Our clients in Massachusetts, love the idea of having a personalized science backed dietary program to help overcome physical problems, like diabetes and obesity. It’s a guide to aid them in choosing the ride foods and avoiding the wrong ones. Even if a food or supplement is healthy, you can overdo it and consume too much, no matter what the food or supplement. It takes a lot, but you can even drink too much water. One problem with healthy supplements is that it’s easy to overdo when it’s in concentrated form. For instance, fish oil is extremely healthy, but you can also get too much fish oil and face side effects.
If you’re diabetic or borderline, stay away from high doses of fish oil.
While there’s always opposing research on everything, there are some pretty convincing studies that show that when you supplement with too much fish oil, it could increase blood sugar levels. The research is mostly about the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids on blood sugar levels of people with diabetes and people use fish oil to supplement their omega-3 fatty acid intake. Larger doses of omega-3s can contribute to high blood sugar levels over the long term. The debate is over what’s considered larger doses.
Low blood pressure and bleeding are two more signs you should discontinue fish oil supplements.
If you took 640 mg of fish oil every day for four weeks, there’s a potential your blood clotting ability would decrease. Too much fish oil is linked to a higher risk of nosebleeds and bleeding gums, too. If you already have low blood pressure, be aware that fish oil can significantly reduce your blood pressure even further. For those with high blood pressure, it can be beneficial.
Your belly may not appreciate the fish oil.
Too much fish oil can cause acid reflux and/or diarrhea. In fact, diarrhea is a very common side effect of too much fish oil. It also can occur if you’re using other omega-3 supplements like flaxseed oil. Acid reflux, belching, nausea and other tummy troubles can occur when you’re taking too much fish oil. What’s even worse is that the fishy taste will come back in your mouth when you burp. Try cutting back on the fish oil and taking it with other food when you do take it.
- If you’re taking any medications ask your health care professional about fish oil supplements before you take them. This is especially important if you’re taking blood thinners.
- You might increase your chances for a hemorrhagic stroke from too much fish oil. While animal studies show it happens, human studies aren’t conclusive, but it does thin the blood.
- Depending on the type of fish oil you take, you may be subjecting yourself to potential vitamin A toxicity. Cod liver oil, for instance, is high in vitamin A and too much of it can cause problems.
- Fish oil supplements can help you sleep, but too much can actually keep you awake at night with insomnia. High doses may trigger anxiety and/or insomnia, particularly in those prone to depression.
For more information, contact us today at ProWeightLoss