Omega 3 Sources for Fish Allergies
How you can find omega 3 sources if you have a fish allergy
Omega 3 sources can be difficult if you have a fish allergy, especially if that allergy is life threatening. Omega 3s are an essential part of a healthy diet, and scientific studies have found that the human body absorbs omega 3 sources from animals much more efficiently than those from plants.
However, even a severe fish allergy doesn't mean you have to give up on omega 3 benefits. With a bit of work, you can make sure you're getting the healthiest possible diet.
Options for people with fish allergies
If you have only a mild fish allergy, or if you've only ever reacted to shellfish, it may be worth your while to try a very high grade fish oil supplement under your doctor's direction. Fish allergies occur to a protein that is not often found on omega 3 supplements, so you may find that you have no problem at all when it comes to animal omega 3 sources.
If, on the other hand, you have a life threatening or very severe allergy to fish products, even if it's only shellfish, it's not a good idea to gamble with fish oil supplements. If that's the case, you'll have to branch out into other options.
1. Seal Oil
Some studies suggest that seal oil, which is generally safe for those with fish allergies, may actually provide greater omega 3 benefits than fish oil. It's harder to find seal oil supplements, but they also tend to be much higher quality than inexpensive fish oil supplements.
2. Consult your doctor
Your doctor may be able to recommend a vegan omega 3 supplement that effectively replaces fish oil. You can find omega 3 sources such as flaxseed oil on the market, but studies show they do not absorb into the human body nearly as well as fish oil.
3. Decrease omega 6 in your diet
You need omega 3 benefits for their own merits, but you also need them to balance out the large amounts of omega 6 fatty acids in the American diet. Limiting the number of omega 6 oils you consume will result in less of a need for omega 3s.
4. Find alternative omega 3 sources
Algae is one of the best vegetarian sources of omega 3. You can also get omega 3 from lean, grain fed and wild meats, especially from organ meats. These are very high in omega 3 oils and won't trigger your fish allergy.
Remember, a fish allergy is not an excuse for a poor diet! You want to eat well and maintain your health, so don't let allergies stop you. Check out these alternative omega 3 sources to help you along!
