when she is feeling better go down to 1 drop a day for maintenance.

If trying these products do not improve her depression in 1-2 months, then she may need more help. Here are a couple of suggestions, I would recommend either she try one or the other first:

• 5HTP - 5 Hydroxytryptophan, made from the amino acid L-tryptophan with the help of Vitamin B6, is a precursor to serotonin production. The amino acid tryptophan can be found naturally in protein foods such as turkey and milk. Serotonin is a very important neurotransmitter known as "the feel good hormone". Using 5HTP has a similar effect as using an SSRI antidepressant, only without the drug side effects. It helps the body's own production of serotonin, which can be quite effective at improving depression. This is a 50mg dose, a good one to start with, as she can build up to 100 - 200mg a day to find the dose that works best for her.

• SAMe is a great product for improving mild to moderate depression. Please see the link I've included to read more about SAMe, it can be very helpful to elevate the brain's melatonin and phosphatidylcholine. Inadequate levels of SAMe in tissues and plasma and cerebral spinal fluid have been found to be highly correlated with conditions such as: depression, alzheimer's and dementia. Suboptimal levels of SAMe in some individuals may be due to insufficient amounts of the precursor amino acid methionine (diets low in protein, or diets containing mostly vegetarian protein which are typically low in methionine) and/or the necessary cofactors B12 (vegetarians, inadequate absorption) and folate and/or lack of a basic vitamin supplement.

For some individuals, even if they are supplementing methionine and/or getting sufficient amounts of methionine from animal proteins, SAMe synthesis is still not adequate due to a low activity of the enzyme SAMe synthetase.

Even if the body is producing normal or average levels of SAMe, certain physiological states create an increased demand for it, such as: aging, dietary deficiency, inflammatory states, emotional/physical stress or genetic polymorphysms, which can drastically improve depression.

HLC Probiotics, Cod Oil, and Colostrum Help IBS

Q. I now take HLC High Potency. What other supplements do you recommend for IBS? Can adults take the HLC Neonate Powder, and if so in what dose?

A. Since you are already taking the HLC High Potency, you could add the HLC Neonate for additional probiotic support because it has the B infantis strain not found in the HLC High Potency. It would be fine to take these both in their recommended dosage.

IBS can also be helped by several other products that support the intestinal walls and decrease symptoms. To add to these probiotics I would also recommend:

• GI Revive - to help soothe and support your GI, 1 teaspoon mixed with 4 oz water, twice a day. This also comes in capsules if your prefer.

• Tegricel Colostrum - 1 capsule before meals, 2 per day, to enhance general immune function and to help reduce the annoying and sometimes debilitating effects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s, Celiac and Ulcerative Colitis. It has been suggested to heal and repair damaged tissue from the use of NSAID’s.

• Cod Liver Oil by DFH - 1 TBSP a day with any meal to reduce inflammation.

• Digestzymes - these are digestive enzymes along with a little HCL to help with the digestion of your foods. Take 1 with each meal.

How much DHA should I take during my pregnancy?

Q. My doctor started me on 300mg of DHA Omega-3 during my pregnancy. I'm unsure of the quality of this product and of the dosing. What do you recommend?

A. I recommend you take more than what your Doctor has you taking. Research on the wide range of benefits Omega-3s during pregnancy is incredible and it might be worth your time to have a look at the summaries of the clinical trials: Pregnancy research on Omega-3s

Based on these dosing studies and benefits, I recommend you take 1,000mg of DHA per day (2 teaspoons) in combination with EPA. These two Omega-3 ingredients should be taken together and are found naturally in Fish Oil such as Cod Liver Oil. If you take the liquid, it can be mixed into a smoothie, or into yogurt, applesauce, or right off the spoon.

I would also recommend taking 1 Tablespoon (= 3 tsp) of Finest Pure Cod Liver Oil by Pharmax. Quality of the fish oils you take is of utmost importance. Never choose an inexpensive brand that does not do quality control testing since they might skip the purification process and the oils may be full of mercury and dioxins which are harmful to your fetus.

As for multi-vitamins, I recommend the DFH Twice Daily Prenatal packets and alternate these with the Before Baby Boost Prenatal System by Sound Formulas to see which one you feel better on. They are both very complete formulas and far superior and more complete than doctor prescribed prenatals. You can read from our pregnancy nutrition section.

How do I use GLA 90 BlackCurrant Oil if I am menstruating?

Q. Can you recommend how I should take GLA BlackCurrant Oil along with my fish oil, probiotics, alfalfa, and flax seed oil? Should there be any difference taking it while menstruating?

