From The Heart: Omega 3s, Blood Pressure and the Adjustment

Lately, we are seeing more and more ads on TV about fish oil.  Though chiropractors (and other health professionals) have been advocating the use of fish oil for years, it has just recently gotten press as more research is coming out supporting the use of these supplements (such as fish oil).  Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids (such as EPA and DHA) that are necessary for proper body function and development.  This includes many systems of the body, but the focus of this piece will be on the heart.  WebMD states that:

"Omega-3 fatty acids are key for normal development and growth. Omega-3 supplements have also become one of the most popular supplements in the U.S. They're used to prevent and treat a number of serious diseases. Since the human body cannot make omega-3 fatty acids, we have to get them from our diet. Lack of dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and too much intake of omega-6 fatty acids is believed to be a significant contributing factor in many disease states."

"Studies show strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. People who have had a heart attack and are treated with omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of having further heart attacks. Omega-3 fatty acids may lower the overall risk of death from heart disease."

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/lifestyle-guide-11/supplement-guide-omega-3-fatty-acids

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More Omega-3 research (from the American Heart Association):

"Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in epidemiological and clinical trials to reduce the incidence of CVD [cardiovascular disease]." 

Kris-Etherton, et al. AHA Scientific Statement: Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease.  Circulation. 2002;106:2747

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Moving on.....

did you know that high blood pressure may be lowered through chiropractic adjustments? 

"This pilot study tests the hypothesis that correcting mal-alignment [subluxation] of the Atlas vertebra reduces and maintains a lower BP [blood pressure]....No adverse effects were recorded. We conclude that restoration of Atlas [1^st cervical vertebra] alignment is associated with marked and sustained reductions in BP [blood pressure] similar to the use of two-drug combination therapy."

Bakris et al. Atlas vertebra realignment and achievement of arterial pressure goal in hypertensive patients: a pilot study.  Journal of Human Hypertension 2007 (May);   21 (5):   347-352.

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"The patient received specific contact, short lever arm spinal adjustments as the primary mode of chiropractic care. During the course of chiropractic treatment, the patient's need for hypertensive medication was reduced. The patient's medical physician gradually withdrew the medication over 2 months."

Plaugher G, Bachman TR. Chiropractic management of a hypertensive patient.  J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1993;  16 (8) Oct:  544-549.