Replacing cod liver oil

By Jonathan Evans Herbal Information Specialist /Business Representative for the Herbarium Special to PRIME Dear Jonathan, My doctor recommends taking cod liver oil for my heart, but I can't stand the taste. I remember my mother making me take it when I was a kid. I did not have a choice then but I sure can't be made to take it now. What do I do? —Bob, Westfield Dear Bob, You sound like President Bush and his broccoli protest. Fear not, I have an alternative for you. Your doctor is right in suggesting fish or flax oil for you, and incidentally, everyone. Omega 3 fatty acids are instrumental in lowering blood pressure, improving mood, concentration, supporting heart health, and as an anti-inflammatory. It is also a factor in healthy skin, flexible joints shiny hair. If you are one of those who get dry, flaky skin in the winter, you really need to include or increase your fish and flax oil. Many products out there say take one daily, and even health professionals say 1,000-3,000 milligrams is enough. The problem is your body will probably require a lot more. Three thousand milligrams is equal to one teaspoon of oil. Most people take a tablespoon of oil, or the equivalent of nine capsules! If you take the caps, please take at least three a day to have any effect. We do have fish and flax oils in flavors. How does lemon zest, peach-mango, strawberry-banana or pina colada strike you? These oils are thick and creamy, similar to a smoothie texture, and they are absolutely delicious! We even have little kids who ask their mothers for it. If you really need to take the oil and want a great taste, try Barleans. Further research shows the importance of magnesium in the diet. A systematic review published in Nutrition Clinical Practice recommended higher intake of magnesium for the prevention of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. A 2009 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology concluded, "low serum magnesium levels could be associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke, in part, via effects on hypertension and diabetes." I have written extensively on the importance of magnesium in the diet and my wife and I talked about this for years on our radio program. Researchers at Cornell Medical Center, U. C. Irvine, and University of North Carolina all point out that Americans ingest far too much calcium but without the magnesium it cannot be absorbed properly. Calcification issues such as arthritis and kidney stones continue to increase, while decreased bone density is prevalent. Does this make any sense? Now, I have seen the ads for personal injury lawyers looking for people who have used the prescription meds that were supposed to increase bone density and suffered fractures and other injuries. It seems so glaringly obvious that magnesium deficiency has been ignored for far too long. Look at a partial list of conditions that can be improved with supplemental magnesium: Anxiety, asthma, angina, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, heart attacks, blocked arteries, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insomnia, migraines, and constipation. The research is there. All one needs to do is to read it. For articles outlining this information, send a self-addressed stamped business envelope to our address, listed below. See you next month, —Jonathan Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx : Jonathan Evans via e-mail at info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. If you are requesting additional information from Jonathan, please include a self-addrresed stamped envelope.