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These days, people are swimming in misconceptions about fish. “Eating fish is super healthy!” “Is it better to eat farm-raised fish?” “Is there mercury in my trout?” “I regularly eat fish, so I don’t need to take an Omega-3 supplement.”
How would you respond to those thoughts? If you aren’t sure, then dive in with me!
In this article, I will reel in myths, share which fish to eat and the ones you should never touch, and how to avoid mercury.
Myth: Fish is great for your health
Reality: There is a fin of truth to this, but it's a small one. When I eat animal protein, it is usually fish, but only specific types of fish that are super low in acid and mercury.
Fish that are my friends:
- Pacific or Alaskan wild-caught salmon
- Wild-caught trout
- Sardines
Those are my favorites because they’re not acidic, unlike most fish. That’s where the myth comes in. Other types of fish are highly acidic and—worst of all—swimming in mercury! I’ll let you know which ones to avoid later in this article.
Myth: If you eat fish regularly, you don’t need Omega-3 supplements. (Or vice versa, if you take Omega-3 supplements, you don’t need to eat fish.)
Reality: For my fish-loving friends, you still aren’t reeling in enough Omega-3s to satisfy your body and brain’s need for this essential fatty acid. Make sure to take high-quality, mercury-free supplements because studies have found that 2 out of 5 brands contain some mercury.
If you want the very best, I’m serious; start taking Acid-Kicking Omega-3. We are the ONLY supplement in the world that contains the IDEAL 2:1 ratio of EPA to DHA in a highly concentrated form, making Acid-Kicking Omega-3 the most superior fish oil you will find.
For my vegan, vegetarian, or just think fish are gross friends, make sure you also take an excellent whole-food multivitamin. Even better, do what I do:
- Add a scoop of Alkamind Acid-Kicking Greens to your morning water or smoothie
- Take B12 and Acid-Kicking Omega-3 supplements with your biggest meal
- Drink a scoop of Acid-Kicking Minerals before bedtime for a wonderfully deep and relaxed sleep
Myth: Rarely consuming mercury from fish won’t hurt you.
Reality: Unfortunately, most of our fish supply has some mercury in it these days due to contamination from power plants and other industries. Therefore, If you’re eating fish, you probably have a low level of mercury in your blood already.
The big, fishy list!
Do NOT Eat: Fish that are the highest in mercury
- Swordfish, shark, mackerel, tilefish, and swordfish contain the highest levels of methyl mercury, a potent human neurotoxin that can severely damage growing fetuses and children. If something is known to cause neuro damage, I don’t want anyone eating it—no matter their age! Several reports have also linked the extremely high levels of mercury in sharks to causing blindness, loss of coordination, and even death. Avoid these fish for your health and because many are on the endangered lists.
- Marlin is super high in mercury and acid levels. In addition, and just as bad, the marlin populations are being wiped out commercially worldwide based on current demand.
- Grouper, Bluefish, and Chilean Sea bass are all super acidic. Due to the outrageously high mercury levels, the EDF has issued warnings that adults can only eat them twice a month. Children under 12 only once a month. If anything has such a strict warning, I just swim far away.
Fish that are OK to eat twice per month
Fish that are LOW in mercury
- Mahi-mahi (mild Acidic)
- Whitefish like cod (mild Acidic)
- Skate (mild Acidic)
- Herring (mild Acidic)
- Halibut (mild Acidic)
- Haddock (mild Acidic)
- Flounder (mild Acidic)
- Scallops (moderate Acidic)
- Sole (mild Acidic)
- Anchovy (mild Alkaline)
- Sardines (best and mild Alkaline)
- Trout (best and mild Alkaline)
- Pacific or Alaskan salmon (mild Alkaline) → Yes, this type of salmon is a total catch and has my blessing!
Sea-side scenario: You are on a coastal vacation and going to dinner with your spouse overlooking an ocean sunset. Of course, you want to dine on fine fish—as you should! Remember my 80/20 rule? Follow the Alkamind lifestyle 80% of the time. It’s all about progress over perfection.
Remember that being intentional about what you eat results in taking better care of the only planet we get. Farmed fish have fewer healthy fats, so they aren’t as good for you, and they contribute to pollution and contaminated fish populations.
