When we think of omega-3s, we most often think of heart health benefits. However, omega-3s can also aid blood sugar and pancreas health as well.
Omega-3s can aid blood sugar health by improving insulin sensitivity. Omega-3s can also reduce chronic inflammation that harms insulin sensitivity. Omega-3s impact how the body stores and burns fat. By burning more fat, the body creates a more stable blood sugar environment.
Omega-3s are an essential part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Eating foods that fight inflammation aids the pancreas by lowering inflammation. Less inflammation aids the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin.
Fatty acids in olive oil and fish can relieve the symptoms of pancreatitis. Researchers found that the fats can affect the development of acute pancreatitis.
High blood sugar can cause nerve damage that’s called neuropathy. It’s a common blood sugar complication. Omega-3s can aid the condition in many ways. They can help stabilize cell membranes and promote healthy nerve function. Omega-3s reduce the production of the cytokines that increase inflammation. The fats also support blood flow, getting oxygen and nutrients to the nerves. Omega-3s also aid the production of compounds that ease inflammation. With all of these benefits, fish oil may slow or even reverse nerve damage and improve pain or tingling.
A small human clinical trial supported the efficacy of omega-3s in treating neuropathy. People with blood sugar concerns who took omega-3s for 12 weeks had less numbness and burning than folks on a placebo.
Anchovies, mackerel, salmon and sardines are all wonderful sources of omega-3s. In addition to fish, other excellent sources are flaxseeds and chia seeds, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil. If none of those foods are appealing to you, a great way to get your omega-3s is in the form of a fish oil supplement. Glucocil contains fish oil. But fish oil can also be purchased as a single ingredient supplement if that is something you are interested in. Fish oil supplements, like Glucocil, should be taken with a meal to aid absorption and reduce any chance of an upset stomach.
