Fish burps have become the endearing term for a big belch after taking a fish oil supplement that leaves a fishy taste in the mouth. The infamous fish burps suck! Learn how to easily prevent them.
Essential Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most widely-recommended supplements for keeping us healthy, providing a huge range of benefits in almost every organ system in our bodies. Omega-3’s come with a wide range of unlimited benefits, however the infamous fish burps suck!
First off, what should you look for in an Omega-3 supplement?
There are so many different fish oil supplements to choose from. Here are two criteria you can use to narrow it down:
- The source. Unless you’re a strict vegetarian/vegan or have an allergy to seafood, you should aim to supplement with EPA and DHA (having both in the same supplement is optimal). A good-quality omega-3 supplement should list the source of their fatty acids on the label.
- The dose. Look for an omega-3 that containsat least 600 milligrams of EPA and DHA per dose. This sometimes involves some math. Read the labels! If the label doesn’t specify the form of the omega-3 or the EPA plus DHA adds to less than 600 milligrams, you’re wasting your time.
Where do fish burps come from?
Fish burps are a common side effect of taking an Omega-3 / Fish Oil Supplement. Fish burps have become the endearing term for a big belch after taking a fish oil supplement that leaves a fishy taste in the mouth. Fish burps are caused by gas, which is produced in your stomach as you begin to digest a fish oil supplement (this is normal and occurs with lots of other foods, like beans and cruciferous veggies). Don’t resign yourself to the infamous fish burps! Here’s how to easily prevent them.
5 Ways to Prevent Fish Burps
Step 1: Take only pharmaceutical grade Omega-3 Fish Oil supplements.OurLife Equals Omega-3, Wild Caught Fish Oil contains as many Omega-3's as three regular fish oil pills. You'll get cleaner Omega-3's in less pills which means fewer side effects.
(Buying tip: Look at the supplement facts and look at two numbers; DHA & EPA. If those two numbers make up over 50% of the total Omega-3's, you're buying a good one! Life Equals Omega-3, Wild Caught Fish Oil contains 60% DHA & EPA Omega-3's.)
Step 2: Begin your regimen small.If you are just starting yourOmega-3 Fish Oil regimen, take 1/2 the recommended dosage.
After one week of regular Omega-3 intake, your body has most likely adapted and you may increase your dosage recommended on the bottle.
Step 3: Take with a large meal.Please take Omega-3's with food and preferably with a large meal. If this doesn't work, take before bedtime as you won't burp in your sleep.
Step 4: Is your Omega-3 Fish Oil Enteric-coated?Enteric-coated Omega-3's won't dissolve in your stomach, but stays intact well into your intestines. Your Omega-3's are well absorbed in your intestines and won't cause fish burps.
Step 5: Freeze them.Yes, literally stick them in the freezer and take your normal dosage as usual. If your body is ultra-sensitive to Omega-3's this is a no-fail solution for prevention of fish burps. The freezing, like enteric-coated softgels allows the Omega-3 to avoid breaking down in the stomach which prevents fish burps 100%. And no this doesn't hurt the fatty Omega-3's.
Header photo: Michele Blackwell
