Top 5 benefits of fish oil supplements

Top 5 benefits of fish oil supplements

Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for the heart, skin, and various vital organs of the body. While it is best to get an adequate intake of fish oil directly from fish such as mackerel, tuna, herring, trout, and sardines, fish oil supplements are an excellent alternative. So, if one is considering boosting their omega-3 intake, here are the key benefits of fish oil supplements:

1. Boosts heart health
Fish oil helps support a healthy heart by helping lower cholesterol, maintain blood pressure, and prevent plaque formation that hardens arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent stroke and other cardiovascular illnesses. Additionally, fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help in stabilizing atherosclerotic lesions. Research also suggests that those who take fish oil supplements for more than a month may see improvement in heart health.

2. Helps reduce inflammation
Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce chronic inflammation that can lead to health conditions like heart disease or diabetes. While the role of omega-3 fatty acids isn’t fully understood in managing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, they are known to reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

3. Promotes healthy skin
Fish oil supplements contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and D, and selenium. These nutrients promote skin healing, improve barrier function, and fight or prevent inflammation caused by exposure to harmful UV light. The vitamin A in fish oil supplements helps boost skin elasticity and slow down the aging process.

4. Maintains eye health
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a condition that causes vision loss in older adults. It is seen that those who add fish to their daily meals have a lower risk of developing AMD and other eye-related illnesses. Similarly, those who take fish oil supplements regularly may be able to prevent vision loss and slow down AMD progression.

5. Helps in managing arthritis symptoms
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common form of arthritis that wears down the cartilage in the joints and causes extreme pain and difficulty in walking and performing other day-to-day activities. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks healthy cells, leading to stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints. Here, adding fish oil sources to the daily nutritional regimen can help. Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help in reducing chronic pain associated with OA and RA.

So, fish oil supplements can benefit the heart, eyes, and skin, as well as help in managing inflammation associated with various health conditions. However, it is important to consult a physician before adding fish oil supplements to daily meals. This is because a doctor can assess overall health and recommend the right food-based changes and treatment to deal with nutrient deficiencies without increasing the risk of complications.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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5 natural remedies to get relief from sinus congestion

Sinus congestion happens when there is swelling of the tissues lining the sinuses. This condition blocks the nasal pathway and swells it up with excess mucus and fluid. It happens when there is an infection, such as cold, flu, or allergies. Sinus congestion can cause extreme discomfort and may affect one's daily life. However, there are some easy natural remedies and foods that alleviate the pain from sinus issues and provide relief from the condition. Staying hydrated Sinus congestion causes inflammation in the mucous membranes. This condition can be managed by staying hydrated. Consuming plenty of water and other fluids can help the mucous membranes function correctly and alleviate the symptoms of sinus congestion. Drinking hot tea is also known to help manage sinus congestion. It is best if the tea contains ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and lemon, as they have anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve pain. Eating fruits rich in vitamin C Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and contain antioxidant properties that help make white blood cells and fight infections, including sinus congestion. Fruits like oranges and lemons also have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce discomfort and inflammation caused by sinus congestion. Therefore, it is always a good idea to include vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in the daily meal plan to have a balanced nutrition and stay healthy. Using a neti pot Nasal congestion triggered by sinuses can be easily relieved with the help of nasal irrigation. This inexpensive remedy involves gently flushing out the mucus and cleansing the nasal passages using a neti pot. The saline mixture to use with the neti pot is available prepackaged, and one can also prepare it from home. Take three teaspoons of iodine-free salt and one teaspoon of baking soda and mix it thoroughly. Now mix one teaspoon of this mixture with 1 cup of filtered or distilled water and fill up the neti pot. Stand over a sink and spray or pour the solution into one nostril while tilting one's head and letting it flow through the other nostril. Repeat the same with the other nostril. It helps flush out the mucus as well as other irritants that might be blocking the nasal passage. Alternatively, one can also use bulb syringes or special squeeze bottles. Steam helps It is important to loosen the mucus to get some relief from the sinus congestion. Steam treatment is a helpful way to get immediate relief. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of hot water. Bend over the pot, cover one's head with a towel so that the steam is trapped inside the bowl, and inhale the steam as much as possible. Ensure not to get too close to the hot water and keep one's eyes closed. One can try this home remedy twice a day till one feels better.  Apply a warm and wet towel This is a go-to home remedy for immediate sinus relief. Holding a warm and wet towel against the face may help lower inflammation and swelling caused by sinus congestion. It may also help the individual inhale moist air, which eventually would keep the mucous membranes moist and help them function effectively.

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