Hi all,

Just trying to sort this thing out. As to why, well, my stools becomes unformed, and I have to back off on the zone fish oil.

I need more than "ZFO is potent."

I need more than "your body needs time to adjust to the ZFO."

I need, like, a scientific explanation. In plain language, though, LOL.

I also noticed a post by someone who was saying that he was doing well on zfo all along, but then, suddenly, he started having stains in his underwear and seeing fish oil ending up in his toilet.

Why would someone who's already used to zfo and has been using it all along suddenly develop these problems? Is it because that particular fish oil was a little bit different somehow? Am I using the same zfo as that person who recently posted about his new problems?

I know this is a controversial topic, and I had trouble persuading myself to ask, but I have been wondering the whole time as to what is going on exactly with me, and now with that other person.

Alexy

I do not have the answers; however, I am glad you convinced yourself to ask.
I am sure there is an answer for you.

Thanks for your supportive words, John! :-)

Alexy

Sarah, increasing to a high dose of EPA too quickly causes diarrhea in some individuals. Taking more EPA than one needs can also cause diarrhea. Be careful not to make wrong connections. It's very easy to do the when your main focus is on only one part of the bigger picture. Have a nice weekend!

Why would increasing to a high dose of EPA too quickly cause diarrhea in some people? What is the exact mechanism involved here? What happens in the body?

And the poster who reported that he suddenly started having the same problem as me: why would he, who has been using the same thing all along, suddenly run into this problem?

He thinks that it's a defective product. I don't know if that's so or not.

I actually did take ZFO in the past, admittedly a long time ago, and I don't recall having this problem at all ... so I'm confused as to whether it's me, or this particular batch that might be a little different somehow.

It would be nice if I were taking more EPA than I needed ... LOL.

I know I'm very persistent in this, it's just that I invest a lot of money into the zone diet and ZFO, and, well ...

In any case. I'm looking into getting SeaHealth to help with this ... crunching the numbers right now ...

Alexy

Have you tried submitting the questions on Ask Dr Sears? I think its a question that is beyond what We know in the forums.

I just submitted the question, thansk Cranberrycat.

Alexy

I hope you get some really good and valuable info! Keep us all posted!

Sure, I'll do that. :-)

Aley

Hi Sarah,

I was hoping you might check it out in a Zone book and discover the answer for yourself. It's in the section which explains how to interpret your Eicosanoid Status Report. Here's the explanation I think your'e looking for, as it appears in "The Omega Rx Zone".

"6. Stool density: Your stool consistency changes with your eicosanoid levels. An overproduction of "good" eicosanoids will lead to too much water flow into the colon, producing a very loose stool or diarrhea. On the other hand, and overproduction of "bad" eicosanoids will decrease water flow, leading to a very dense stool or constipation. When your stool floats but has a firm consistency is likely that you have the right balance of good too bad eicosanoids."

Sarah, the leakage problem you referred to is an absorption issue, which will usually be resolved when Sea Health Plus is taken together with the Omega Rx dose. SHP helps with the absorption of Omega Rx.

Thanks to all. Too sleep-deprived to talk right now.

Copying the answer from the Ask Dr. Sears thing for you all to read:


Hi Alexy,



Your experience is the result of the fish oil not being absorbed properly. All fats must be broken down (emulsified) to be utilized by the cells, those fatty acids that are too large to enter the cells are passed through the body.

Suggestions to improving absorption and assimilation:

1) Stop supplementing for 5-7 days, then slowly introduce the OmegaRx.

2) Ideally, supplement after a meal. The fat in the meal stimulates digestive enzymes (lipase) that breaks down the fish oil.

3) Divide your supplementation between breakfast and dinner. Smaller amounts 2 times a day.

4) Supplement with an aloe vera based polyphenol product w/ your fish oil. The aloe vera helps to emulsify the fish oil.

Your friend may be experiencing the same symptoms due to a change in their digestion or the amount of fish oil used.

Hopefully, you’ll both be able to benefit from these suggestions.

Sincerely,

Zone Labs Customer Support

Looks like some really good information there...

I see that the absorption issue is discussed that Sue mentioned, but quite a few alternative approaches to supplementation (after waiting 5-7 days, of course). Good information that all of us can potentially benefit from.

Thanks for sharing the information!

My pleasure.

Tweaking more based on these new suggestions. Sue's and your information were helpful as well. :-) :-)

Alexy

Ok. More information from Dave from the zonelabs.

"You should be able to find an aloe vera product at the health food store. If it has added polyphenols like the Sea Health Plus it would be even better. The Polyphenol Plus + an aloe vera product should also work. "

"Zone Labs Sea Health Plus (SHP) is unique with the aloe vera, sea vegetables and polyphenols. The SHP is the Polyphenol Plus + the aloe vera and sea vegetables.

Dr. Sears believes that the added polyphenols in the SHP also helps to emulsify the omega 3’s enhancing absorption. In addition he believes that they affect the good bacteria in the gut. See: http://www.zonediet.com/blog/2011/0...althy-gut/

Metamucil, with psylium fiber, contains no polyphenols, however, try it for a week or two to determine if it having a positive effect."

By the way. When Dave said: "Your experience is the result of the fish oil not being absorbed properly. All fats must be broken down (emulsified) to be utilized by the cells, those fatty acids that are too large to enter the cells are passed through the body."

That was the scientific explanation I was looking for ... it makes sense to me now.

Alexy

See, this is exactly why I respect Dave ...

He works for the Zone, and yet he offers alternatives that would help which do not necessarily require the purchase of a Zone product. For that kind of advice, I would almost be more inclined to purchase the Zone product!

Me too, to be honest. I'm more open to his suggestions because I don't feel like he's being a salesperson pushing his products ... he's not one-minded.

Alexy

very good information to know

I also want to add that Sue has been tremendously helpful to me over the years, and that she has had a HUGE influence on me in terms of adjusting my diet, etc., to be satied.

I still have trouble at times, but it's good to know I can turn to the forums and share my challenges and try to find out more ...

I'm getting the SeaHealth Plus soon ... to help me absorb the fish oil better hopefully ...

Alexy