Study finds fish oil improves outcome in sepsis patients, all people may benefit from more Omega-3s

According to a study conducted by Biomed Central, patients suffering with sepsis in the intensive care unit may enjoy a more favorable outcome with fish oil rather than soy oil in their intravenous nutrition.

The study conducted by Phillip Calder and his researchers involved 23 patients. They concluded that the 13 fish oil patients achieved better lung function, improved inflammatory markers in the blood, and left the hospital earlier than the 10 patients who were receiving soy oil. The results of this study warrant more investigation and a move towards replacing soy oil with fish oil in intravenous nutrition if the results remain favorable.

Natural health practitioners recommend fish oil or more Omega-3’s for most people. Fish oil is abundant in Omega-3 fatty acids which are severely lacking in today's Standard American Diet (SAD). People who participate in a SAD generally include an abundance of Omega-6 fatty acids but very few Omega-3 fatty acids in their diet.

The Biomed study may be competing for some of the omega-3 spotlight today because of the other study the Journal of the American Medical Association released last night. John McKenzie, an ABC new correspondent wrote a great article explaining:

“Specifically, the researchers behind the study report that for heart disease patients, omega-3 fatty acids may protect against death and illness by slowing biological aging.”

Humans require Omega-3's for many functions. A lack of them increases susceptibility to a long list of conditions. Achieving the proper ratio of fats in your body can improve your cholesterol ratio, reduce arthritis symptoms, prevent or improve cardiovascular disease, and lead to better long term brain function. People who have a better balance of omega fatty acids enjoy better health overall.

According to Dr. Mercola, a highly respected holistic medical doctor;

“The dietary ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids suggest that in early human history the ratio was about 1:1. Currently most Americans eat a dietary ratio that falls between 20:1 and 50:1. The optimal ratio is most likely closer to the original ratio of 1:1."

Fish oil is the shining star among omega-3 rich foods but you can find them in other delicious foods as well. Flax seeds, 100% grass fed beef, butter made with grass fed milk, walnuts, beans, pumpkin seeds, and even raspberries can all be a good source of Omega-3’s. Healthy fats are an important boost to your health, talk to your naturopathic physician about the best way for you to realize some of the health benefits of improving your fat ratio.

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References:
BioMed Central (2010, January 19). Fish oil given intravenously to patients in intensive care has many benefits, study finds. ScienceDaily.
Loren Cordain, Ph.d.(2002) The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Food You Were Designed to Eat Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Balch Enterprises, LLC & Steinglervision, Inc. (2004) Prescription for Natural Cures Wiley & Sons, Inc