tuna and salmon

Question
Dear Ms. Simon,

    I am a 17 year old boy is 5'6" and weighs 133 pounds. I lift weights for about half an hour every day at the gym except Sunday. I also have football practice three days a week. As a result, I make sure to consume a lot of protein. I eat a pack (4.5 oz.) of Chunk Light Tuna Creations and two packs (4 oz.) of Salmon Creations a week. Sometimes, I also eat a Tuna Lunch Kit (2.6 oz. of chunk light tuna) as well. My question is this: Is that too much fish? I really like tuna and salmon but I have heard too much can cause cancer. Is eating fish three or four times a week too much? Thanks and sorry for the long question.

Answer
The issue with tuna and salmon is mercury,a toxic heavy metal found in polluted water, which can cause all kinds of issues for your health- not just cancer.

The EPA recommends that you "Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury. Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week." -source epa.gov

So your 10 oz a day habit is probably too much. Try using canned chicken or hard boiled eggs for a portable protein source that will fill your needs without turning you into a heavy metal monster! :)

Hope this helps,
Lela Simon
http://www.LelaSimonWellness.com

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