Y'all are smart--What do you know about Omega-3 from flax oil.

[Goblinmonger]

Just found out that my triglycerides are high. So they are putting me on a drug and want me to supplement with Omega-3s. They are pushing fish oil big time. I know that I can get it from flax seed oil, but am wondering what information anyone may have on the effectiveness of it from that source. How much do I need to take? I'm doing a Google search in a minute and talking to the pharmacist this afternoon when I pick up the pills, but hoping to get a vegetarian-wise standpoint.

[flvegan]

1. The Google on this will burn your brain.

Lots of stupid/snake oil/woo-woos out there. If you're going to supplement with Omega 3, you'll be fine with flax. Just follow the directions.

Did the good doctor mention WHY your triglycerides are high? Did he/she ask about diet and exercise?

[Goblinmonger]

2. Well, I am WAY overweight.

That has to count for something and how they are approaching it. I need to diet and exercise and take my pills and see where we are at after 6 months. I know that genetics is part of the problem, too--or at least I would guess--as my family has a history of heart problems.

And as to the google, I'm with you on what I found. Plenty of stoopid. Once I filtered out the woo, the "meat is the only answer" sites, the "soy is evil" sites, and all the other obvious idiocy I found, it was hard to keep reading. The pharmacist was much more positive than the doctor about flax and I am staring with 2000mg this week and going up to 4000mg next.

[flvegan]

3. Can I ask how overweight?

I'm not going to say anything against your diagnosis, nor anything your doctor said. This is the internet and all, and DU has no time for that.

That said, I have many pieces of paper. *glances behind him* One of which, is issued by Cornell University in regards to plant nutrition. It's my newest, and one I'm quite proud of.

Let us talk in a couple weeks, friend. See how certain changes are affecting you, and how maybe you can be helped.