Top Rated Fish Oils – GAPS Approved

While on the GAPS protocol, a few supplements can be used to reduce inflammation and boost healing. These supplements are not designed for long term use, but instead, for a time in the beginning, while inflammation is at its greatest. Supplements, for most GAPS folks, include probiotics, Fermented Cod Liver Oil, Cod Liver Oil and fish oil. To learn more about GAPS Fermented Cod Liver oil and Cod Liver oils click here..

Dr. Natasha says, “Fish oils will work as an anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory agent better than aspirin.”

Taking supplemental oils on GAPS is specific to the person, bioindividual. Each person does GAPS at a different pace, staying on each stage at the time needed by their own body. As a general rule, introduction of the supplemental oils, for those who do not spend extended time on stage 2, can follow a rhythmic protocol.

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Dr. Natasha say, “In the first two stages of the Introduction Diet, I recommend not to introduce any supplements, just introduce fermented foods. In a small number of patients no fermented food can be tolerated, so for these patients I recommend introducing a probiotic gradually starting from a tiny dose. From the third stage, if fermented foods have been successfully introduced, you can start introducing the probiotic and the cod liver oil in tiny amounts, gradually increasing the daily dose. When cod liver oil has been introduced (the full dose is taken daily), introduce fish oils. For those who started from the Full GAPS Diet, probiotics and cod liver oil can be introduced from the beginning, starting from a tiny amount and gradually increasing the dose. When cod liver oil has been successfully introduced, start the fish oils and the nut/seed oils.”

In some folks with seizures, involuntary movements and tics, fish oils and cod liver oil should not be used until enough healing has happened that the movements have stopped. Those with diarrhea should also wait longer, until the loose stools have passed.

Most folks need more fish oils during the winter months.

Navigating which fish oils are beneficial is not easy. Many are simply a waste of money, only good for the garbage can. The supplement industry is self regulated, which means they themselves determine what is safe and beneficial for the supplement. Many supplemental oil are cut with canola oil or corn oil, making the manufacturing process less expensive and the profits higher. 

Many studies have been done on people with cancer and the use of essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA, Omega 3 fatty acids. The results are remarkable. JAMA Internal Medicine reported a study on non-Mediterranean people with cancer, using the Mediterranean Diet, high in Omega 3 oil. Their cancers showed great reduction that Omega 3 oils were labeled anti-cancer. 

Another study done by the University of Michigan showed Omega 3 fatty acids had anticancer effects on prostate cancer. 

The Cochrane Collaboration reported a study showing Omega 3 fatty acids showed preserved cognitive function.

The Marine  Stewardship Council evaluates fisheries for sustainable practices, awarding those who have a low impact on the environment and comply with applicable laws for the “blue label”, a 5-Star rating.

Fish oils can oxidize and go rancid, this is why they are in colored bottles. If there is ever a time where you won’t be using your fish oil, keep it fresh by putting it in the refrigerator. 

These fish oils show good results and rank high in testing.Folks on GAPS should be aware of added ingredients which can feed the pathogens such as natural lemon flavor, rosemary extract, ascorbyl palmitate and tocopherols, which are usually sourced from soy. They are listed in no specific order.

Viva Naturals has an extremely high omega 3 content, showing 2200 mg omega 3 every two capsules, tested by third body testing. The manufacturer says their fish are cold water, wild caught, never farm raised. Click here to order Viva Naturals.

Nordic Naturals Omega 3 comes from wild caught deep sea fish such as anchovies and sardines. Two capsules contain 1280 mg of omega 3. This supplement ranks very high in independent laboratory testing, however, the natural lemon flavor and rosemary extract can be troublesome for some GAPS folks. Smarter-reviews says, “The ingredients list includes unnecessary additives like rosemary extract as a preservative, gelatin and glycerin-based capsules, and other components that could only get in the way of its effectiveness.”  Click here to order Nordic Naturals Omega 3.

Nutrigold Omega 3 Gold Triple Strength ranked highest by the Marine Stewardship Council showing one of the highest per serving doses. It is corn and soy free. Click here to order Nutrigold.

Sardines are an easy food that can be grabbed on the go. It is enormously high in omega 3 fatty acids, 1300mg depending on the size. Overall, small wild caught fish is the safest source of seafood. Bigger fish, which eat the little fish, which eat smaller fish, which eat smaller fish, which eat smaller fish, building their accumulation of heavy metals. For this reason, bigger fish should be used in rotation with other foods, not a daily delight. Click here or here for a good option of sardines. 

Fish Stock- click here to read more.

To read more on GAPS supplements, click here. 

*Nourishing Plot is written by Becky Plotner, ND, traditional naturopath, CGP, D.PSc. who sees clients in Rossville, Georgia. She works as a Certified GAPS Practitioner who sees clients in her office, Skype and phone. She has been published in Wise Traditions, spoken at two Weston A. Price Conferences, Certified GAPS Practitioner Trainings, has been on many radio shows, television shows and writes for Nourishing Plot. Since her son was delivered from the effects of autism (Asperger’s syndrome), ADHD, bipolar disorder/manic depression, hypoglycemia and dyslexia, through food, she continued her education specializing in Leaky Gut and parasitology through Duke University, finishing with distinction. She is a Chapter Leader for The Weston A. Price Foundation. becky.nourishingplot@hotmail.com

“GAPS™ and Gut and Psychology Syndrome™ are the trademark and copyright of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. The right of Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Patent and Designs Act 1988.