Fish Oil - Sources, Benefits, Side Effects, Applications, and Precautions

Introduction:

It is normal to lose hair every day. A person generally sheds 50 to 100 strands of hair every day. Then hair grows to its full length and prepares to shed. This is the natural hair growth cycle. If this gets disturbed, some nutritional supplements must be taken to tackle it. One such dietary supplement is fish oil which has a lot of benefits for hair.

What Is Fish Oil?

Fish oils are oils derived from the natural tissues of fishes and are extracted from oil fishes such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3 fatty acids cannot be manufactured in our body but must be taken through diet. Therefore, these fish oils can be utilized through food and as supplements to reap their benefits.

What Are the Sources of Fish Oil?

Fish oil is extracted from the following sources;

• Herring.

• Sardines.

• Salmon.

• Tuna.

• Tilefish.

• Swordfish.

• Greenshell.

• Red snapper.

• Shark.

• King mackerel.

• Silver gemfish.

How Can We Extract Fish Oil?

Fish oils are extracted from the tissues of fish. Methods of extraction of oil are

• Using supercritical fluids.

• Using solvents.

• Fish silage.

• Wet pressing.

Wet pressing involves cooking, pressing, decantation and centrifugation.

How Does Fish Oil Benefits Hair?

• In combination with antioxidants, fish oil can help increase the hair density.
• Stimulates Hair Growth: Fish oil promotes hair growth by improving the blood supply to the hair follicles and stimulates the proliferation of dermal papilla cells.
• It increases the thickness of hair and reverses the symptoms of baldness.
• Antibacterial Property: It improves scalp health by keeping it clean. It protects the skin from dermatitis and promotes wound healing.
• Prevents Hair Loss: Omega-3 fatty acid present in fish oil prevents hair loss by inhibiting the enzyme that causes it.
• It enhances the natural growth cycle, and changes can be noticed within three months.
• Prevents Dandruff: Fish oil regulates sebum production, reducing scalp irritation and treating dandruff.
• Improves Shine: It nourishes dry hair and adds shine and luster to hair.
• It prevents graying of hair.

What Are the Other Uses of Fish Oil?

• Reduces the Risk of Heart Infections: Fish oil decreases the rate of blood vessel re-blockage.
• Relieves the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis: It reduces swelling and joint pain.
• Fish oil prevents rheumatoid arthritis.
• Reduces the fat and cholesterol level.
• During pregnancy, it reduces the risk of the child having nausea and vomiting from infection of the intestines.
• Reduces liver fat and improves liver health.
• Helps In Weight Loss: Fish oil intends to add good fat instead of bad fat, aiding in weight loss.
• Reduces Inflammation: Fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in maintaining gut health.
• In combination with Vitamin E and Vitamin B12, fish oil improves painful periods and reduces the need for painkillers for menstrual cramps.
• Protects against sun damage.
• Delays Skin Aging: As aging occurs, skin loses collagen, and lipid barriers deteriorate. The application of fish oil tends to retain moisture in the skin.
• Alleviates Psoriasis: Omega-3 fatty acid in the oil boosts the hydration level and improves the skin's barrier function. It also causes soothing of inflamed skin.
• Reduces Acne: Omega-3 fatty acid in the oil deals with excessive sebum production and thus treats acne.

How to Take Fish Oil?

• Fish oil can be taken through a diet, topical application, and supplements.
• Fish oil supplements are available as liquids, capsules, and pills.
• It can be topically applied over the scalp, skin, and hair roots. Although it has a foul odor, it is used for its beneficial effects.
• Fish oil capsules can be taken with water during meals.
• Supplements are usually taken with a doctor’s prescription in the correct dose.

How to Apply Fish Oil for Hair?

• Mix olive oil with fish oil in a 2:1 ratio.

• Apply it to the hair and leave it off for 30 to 45 minutes.

• Then shampoo your hair.

• Do this once a week for three to four weeks.

• This practice provides positive results.

Fish oil taken through diet and supplements also aids in beneficial hair growth.

What Are the Side Effects of Using Fish Oil?

The side effects of using fish oil are;

• Headache.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Bad breath.

• Fishy taste.

• Indigestion.

• Heartburn.

• Bleeding.

• Loose stools.

• High blood sugar levels.

• Stroke.

• Vitamin A toxicity.

• Insomnia.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken While Using Fish Oil?

• Fish oil is generally safe. Try to get them through a diet.
• Fish oil supplements are advisable only for individuals with high cholesterol levels and rheumatoid arthritis.
• They should not be taken by puncturing the capsule; instead, it has to be swallowed.
• Too much fish oil can showcase the risk of bleeding and stroke. It also affects the immune response. So fish oil has to be taken only with a doctor’s prescription.
• If fish oil shows some allergic reactions like swelling of the face, lips, throat, and tongue swelling, stop using it and get emergency help.

Who Should Avoid Fish Oil?

• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid eating sharks, king mackerel, and tilefish as they contain mercury and other toxins.
• Young children should consume no more than two ounces of fish per week. They should avoid eating fatty fish as it can cause serious adverse effects on them.
• Diabetic patients should not take higher doses as it becomes difficult to control blood sugar levels.
• Individuals with bipolar disorder may show increased symptoms when they take fish oil supplements.
• Individuals with high blood pressure and bleeding disorders should avoid fish oil.
• Individuals under contraceptive pills should also avoid fish oil.

Conclusion:

Since omega-3 fatty acid is found in fish oil, it has several health benefits. However, this does not mean taking fish oil is a substitute for medications. Although fish oil supplements are available at health food stores, speaking to your doctor before taking them is crucial. They can provide further recommendations on whether it is helpful to take fish oil and other treatments.