A. You can take it along with the other supplements you've listed, except you may want to cut back a tiny bit on the amount of flax oil you are taking because it has some of the same fatty acids (ALA, LA & OA). Linoleic and Oleic Acids are best to be consumed in moderation and not in excess.

If your menstruating, GLA should only taken during the pre-ovulation period of each cycle (from the first day of menstruation until ovulation). This is usually Day 1 - 14 for women with normal cycles. This is because it is converted to prostaglandins that are types of enzymes that have been shown to balance female reproductive hormones and support a wide range of bodily functions, including moisture regulation of mucous membranes. If you are no longer ovulating then this does not matter.

GI Microb X relieves my eczema, how long do I take and any other suggestions?

Q. I have been taking GI Microb X for the past 4 months due to my eczema on my hands. It is the only thing that I have found that helps relieve the symptoms. I need to order some more today, but wanted to ask you how long I can take this product and if there is anything else that I can do for my eczema (food related)?

A. I would suggest taking a break from the GI Microb-X. This product is not meant to be used for long periods of time without taking a break.

Treating eczema can be challenging because there are several things that need to be accessed and controlled:

- Food Allergies - need to be determined and allergenic foods should be excluded from the diet for up to one year. If you need help with this, I can give you some guidance.
- Lowering histamine
- Killing negative bacteria and Candida Albicans in the gut (GI MicrobX helps with this)
- Healing the intestines from damage caused by food allergies and bacteria
- Elevate immune system

I would recommend starting to address gut healing, and I will also recommend other supportive products. Here are my recommendations (based on research with eczema patients) to get started on:

• Genuine Norwegian Cod Liver Oil - for the essential fatty acids and extra vitamin A & D. Helps to lower inflammation and EFAs help reduce eczema. Take 2-3 tsp / day with food, and increase cold water fish in your diet to 2-3 servings per week.

• GI Revive - to heal the gut lining. Take 1 heaping tsp, twice daily, mix with water or juice.

• Dandelion Tincture - helps an immune mechanism that is important in destroying bacteria and foreign particles. The activation of this could result in restoration of your own ability to destroy bacteria. Take 20 drops three times daily with water, 30 minutes before meals.

• Immunitone Plus - strengthens your immune system and herbs that more gentle to the GI tract that still have anti-microbial and anti-yeast activity.

• HLC Intensive Probiotic - it is important to replenish the good bacteria in the gut after using GI MicrobX. The ingredients in this product will also wipe out your good gut flora. I would recommend 2 caps with 2 meals a day.

For your hands, you might try this cream. It has soothing chamomile and calendula and zinc for healing. It is fragrance free. It is also important to avoid exposure to chemical irritants and any other agents that might cause skin irritation. Avoid greasy cream preparations since they block sweat ducts.

• Calendula Diaper Care by Welda

I hope this helps, please let me know if you need further guidance!

How are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) broken down and does it tax the liver?

Q. How are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) broken down in the body? Does it require much work from the liver?

A. EFAs are broken down in the gut (hydrolyzed) and the individual fatty acids are absorbed by the enterocytes lining the GI tract. The enterocytes assemble the fatty acids and glycerol into triglycerides. The riglycerides and other fat soluble nutrients are collected and assembled into chylomicrons, which are absorbed by the lacteals (lymphatic vessels of the small intestines).

The chylomicrons flow with the lymph into the blood and reaches every tissue in the body. In the tissues the triglycerides are absorbed in a similar way as triglycerides are absorbed by the enterocytes. In the tissues the fatty acids can be metabolized into for example local hormones.

The hydrolization process in the gut requires lipase secreted by the pancreas and bile synthesized in the liver and secreted from the gallbladder.

How many calories per teaspoon are there in Finest Pure Fish Oil Liquid?

Q. How many calories per teaspoon are there in Finest Pure Fish Oil Liquid?

A. There are 45 calories per teaspoon. It is important to note that the metabolism of these fats is not like the ordinary fats we consume and do not get stored as fat cells. Instead, they become active precursors (or ingredients) for our organs and hormones to aid in essential metabolic processes such as our immune system, brain, and skin cells.

Is there a chance that my fish oil, even though still clear, is rancid from heat?

Q. I bought essential fish oil. unfortunately it may have been exposed to heat above an oven. I dont know how hot it might have become. Is there a chance the oil is rancid? It still appears clear in the bottle.

A. Although fish oils can withstand quite a bit of heat, you’ll be able to tell if the oil is rancid by tasting and smelling it. If it has a powerful fishy taste and odor, then it is most likely rancid. Taste and smell the oil inside of the bottle, not on the cap or around the mouth of the bottle since the oil in these areas are exposed to air and always tend to be rancid.

