Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Fish Burps

Getting a Masters in Health and Exercise Science makes me believe I should live the healthiest of lifestyles.

I run 5 days a week because if I didn't then I would be a hypocrite.

I try to steer away from fast food and junk food (not well, but I try) because that's what healthy people do.

I don't smoke because its repulsive (oh, and unhealthy).

I take a multi-vitamin every day because that sounds like it should be healthy.

I feel like I get questions about this kind of stuff frequently. Lots of people will ask me what kind of vitamins they should take, or when is the best time to drink a protein shake?, Whats the magic way to lose weight?, Should I eat more calcium? More Zinc?, My back hurts - what can I take? Stop here. My back really does hurt.

I typically can't answer any of these questions having to do with nutrition - my only answers are what I read online or what nutritionists I work with tell me (which I do understand is more QT than most Americans spend with a nutritionist so I give myself credit on some of my knowledge). I am pretty good at making up answers however, not to brag, so consider yourself warned next time you ask me a nutrition question - I may know it...but I also may be bullshitting you on what I think sounds good.

I asked one of my classmates, a (very fast) runner, a healthy person (like all of us, duh), and also a girl who is up on her nutritional supplements (or could be a good bullshitter like me - but I'm willing to believe her) about this back pain that I'm sure as a 22 year old pain I should be having. She recommended taking fish oil - said helps with joint pain. (not to mention it helps with lots of other things...helping control cholesterol levels and reduced inflammation around the body - not only in the joints...but of course, I knew all that)

I thought I would give it a try...
I started last week.
The pills are large.
And urine-colored.
I ended shortly after.
My burps smell like fish.
It's so rancid it makes me want to throw up.
Don't let the cutesy wootsy design fool you


No joking, they were miserable. Any little big of indigestion you had was awful. I guess I didn't even realize how much you have those little burps that no one else even notices until I was trying will all my might to NOT have them. However, the 3 days I made it through them - I am convinced my back was feeling better - not as stiff and my runs were smoother. I just cant deal with the burps. Anyone take fish oil? Can you handle it? Other suggestions for joint pain? (stop running 40 miles a week is not an option) I've heard flax seed is supposed to be good...but I don't know how I feel about burping up flax. After all, I don't even know what flax is.

3 comments:

mep said...

Fish burps sound pretty terrible. My impression is that flax seed does not taste like much. I once had a roommate who just mixed it in with lots of other foods. Let me know how it goes!

Unknown said...

oh roomie, i lived with you for 4 years and i have been taking fish oils for over 2 years now, how could you not come to me on this! haha

big truth! not all fish oils are created equal. in fact most of them are actually very HARMFUL to you. however these are the ones i take:
http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=114&pid=1516

You can go to infinityfitness.com and read about them. they are def worth it. and these do not smell/taste bad or anything. I did a research project last semester on omega-3 supplementation, and you should def try them again esp bc they do help with the cholesterol levels.

nice blog, miss ya!

brando said...

I can't comment on the fish oil thing as I've never tried it myself. A source of back pain may be tight hamstrings though. Ever been to a physiotherapist about it?

Also, the best time to drink a protein shake is after exercising due to a EPOC (Excesive Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption). In this case the protein/carbs don't really get a chance to be stored and go directly towards rebuilding damaged muscle tissue.