Fish Lovers – the Good, Bad, but not the Ugly

Cold-water fish such as tuna, salmon, herring etc. are full of wonderful fats called omega 3 fatty acids. They are anti-inflammatory and there are also studies to show that they are cardio protective and may help prevent colorectal cancer. However, the mercury content in these fish can cause neurological and other problems. What to do? My favorite PHD who has been studying this for a long time still maintains that Alaskan salmon is pretty clean from mercury. He also says that the small fish, low on the food chain, present less of a risk since they have tissues which have accumulated less mercury than those big fish high up on the chain, as swordfish, tuna etc. Of note, I read an article that stated that the mineral selenium can help reduce the mercury content in animals and humans so be sure you have enough selenium in your diet. I obtain mine by eating one or two Brazil nuts/day providing about 150 mcg of selenium and occasionally taking drops totaling 100 to 200 mcg/day.

For now, fish lovers; think that Alaskan salmon is relatively clean. Think smaller fish low on the food chain as having less mercury and think of selenium as a means of natural protection.

Be well my friends

Dr Jerry Gore MD