What supplement is best for either a Vegan, or for a strict carnivore?

Q. What supplements do you recommend for someone who doesn't eat any fruits or vegetables at all? What supplements do you recommend for someone who doesn't eat meat?

A. You will absolutely feel a difference by incorporating a few great products into your daily routine! Here are the ones I recommend for you guys to read about and start with:

1. PaleoGreens by DFH: Take one Tablespoon in water each day. I start every morning with this one either in water or mixed with the Paleomeal Whey Protein
2. Paleomeal Whey Protein: (see smoothie recipes online- they taste great)

Additionally, adding in Omega 3s will make a huge improvement to your health, immune system, brain, energy, etc. Fish oils are the most powerful nutritional supplement in existence. The benefits are remarkable!

Omega Marine Liquid: Add 1 Tbsp to your Paleomeal smoothie each day. You won't taste it- it's not fishy at all. Or you can mix it into anything else like yogurt or applesauce. I personally take it right off the spoon and chase it down with a drink.

And, when you are ready, you should also start taking a good multi-vitamin every day. Here is one which is easy for beginners since it's only 1 twice daily: Twice Daily Multi by DFH (take one with meals twice daily)

Can the Finest Fish Oils by Pharmax be safely kept in the freezer?

Q. Can the Finest Fish Oils by Pharmax be safely kept in the freezer?

A. Yes, it is safe to freeze the Finest Fish Oils. It will extend the shelf life 1-2 years.

Can I take both teaspoons of Finest Fish Oils at once or only as directed?

Q. Could you tell me if there are any side effects to taking the Finest Fish Oils by Pharmax's suggested 2 teaspoons each day at the same time (rather than 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening)?

A. There absolutely no problem in taking 2 tsp fish oil at the same time rather than spread out. This is because fish oils are fat soluble and they can last in your body for days and weeks compared to water soluble vitamins like vitamin C which are excreted in just a few hours. For these water soluble vitamins and herbs, it's best to take them twice a day spread out to get optimal absorption.

I'm unsure of the health condition you have, but if you need to raise your Omega 3 levels more quickly, you can take up to 3 Tablespoons per day (9 teaspoons) for a month or two to remedy your condition, and then lower it down to a maintenance dose of 2 teaspoons. For example, people with inflammation in the joints or the lungs (asthma) need to take high dose fish oils.

Related Product: Finest Fish Oils by Pharmax

Does the EPA/DHA by Biogenesis Nutraceuticals use purified fish oil like Pharmax does?

Q. Does the EPA/DHA by Biogenesis Nutraceuticals use purified fish oil like Pharmax does?

A. BioGenesis EPA/DHA product does in fact have a Certificate of Analysis for heavy metals. But Pharmax has a cleaner analysis and is the purest fish oil available in the US. If you are looking for highest purity, Pharmax is your best product.

My 15 yo has mild ADD and taking 2.5 grams Omega3. Any advice to increase?

Q. I have a 15 year old son who has mild attentional problems. He has been taking an Omega 3 Fatty Acid for about 15 months but only 2.5 grams. Would you please advise me as to the increased dosage you would recommend? Should I increase slowly? Which of your products do you recommend?

A. Omega 3s are wonderful for optimizing brain function and attention/behavior problems, in addition to a wide range of other benefits including immune support, skin health, and lowering inflammation. The dose for a 15 year old is the same as an adult dose assuming he weighs over 90 pounds.

Average dosing range for Omega 3 fish oils are between 2-6 grams per day of pure EPA and DHA, and up to 8 grams short term (3 months) for acute illness or aggressive treatment of bowel or joint inflammation or cancer. I personally take the Finest Pure Fish Oil liquid by Pharmax 2-3 teaspoons per day (1 Tablespoon=3 teaspoons).

Here is the link to detailed information and order page for my favorite Omega 3 supplement which has proven to have highest quality & purity.

Is your son taking capsules or liquid, and which brand? There is such a big concern with quality of fish oils since our fish is so contaminated and purity is a concern. Never take fish oils from a company that won’t show you there purity testing analysis.

If he is taking the liquid, you can safely increase the dose to 1 Tablespoon per day with no concern about blood thinning expect before surgery. Anyone about to have surgery needs to stop fish oils, flax oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo 3 days before hand. And, if he is taking blood thinning medication, check with his doctor to see how he can safely wean off the medication since fish oil does thin the blood quite well, but with no negative side effects like the meds.

Is Vitamin E supplementation indicated when taking high doses of fish oil?

Q. I have recently read that when taking high doses of fish oil, vitamin E supplementation is also required. Any suggestions?

