Health Benefits of Fish Oils on Menstrual Cramps

Do you know the health benefits of using fish oils on menstrual cramps?

There are a few natural remedies available that claim to reduce the symptoms of PMS, such as specific herbs and plant supplements.

But did you know there's some interesting research on the use of fish oils to treat this common condition? After reading this article, you'll learn why you may want to start supplementing your diet with this healthy oil.

Sweden - Doctors at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Malmo University believe omega 3 fatty acids are very important in the treatment and prevention of various diseases in women.

Of particular importance is the role omega 3 fatty acids play in treating:

1. Dysmenorrhea - Painful cramps that may come with menstruation. This condition affects up to 40% of adult females. While not life-threatening, reports suggest it's the most common reason women may miss work.
2. Primary Dysmenorrhea - Can occur when your body produces higher amounts of prostaglandins which may cause:

• Blood vessel constriction in the uterus.
• Build up of platelets leading to increased risk for blood clots.
• Interruptions in the normal rhythm of contractions.

These factors can lead to very painful menstrual cramps.

Is there a natural way to regulate and balance your body to reduce symptoms of PMS and painful menstrual cramps?

Why Fish Oils Are A Girl's Best Friend

Okay, maybe not as good as diamonds. But these healthy fats can have a profound impact on how a woman's body functions.

It turns out that omega 3 fatty acids affect the ratio of prostaglandins in your body.

What are prostaglandins and what do they do?

Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances produced by fatty-acids in your body.

Open up any anatomy text book and you'll learn there are two primary prostaglandins which affect a woman's uterine environment:

1. Prostacyclins - Widen your arteries, veins, and capillaries preventing blood clotting.
2. Thrombaxanes - Constrict your arteries, veins, and capillaries and cause blood clotting.

Below you'll see how fish oils affect the balance of these two substances leading to a more balanced uterine environment.

How Fish Oils Improve Women's Health

• Promotes an environment for pregnancy - Fish oils increase your production of Prostcyclins. This leads to increased blood flow in your uterus making it easier for you to get pregnant.
• Lowers your risk of premature birth - Fish oils help increase the length of pregnancy and birth weight due to increased uterine blood flow.
• Reduces menstrual cramps - Fish oils lower your levels of Thrombaxane causing less blood clotting and vasoconstriction - the main causes of menstrual cramps.
• Researchers also believe taking omega 3 fatty acids during pregnancy and breast feeding may improve your baby's brain development.

There's further evidence omega 3 fatty acids may help prevent preeclampsia, menopausal problems, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and even breast cancer...but more research is needed in these areas.

And not only that....

One of the unfortunate side effects of taking hormone therapy is they can increase your triglyceride levels. Women on hormone therapy would especially benefit from the cardiovascular benefits of omega 3 fatty acids.

Omega 3 fatty acids have been proven to lower your triglyceride levels. So, aside from the potential health benefits of fish oils on menstrual cramps, there's the added bonus for better triglyceride levels.

And it isn't that hard to do....

Increasing your omega 3 intake can be as simple as eating more fatty fish. If you're concerned about mercury from fish you can take a good pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplement.

Buying the right fish oils is very important. It should have the right amount of antioxidants to prevent lipid peroxidation and its level of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) should be well below the established safe levels.

Optimizing your diet is key giving your body the nutrients it needs to become balanced and healthy. Fish oils and omega 3 fatty acids play a vital role in womens' health and can help you reach your fitness goals.

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