Physicians have long been hopeful that because Omega 3 fish oil is known to decrease inflammation, it might help forestall flare-ups of Crohn's disease--a chronic problem characterized by intermittent episodes of intestinal inflammation. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. Unlike other medications traditionally used to treat Crohn's, which can cause side effects ranging from weight gain to bone loss to diabetes, fish oil is relatively innocuous.

Most people with Crohn's can eat a wide variety of foods. When the lower portion of the small intestine becomes inflamed and its passageway narrows, however, sucking with a low-fiber diet and avoiding foods like popcorn and seeds can help keep irritation to a minimum. During severe flare-ups, a patient might be advised to drink products called elemental formulas. These formulas contain nutrients broken down into basic, “elemental" forms, which ease absorption by the beleaguered intestine.

Factors help reduce the risk of heart attack

Apart from being great weight loss supplements, they have a number of benefits that contribute to our overall health. The intake of the recommended amount of DHA and EPA has been shown to have many heart healthy benefits. Consumption of dietary fish or fish oil supplements can lower triglycerides-a certain type of blood fat-and increase "good" cholesterol, while slightly thinning the blood. All of these factors help reduce the risk of heart attack. Fish oil also helps to prevent dangerous abnormal heart rhythms that can cause sudden cardiac death, and strokes in people with known cardiovascular disease. In addition to the numerous benefits already mentioned for the heart, fish oil can also slow the hardening of arteries and slightly lower blood pressure-two more important factors of heart health.

While the results of tests and studies are positive, they do not indicate that fish oil is a cure-all for Crohn's disease. More research needs to be conducted on people with different degrees of disease severity to see whether fish oil is helpful across the board. Researchers caution against self-prescribing fish oil pills. Fish oil can thin the blood and promote excessive bleeding, so it should be taken only with the advice and supervision of a physician.

Taking fish oil for Crohn’s disease might be a safer option than anti-inflammatory drugs, as oftentimes there are serious side effects to contend with. Many patients are opting for natural solutions for this reason.