Recovery from fatigue can be a long and arduous process that requires strict adherence to a variety of dietary and lifestyle changes. In many instances, it also requires medication to address some of the worst symptoms of the conditions that leave patients exhausted. Supplementation is part of that strategic approach to recovery, and can involve supplementing the diet with a variety of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. One that often gets overlooked is the critical omega-3 fish oil.

What Are Omega-3s?

Omega-3 is one of two fish oils that are referred to as essential fatty acids – the other being omega-6. Neither of these oils can be naturally created by the human body, so they have to be derived from other sources. And make no mistake: they have to be obtained in one way or another, because they are critical to human health. Still, the fact that they cannot be naturally produced often leads to them being neglected in many dietary plans. That can lead to some devastating health consequences.

How Can Omega-3s Help Fight Fatigue?

Omega-3 fish oils can relieve fatigue in more than one way. First of all, they provide the healthy type of fats that the body needs for its energy stores. These are the type of fats that the body can burn slowly over time for increased energy, and that don’t disrupt the blood sugar levels as carbohydrates often do.

These fatty acids also contain critical antioxidants that enhance the immune system for better health. And when the immune system is at a healthy level, the body has an easier time resisting many of the most common causes of fatigue. For example, many fibromyalgia patients take omega-3 supplements to help them with their pain and fatigue. This is due to the way that these antioxidants help to relieve oxidative stress in the body.

How Should You Add Them To Your Recovery Plan?

Since the body does not make these fatty acids on its own, you have to get omega-3 fatty acids through either your diet or through supplementation:

Dietary Sources of Omega-3

Dietary sources of this fatty acid include various fish like tuna, herring, salmon, and even anchovies. Seaweed and algae are also healthy sources of the substance. For people who prefer something other than fish or kelp and algae, it can also be obtained from certain nuts like walnuts, as well as flaxseed, flaxseed oil, soybeans, and canola.

Supplements

With supplementation, most experts recommend at least 500 milligrams of omega-3 each day. Patients with conditions like fibromyalgia or heart ailments are often advised to take even more. They are available in capsule form, making them easy for most patients to manage. However, there can be some mild side effects for some patients.

Possible side effects can include things like indigestion, bloating, heartburn, gas, and diarrhea. In most instances, however, those effects are lessened by taking the capsules during a meal. There are some more serious side effects for those taking higher doses, including nose bleeds and similar complications.

It can also be advisable to anticipate taking these supplements for three to six months before you expect any noticeable benefits. To maximize those results, you should also make other lifestyle changes that include dietary modifications to include more whole foods, increased physical activity, and regular sleep patterns. As with most changes in medication, lifestyle, or supplements, it is always wise to consult with your physician before embarking on a new health regimen.

The human body is an amazing machine, and capable of providing for many of its most pressing needs. There are some, however, that it simply cannot manage on its own. That’s certainly true where omega-3 fatty acids are concerned. As a fatigue sufferer, getting a sufficient supply of this critical nutrient should be high on your list of priorities if you want to lower your level of fatigue and enjoy increased energy levels and improved health.