Dear HealthSmart,

I know omega 3-fatty acids are great for health. But I don’t like fish. Are fish oil tablets just as good?

HealthSmart asked Dr. Irene Estores, Medical Director for University of Florida’s Health Integrative Medicine Program. Here’s her response:

There are indeed numerous health benefits derived from omega-3-fatty acids. These essential fatty acids are components of our cell membranes and have potent anti-inflammatory properties, thereby benefitting the neurologic and cardiovascular system. Cold water oily fish, such as wild-caught salmon or cod, are rich dietary sources and provide Vitamin A and D. If intake is limited by taste preferences, use of concentrated fish oil in supplement form may be a reasonable, albeit not the best option. When choosing a fish oil supplement, care must be taken to use supplements that are free of toxins such a methylmercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls (BCP). Products will indicate if they’re free of these compounds. Second, they must be bioavailable, which means they will be easily absorbed. Taking fish oil supplements with a fatty meal also increases their bioavailability. Third, make sure that the fish oil supplement does not become rancid, which is a sign of oxidation. Buying in small quantities will usually prevent this occurrence. Supplement dosing is best discussed with your physician and should be tailored to a specific health goal. A higher dose is not always best, and attention should be given to potential adverse drug-supplement interactions.

Dear HealthSmart,

I’ve heard that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps a lot of people who suffer from anxiety. How does this therapy work and do I need to see a medical professional to receive it?

HealthSmart asked Dr. Debra Kissen, Ph.D., Clinical Director of the Light on Anxiety Treatment Center in Chicago. Here’s her response:

Research shows that the best long-term treatment for anxiety is not medication but Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Luckily, there are many workbooks and online resources available on CBT and how to incorporate it into your life. The cognitive side of the therapy involves noticing your irrational thoughts, writing them down and then finding healthier and more rational thoughts to replace them. This way you’ll notice patterns in your anxiety. The behavioral side of CBT focuses you to stop avoiding anxious situations because avoidance causes your fears to mount.

Dear HealthSmart,

What are the risk factors for ovarian cancer? Are there any protective factors?

HealthSmart asked Dr. Saundra S. Buys, M.D., Professor of Medicine and Medical Director of the Huntsman Cancer Center at University of Utah Health Care. Here’s her response.

The incidence rate of ovarian cancer may increase in woman who have never been pregnant, have the BCRA gene mutation, started menstruation early and/or went through menopause later, have used fertility treatment, have had an intrauterine device, and who smoke. Some studies have demonstrated a protective factor in the use of oral birth control pills, specifically the daily oral pill as it reduces the amount of follicles developed in the ovaries.

Do you have questions on health or wellness you’d like answered by the nation’s leading medical researchers? If so, you can send to Editor@WashNews.com. HealthSmart is a national newspaper column from the Washington News Service in DC. Due to demand, we are unable to reply to all inquiries. Responses through the column are no substitute for care from physicians or other medical professionals.

Copyright Ellen James Martin 2021