When Should You Take Fish Oil Supplements?
Fish oil has a high concentration of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (DHA).
Fish oil’s omega-3 fatty acid content appears responsible for its health advantages. The body does not manufacture many omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids relieve pain and edema while also preventing blood clots.
Many health experts recommend fish oil supplements to ensure you get enough of the essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. But when is the best time to take fish oil supplements?
This question has no one solution because it is dependent on your body. However, it is vital to note that you should take fish oil supplements with meals.
Breakfast
Regular fish oil supplements can be an excellent way to help your body achieve optimal health. However, like other aspects of healthy living, determining the optimal time for you is critical.
One of the most common times people choose to take fish oil is at breakfast, which many experts agree is the most important meal of the day. It’s an excellent opportunity to kick-start your metabolism and give your brain the energy it needs to perform at its best.
It’s also a great chance to fill up on protein and healthy fats, which have been shown to aid your body’s ability to absorb omega-3 fatty acids.
It would be best if you always tried to eat a healthy breakfast, but it’s essential when taking fish oil. Studies have shown that omega-3s are absorbed 300% better when eaten with high-fat meals.
While some people might be tempted to skip this first meal of the day, skipping breakfast isn’t recommended because it can throw off your body’s natural rhythms of fasting and eating.
Consider whether you are getting enough omega-3s in your diet. If you’re not, you should eat a few more servings of fatty fish per week or consider supplementing with high-quality fish oil.
Lunch
Depending on your needs, the best time to take fish oil supplements is when you have a meal. It is because omega-3s are absorbed more effectively with meals that contain fat.
However, you can still eat a big, indulgent lunch to reap the benefits of these essential fatty acids. Instead, it means you have to make an effort to eat foods with good fats, such as nuts and avocados, throughout the day.
Another reason that taking fish oil supplements with a meal is essential is the triglyceride-reducing effects of omega-3s. Triglycerides are the byproducts of fat breakdown and can be dangerous if your body stores too much of them.
It is because triglycerides can cause heart disease and other complications if not broken down properly in your body. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is essential.
Finding the right time to take your supplement can be tricky, but it’s also important to stick with it. The best way to achieve this is to establish a routine that works for you and your lifestyle. Getting enough sleep, eating various nutritious foods, and staying consistent with your supplementation will all contribute to the health benefits you want from it.
Dinner
Taking fish oil supplements at the right time is critical to reap their maximum benefits. Ideally, omega-3s EPA and DHA should be taken with a meal that contains fat (preferably healthy fats like avocados, nuts, or olives).
Some people don’t tolerate fish oil well, especially if they have sensitive stomachs or other digestive issues, and may experience heartburn, loose stools, and nosebleeds. Some experts recommend splitting the daily dose into two smaller portions, one in the morning and one in the evening, to reduce these effects.
It could reduce acid reflux, which can lead to “fishy burps” that are unpleasant and can affect your sleep. For some people, nighttime is also an ideal time to take fish oil, especially if you’re getting the supplement with other nutrients that will aid you in falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.
In addition to these benefits, fish oil is a good source of essential fatty acids that support your health in various ways. For example, they reduce triglycerides and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, age-related macular degeneration, sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, and blood clotting.
Before Bed
If you have arthritis or fibromyalgia, taking fish oil tablets in the evening may be helpful before bed. It is because NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are most effective when taken four to eight hours before the peak pain starts.
However, it is always vital to consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplement, and never begin a new one without consulting your healthcare professional. Some drugs can interact with fish oil and increase the risk of side effects or stop working altogether.
While there is no evidence that fish oil prevents heart attacks or strokes, it may help reduce triglycerides and lower blood pressure. It also can increase HDL cholesterol levels, a type of “good” cholesterol.
Fish oil can aid in the reduction of inflammation in the body, the improvement of sleep quality, and the promotion of healthy arteries. It may also prevent plaques from hardening in the arteries.
Fish oil supplements may help people take medications that affect the heart, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs or diuretics (water pills). They can also help people who have diabetes, a condition called familial adenomatous polyposis, or an implanted device to prevent irregular heartbeat.