Encouraging Health

In this ever more polluted world, sometimes you just can’t avoid a little bit of particulate matter in your lungs.

So go fish! Eating finny food not only reduces your risk for heart disease but also may protect your heart from air-pollution-induced arrhythmias.

Taking Heart Against Pollution
Short-term exposure to small airborne particles spewed from cars, power plants, and other industrial sources may cause an irregular heart rate. Serious stuff, because it could open the door to heart arrhythmias and even heart attacks in people who are over 60 or have heart or lung diseases.

Airing Things Out
But fish could help thwart that unhealthy chain of events. A study found that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help alleviate those irregular beats. That’s just what happened when people over 60 who were exposed to particulate matter took a daily fish oil supplement. Fish oil supplements aren’t for everyone, though, and should be discussed with a doctor first.

What should I watch out for?
Do not take fish oil without your healthcare provider’s approval if you have:

AIDS or HIV
an allergy to fish or seafood
aspirin-sensitive asthma
bipolar disorder
high blood pressure
liver disease.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this remedy. High doses of fish oil may increase your risk of bleeding.

Females of childbearing age: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take large doses of this remedy without your healthcare provider’s approval.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or considering. If your provider does not give you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

Natural remedies are not always safe.

You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider’s approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider’s approval.

They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
Natural remedies are not standardized and may have different strengths and effects. They may be contaminated.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unusual bruising or bleeding.

Other: Stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, loose stools, bad breath.

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