Posted by Kacy on August 26, 2003, at 22:43:37
In reply to Re: for gut health » Larry Hoover, posted by BarbaraCat on August 26, 2003, at 11:42:13
Hi, Larry. I read all your posts and keep many as notes. I have been trying the suggestions.
So far, I tried fish oil three times. The second time I took it religiously for a month. I could only tolerate two black capsules without noticing my heart pound. I don't have heart problems. I got acne so badly that month I couldn't believe it. It's a problem, anyway. I took zinc and e with it and ate the fish oil with yogurt. The third time, I tried it just to see if it caused the acne. This time I broke out on day two. By four days, I regretted continuing. Two other people on this board posting about fish oil causing acne recently.
I tried flax seed oil and seemed to get acne, too. I am getting ready to try it again. I didn't keep taking it for long and something else may have broken me out.
In the meantime, I'm looking for alternatives. So far, I started having a handful of plain almonds a day. I found the following information on the net. I not sure if these sources are as good as cod liver oil or fish oil. There always seems to be a catch.
Walnuts: "New studies show that walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids. Fish are the more familiar source of these beneficial fats, but walnuts contain an omega-3 called alpha linolenic acid (ALA). A high intake of ALA is protective against heart attack. Studies suggest that 2 grams of ALA--the amount in an ounce of walnuts--a day is sufficient to produce these benefits.""English walnuts are a supersource of omega-3 fatty acid, which is considered the main lifesaving agent in fish. Walnuts have five times more omega-3 than any other nut. Very few plant foods have any at all. Walnuts also are high in antioxidant anti-cancer ellagic acid. "
"The following servings all supply about 2 grams of alpha-linolenic acid:… 1 ounce walnuts (about 14 walnut halves)."
[Larry: is an ounce of walnuts, then, a good supply compared to the amounts people talk about taking on this board?]
Almonds: "Almonds have the most nutrients per calorie; they are packed with calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, riboflavin and the most fiber of any nut - 3 grams per ounce. Almonds are exceptionally high in vitamin E, which helps thwart artery clogging, boosts immunity and may help prevent cancer. " [Larry - I thought these had Omega 3 but can't find the note, now. I think I've been eating the wrong nuts. Should have been eating walnuts.]
Brazil nuts: "The large crescent-shaped kernels contain alpha-linolenic acid, which converts to omega-3 fatty acids in the body; it is the omega-3 fatty acids which scientists feel may reduce the risk of heart disease."
"Brazil nuts, a holiday favorite, are the food richest in selenium, a potent antioxidant linked to low rates of cancer and heart disease. If you ate only one Brazil nut a day, you would never be deficient in selenium, says Donald J. Lisk, at Cornell University. Gobbling more than a half-dozen Brazil nuts every day could add up to nausea-causing selenium toxicity, he cautions. "
I found this information, below, too. Are the items they mention as good as fish oil or are there better ways?"Only a few foods are rich in alpha-linolenic acid. In the Lyon study, participants ate a specially prepared canola-oil margarine high in this omega-3. (In the traditional Mediterranean diet, such foods as walnuts and a dark leafy green called purslane supply alpha-linolenic acid.) You can easily match the amount of alpha-linolenic acid the study participants consumed: 1% of total calories, or 2 grams a day, by adding canola oil, soybean oil, flaxseed, or walnuts to your diet. The following servings all supply about 2 grams of alpha-linolenic acid: 2 tbsp. canola or soybean oil; 1 tbsp. flaxseed; or 1 ounce walnuts (about 14 walnut halves). But don't go overboard: Some studies suggest that taking in very high amounts of alpha-linolenic acid leads to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
"The Supplement Alternative You can also get alpha-linolenic acid by taking flaxseed oil supplements, but it's an expensive way to do so. Four 1,000 mg capsules are needed to get 2 grams of alpha-linolenic acid. A better source may be bottled flaxseed oil (sold in health-food stores--keep it refrigerated), which can be used in place of other vegetable oils in salad dressings or to flavor foods. Many people enjoy the nutty taste of flaxseed oil. One tablespoon has 7.5 grams of alpha-linolenic acid. You can bake with flaxseed oil, but don't use it to fry or saute: It breaks down under very high heat."
Larry: Is a tablespoon of flax oil enough? Can I get the same results making waffles, etc. with any 'ol grocery store canola oil instead of the expensive flax oil? That's not only cheaper, but this is a lot of fat grams to add to my diet when fat makes me gain weight and I could be using it for the oil in my food.
Also: I started taking these softgel Bluebonnet Tonalin CLA 1000 Safflower Oil 1000 mg. 72% - 82 % Conjugated Linoleic Acid supplements. Other ingredients: Gelatin, glycerin, water, conjugated linoleic acid (Tonalin), fatty acids. Is this the same thing as the stuff above and did I pay a ridiculous price for nothing but safflower oil in gelatin? Would the same amount of any 'ol safflower oil from the store be the same?
I would appreciate your help on these questions.
poster:Kacy
thread:252684
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030823/msgs/254568.html