By: Joan O’Keefe
We received a great question from one of our favorite nurses today and because it’s so unusual, I want to share the answer with you.
Q: Is it safe to take fish oil or omega-3 if you’ve had your gall bladder removed?
A:
The gall bladder helps with the digestion of fats. The organ contracts when the body consumes fat. Following gall bladder removal, patients are often told to be careful of overloading on fat. This means that they should avoid consuming fried foods and other high-fat foods. If the patient is on a NO fat diet (not just fat-restricted, but NO fat), meaning he/she cannot tolerate fat at all – cannot tolerate meats, nuts, olive oil, avocado, cheese, fish, etc.- then the patient may have to avoid fish oils. However, NO fat diets are rare. Restricted and very low fat diets are more common and because omega-3 fish oil softgels contain such small amounts of fat, they should be safe. The key is to start with small doses. Take just one small omega-3 fish oil softgel per day. If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop. If you’re tolerating the fish oil, gradually add more until you reach your recommended dose. I wouldn’t recommend starting with liquid fish oils, but you should be fine with small softgels.
Related Posts
- Dr. James O’Keefe and Joan O’Keefe RD review why fish oil supplements may help Americans with heart health, diet and weight control in their book The Forever Young Diet & Lifestyle - By Joan and James O’Keefe
A sharper mind, a happier mood, a healthier heart, a leaner body, and less inflammation: Thousands of scientific studies have documented an astounding array of physical, mental, and emotional benefits conferred by omega-3 supplementation. Omega-3 fats nourish the cells of the skin, hair, nerves, brain, heart, and virtually all of [...]
- Preventive Cardiologist Dr. James O’Keefe and Registered Dietitian Joan O’Keefe discuss mercury in fish, mercury in fish oils and the extensive cleansing process for CardioTabs’ green Ocean Safe Omega-3 and CardioTabs Omega-3 Fish Oil - By: Dr. James O’Keefe
We’ve fielded a lot of questions lately about mercury and other toxins in fish oils. Mercury and other contaminants are commonly found in the fish richest in omega-3 fats, like salmon and tuna. That’s why the Environmental Protection Agency recommends limiting your fresh fish intake. At the same time, [...]
- O’Keefe’s & CardioTabs lauded for aiding heart health in Examiner.com - James and Joan O'Keefe are featured in a recent article on Examiner.com, lauding their medical efforts and the creation of CardioTabs. Tricia Carcopa wrote the article as the Kansas City Senior Care Examiner.
- A Good Night’s Sleep – Important for More than your Mood - Sleep is a fundamental need that you may take for granted – that is, until you find yourself having trouble sleeping. We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, and some consider it a waste of time. But we’re sure you don’t need us to tell you that chronic sleep deprivation makes you not just [...]
- Shake the Salt Habit during American heart month to ensure a healthy heart - By: Joan O’Keefe
The health of your arteries is critically important to virtually every aspect of your health. Too much salt (sodium) ages your cardiovascular system by raising your blood pressure and hardening, stiffening and thickening your arteries and the walls of your heart. You want to keep your blood vessels soft, smooth and supple like [...]
You are here: Home » Dr. James O'Keefe » Is it safe to take omega 3 after gall bladder surgery?
Tags: active lifestyle, benefits of omega 3 fatty acids, cardio doctor, cardio health, DHA, dietary supplements, dietician, docosahexaenoic acid, doctors in Kansas, Dr. James O’Keefe, eating habits, eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, Examiner, exercise, Fish Oil, Fish oil supplements, fitness foods containing omega 3 fatty acids, health, health and nutrition, health and wellness, health care professional, health news, healthy habits, healthy lifestyle, healthy living, heart conditions, heart disease, heart health, James O’Keefe, Joan O’Keefe, Kansas city doctors, kids, lifestyle, medical information, nutrients, nutrition, nutritional supplement, omega 3, omega 3 benefits, omega 3 fish oil, omega 3s, registered dietician, supplements, vitality and health, vitamin supplements, vitamins, vitamins & minerals, vitamins and nutrients, wellness, what is omega 3 good for
This entry was posted on Thursday, January 14th, 2010 at 2:15 pm and is filed under Dr. James O'Keefe, Healthy Living tips, Joan O'Keefe, omega 3, vitamin d. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
