(21-11-10) Fish oil helps prevent brain damage after stroke

by Jonathan Benson, staff writer

(NaturalNews) A new study published in the journal Translational Stroke
Research has determined that potent, anti-inflammatory compounds in fish oil
and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids help to limit or prevent brain damage
following a stroke. The Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) present in fish oil provides
protection for the delicate brain tissue that can become permanently damaged by
blood clots or atherosclerosis.

When blood flow to the brain is blocked, tissue at the site of the blockage
can become permanently damaged if blood flow is not restored quickly. But even
if blood flow is restored, a slew of harmful free radicals and pro-inflammatory
enzymes floods the blockage site, which can cause further damage and cell
death. But the DHA in fish oil demonstrated the ability to reduce swelling and
bring about restored neurological function and recovery at the damage site,
effectively limiting and even preventing permanent brain damage.

"We are just now beginning to understand the significant impact of omega-3
essential fatty acids on stroke," explained Dr. Nicolas Bazan, Director of the
Neuroscience Center of Excellence at the Louisiana State University (LSU)
Health Sciences Center, and author of the study. "[E]ach new discovery brings
us closer to defeating stroke and other debilitating neurodegenerative
diseases."

Unlike clot destroying drugs given via thrombolysis that are difficult to
administer and that have a fairly low success rate, fish oil is effective when
administered even several hours after a stroke. Tests revealed that the sooner
fish oil was administered, the more effective it was at reducing permanent
tissue damage. But in the event that care is delayed, fish oil can still
provide a powerful therapeutic benefit unmatched by pharmaceutical drugs.

Earlier in the year, NaturalNews covered a study about a natural form of
vitamin E called tocotrienols that also help prevent permanent brain damage
following a stroke. You can read more about them here:
http://www.naturalnews.com/028002_v...

Sources for this story include:

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_relea...

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