Taking fish oil daily is considered beneficial for the body. Many traditional healers prescribe it in order to prevent exacerbation of chronic pathologies and avoid the manifestation of new diseases. However, are there conditions in which it is taken with caution, or may even cause harm to the body? These questions are often of interest to patients, which is why it is important to understand them. Fish oil is often prescribed for pancreatitis, but this disease requires a more serious approach.
Failure to take medications on time can cause a relapse
What dangers can the drug bring for pancreatitis?
Fish oil consists of a group of lipids. Ego is obtained by processing cod liver, which contains a lot of useful substances. But the abundance of beneficial properties does not deprive it of existing side effects and contraindications for use.
First of all, it is worth noting that exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis requires adherence to a strict diet. This condition does not allow the consumption of fats, especially in the initial period. The acute type of the disease is also a strict indication for excluding fatty foods from the diet, as well as medications rich in lipids. During the period of smoothing out the severity of clinical signs of the disease (remission), it is necessary to mention the limited consumption of fat in food.
Such restrictions are closely related to the special functional state of the pancreatic gland. During an exacerbation, inhibition of pancreatic functions is observed - the production of exocrine and endocrine active substances. Therefore, the diet is mandatory. Violation of exocrine function is characterized by inhibition of the production of digestive enzymes, especially lipase, which is responsible for the normal breakdown of fats that come from food. With pancreatitis, the production of this enzyme is insufficient, so there is no opportunity to transform lipids into simpler compounds, which causes characteristic symptoms:
- Nausea.
- Abdominal pain syndrome.
- Vomit.
- Impaired bowel movements (diarrhea).
In the acute form of pancreatitis, the reason is slightly different. Lipase is synthesized by the pancreas, but does not enter the lumen of the duodenum. This provokes autolysis (self-digestion) of the pancreatic gland parenchyma.
With pancreatitis and cholecystitis, it is difficult to digest and absorb all lipid molecules from fish. Therefore, in the acute period you should stop taking it and wait for a stable remission.
The dangers of fish oil during the acute period of the disease
Fish oil, which is beneficial for the body, can be dangerous for the patient if pancreatitis develops. Following a diet and reducing the amount of fat consumed to a minimum (and completely eliminating it during an exacerbation) is associated with a deficiency of the bile enzyme produced. It is this enzyme that is responsible for the process of breaking down all fats entering the body.
If a patient with pancreatitis takes fish oil not in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations, symptoms of exacerbation of pancreatic inflammation occur.
Important information! During an exacerbation, the patient is bothered by severe heartburn, nausea, spasms in the epigastric region, enlarged glands, and paroxysmal pain in the hypochondrium.
The intake of fish oil into the body can also cause concomitant disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract: nausea, sometimes vomiting, abnormal stool, pain in the abdomen.
Benefits for pancreatitis
During a visit to the doctor, the patient asks the question: should he drink fish oil in case of pancreatitis. The doctor evaluates his health, the stage of exacerbation, the results of tests and examination. An acute condition is a direct contraindication for eating fatty foods. In the chronic type of pathology, lipids are allowed in a certain amount. Based on all the data, it is determined whether it is acceptable to introduce fish oil into the diet, its volume and frequency of intake.
The product contains a large amount of polyunsaturated (omega-3) fatty acids. It also contains fat-soluble vitamin D, which is necessary for the synthesis of bone tissue. Omega-3 acids in chronic pancreatitis act as regulators of lipid metabolism and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. It is able to inhibit the accumulation and stimulate the excretion of “bad” cholesterol (atherogenic), or low and very low density lipoprodeids.
It is very important to follow the dosage when taking
These compounds are also useful because they make up the cell membrane. This building material ensures the normal functioning of all organs. Their regular use ensures proper functioning of the nervous system.
In addition, fish liver oil contains antioxidant compounds. They have mild anti-inflammatory activity and cytoprotective properties. Thanks to these features, future exacerbations of the inflammatory process are prevented.
Attention! You can only get polyunsaturated acids from food.
Fish oil also benefits the patient due to its vitamin A, or retinol, content. This substance is important for normal vision. The improvement in the patient’s condition is also due to the fact that the product contains important minerals for the body, such as iodine, phosphorus and bromine.
The positive effect also affects the state of the cardiovascular system. Scientists have proven that consuming cod oil reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. In addition, by stimulating the production of serotonin and inhibiting the synthesis of cortisol, the patient’s psycho-emotional state is normalized.
