How Can Fish Oil Help Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is a group of inflammatory conditions of the large and small intestine. The major types of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, although there are several less common types. Any of these may benefit from fish oil, because of the natural anti-inflammatory activity of omega-3 fatty acids.

Treating inflammatory bowel disease is challenging. For years, steroids, surgery and immunosuppressive drugs were considered the most effective forms of treatment. Since all of these options are accompanied by unwanted side effects, many health care professionals now believe that the first line of treatment should be dietary changes.

Diet Change is Step One

Often, an exclusion diet is recommended. Foods that are known to cause inflammation are eliminated from the diet. Foods that have natural anti-inflammatory activity are added. This is sometimes referred to as an anti-inflammatory diet, similar to what is often recommended for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Fish oil is one of the recommended supplements, along with a high quality multi-nutritional supplement.

Omega3 in Fish Oil is Different

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are different from those in plants, such as flax seed. It has been argued that the omega-3 fatty acids in flax can be converted to the other essential fatty acids by the body. But, researchers have found that flax supplementation does not increase circulating levels of DHA, meaning that DHA itself is �essential�. For strict vegetarians or vegans, supplements containing marine algae are better choices. That’s where fish get their DHA.

Herbal Extracts & Vitamins

Other supplements that are beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease include vitamin D3, coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and vitamin E. Plant extracts that have natural anti-inflammatory activity are also beneficial. These include green tea extract, olive leaf, ginger and turmeric. Many doctors recommend 2-3000mg of distilled fish oil per day. A safe suggestion is to start with 1000mg and if it is well tolerated, it may be increased. At high doses it sometimes causes diarrhea.

Fish Oil - Special Processing

Molecular distillation is recommended because of the risk of mercury and other contaminants. Molecular distillation does not negatively affect the content of omega-3 fatty acids, as some supplement companies say. No heat is used in 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 or has taken them frequently in the past. Probiotics restore the natural flora that contributes to good digestive health. You see, fish oil is not the only natural suggestion.

Powerful Combination:Fish Oil & Multi-Nutrients

A good multi-nutritional supplement is recommended to help reduce inflammation and also because of low nutrient intake and poor nutrient absorption. Frequent bouts of diarrhea lead to poor nutrient absorption. Loss of appetite means low nutrient intake.

During flare-ups, a low fiber diet is recommended. During periods of remission, a high fiber diet is recommended. So, making dietary changes as time goes by is one of the keys to management. With omega-3 fatty acids, increased nutritional intake and dietary changes, inflammatory bowel disease can be effectively managed, without surgery or drugs. See my website for more information on the value of fish oil and overall health. Thanks, Larry L. Taylor