A. We do recommend that you take fat soluble antioxidants in conjunction with fish oils since antioxidants help to stabilize all Omega 3 oils including fish oil and flaxseed oil. Omega 3s are very delicate oils which easily go rancid when exposed to heat, and when inside the body the can cause oxidative stress (and aging), thus taking Vitamin E can protect against this as it neutralizes free radicals and protects the oil from oxidizing.

We recommend taking at least 400 IU of Vitamin E daily such as the one by Designs For Health, called High Gamma Delta Vitamin E which contains mixed tocopherols.

Will Berry Frutol spoil if left out of fridge for a day and a half?

Q. I purchased Berry Frutol and realized we left the bottle out for a day and a half. Is it still good to use?

A. There is no problem with leaving your fish oils out for a day or even a week. Ideally once opened, keeping it in the fridge will optimize its shelf life for up to a year. But keeping it out on the counter a few days is not a problem, especially if you will be finishing the bottle in the two months or so. The opaque bottle also helps to protect the oil from heat and sunlight which are the most damaging to the oils, but be sure to keep them away from those.

Is Pharmax Fish Oil molecularly distilled?

Q. Is Pharmax Fish Oil molecularly distilled?

A. Pharmax Finest Pure Fish Oils are not molecularly distilled. In addition, they do not measure oxidation levels before the purification process, but afterwards, which shows the true oxidation value since the purification process does damage and oxidize the oils.

Is the Finest Fish Oils by Pharmax free of metals and toxins?

Q. Is the Finest Fish Oils by Pharmax free of metals and toxins?

A. The Finest Fish Oils is of highest quality and free of metals and toxins to part per trillion (ppt).

What are the benefits of taking fish oils?

Q. What are the benefits of taking fish oils?

A. There are many great benefits to taking Omega 3 fish oils. Here are some of them:
Reduces or treats:

• Heart disease
• high triglycerides
• arrhythmias
• high blood pressure
• autoimmune disease
• IBS
• dry skin
• psoriasis
• arthritis
• diabetes
• immune weakness
• depression
• joint mobility

EFAs also promote optimal calcium balance and help promote bone density.

Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids include:

• Help retard atherosclerosis
• Lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides
• Reduce blood viscosity and help prevent heart attacks and strokes
• Keep skin, hair, and nails healthy
• Lower blood pressure
• Enhance the immune system
• Boost mood and prevent depression
• Help rheumatoid arthritis
• Help protect against Lupus
• Protect against migraines and kidney disease
• Help alleviate bronchial asthma
• Help autoimmune diseases

Related Product: Finest Fish Oils by Pharmax

What are the proper doses of EPA for either a 1, 3, & 5 yo child?

Q. Why is it not good for a one yr old to have too much EPA? At what age can they start to consume the Finest Pure Fish Oil? Are there any implications of having too much EPA? What is the dosage for a 3 and 5 yr old?

A. EPA and ARA compete with each other for absorption. If you give too much EPA it could inhibit absorption of ARA which is very important for proper brain development.

I usually say that when a child is two years old, it can begin to take the Finest Pure Fish Oil.

The dose for 3-5 year old ones depends a lot on diet, but I usually recommend 1/2 a tsp daily. Many doctors give them Berry Frutol - up to 1 tbs daily.

Why does Finest Fish Oil by Pharmax have a rubber stopper under the cap?

Q. I would like to know the purpose of the rubber cork that seals the bottle under the bottle cap for the Pharmax Finest Pure Fish Oil products.

A. The purpose of the air tight rubber cork is to prevent spillage during transportation and minimize oxygenation and increase preservation of the fish oils. The manufacturer vacuumed out the air from the bottle before it was capped so that no oxygen remained to cause oxidation or rancidity, and thus shelf life is extended. We recommend you keep your fish oils refrigerated when possible, but you may discard the rubber cork unless you'd like to use it as an extra seal during any travels with your oils.

Why is the bottle of Finest Pure Fish Oil by Pharmax only 3/4th full?

Q. Why is the bottle of Finest Pure Fish Oil by Pharmax only 3/4th full?

A. Although it only looks 3/4th full, this is the way all bottles are packaged. It does in fact contain the full 200ml of liquid. The manufacturer, Pharmax, filled a larger bottle only 3/4th full in order to leave a headspace to pull the vacuum. We assure you that there is always 200ml of oil in every bottle.

Pharmax has recently sourced a bottle that will allow 200mls and a much smaller headspace, and they will be moving over to this size once they have exhausted the stocks of the larger bottle.

Fish Oil improves health

I'm a heart transplant patient, and contribute my good health and blood chemistries to the religious use of the fish oil from you folks. thank you!!!!-----