ASK A DIETITIAN


I eat fish twice a week, as recommended my doctor. Do I still need to take a fish oil supplement?

Even if you eat fish twice a week, you may not be getting the levels of omega-3 fatty acids that your body needs for maximum heart disease prevention. The reason for this is that not all fish species contain the same amounts of omega-3s. While wild Alaskan salmon is a prime source (with 1,800 milligrams per 3-oz serving), other species, such as haddock, contain much smaller amounts (less than 200 milligrams per 3-oz serving). We recommend that you get at least 1,000 milligrams of omega-3 per day in the form of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) – these are the two most beneficial forms of the fatty acids. Without a supplement, it’s very difficult to accurately monitor your intake and hit that healthy target, so we suggest you consider adding a fish oil supplement with 1,000 milligrams of EPA and DHA to your daily clean-eating regimen.

I’ve heard a lot about activated charcoal as a powerful detoxifying ingredient in toothpaste, face wash and even smoothies. Is there science behind the hype?

Growing in popularity as a health supplement, food-grade activated charcoal works as a cleansing agent to help flush toxins from the body. It also works well as a digestive aid, as a teeth whitener and as a support for healthier skin. Activated charcoal is processed using very high heat to make it more porous, which allows it to bind impurities and unwanted substances into millions of tiny pores. It has long been used to treat drug and alcohol overdoses and some types of food and chemical poisonings. Once ingested, activated charcoal binds with substances in the digestive tract, essentially trapping the toxin before it is absorbed by the body. However, the binding effect it has in the stomach can interfere with the absorption and efficacy of medications and absorption of nutrients from meals. (To prevent this, take at least one hour after taking an oral medication. To prevent nutrient binding, take between meals and only when needed.) Research into its broader health properties is still preliminary, but when administered correctly, activated charcoal is effective when used as a cleansing supplement or for digestive relief. Speak with your health-care professional about whether it’s right for you.

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