.....This is a very odd combination of supplements to write about at the same time. At first you might not see a connection; I can’t think of one. But I will keep writing and hopefully a pattern will ‘spring’ out of this ‘stream’ of thought.
.....Omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFA) are a great topic for discussion. I feel this is one of the most overlooked areas of nutrition. Omega 3 EFAs have been shown to be helpful in treating many diseases; heart disease, lupus, arthritis, and eczema. Most, not all, of the fats in our diets come from cooking oils, processed/convenience foods and meats. Therefore you may be missing the good fats in your diet. People generally don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA and DHA) and GLA. It may not be that they are not getting enough omega-3s, but that they are consuming too many omega-6 fatty acids. It is all about the proper balance. It is recommended that we consume an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 4:1; the usual North American diet is between 10:1 and 25:1. This is why supplementing the diet with omega-3 EFA can help general health.
....There are a few important omega 3 fatty acids: ALA, EPA and DHA.
.....ALA is found in flax and hemp seeds and in walnuts. The fish oils (cod, salmon, tuna, sardines, etc.) tend to be higher in EPA and DHA. Your body can make EPA and DHA from ALA, but this process is difficult and |
inefficient. The omega 3 EFAs have been shown to be helpful in treating heart disease, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
.....Omega 3 fatty acids can help many inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease. One theory why EFAs can help reduce inflammation involves chemicals in the body called prostaglandins. Your body makes two kinds of prostaglandins, one made from omega-6 and the other from omega-3. The ones made from omega-6 tend to cause inflammation, while those made from omega-3 tend to be anti-inflammatory. This is why balance is so important. If one were to eat more
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omega-6 EFAs, they may be prone to developing an inflammatory-like condition. The effects of taking omega-3 EFAs are not seen immediately. Studies have shown that at least 6 months are needed to see results.
.....The effects of omega 3 fatty acids on heart disease are very promising. The consumption of 1 gram per day of fish oil supplements seems to reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and worsening atherosclerosis. According to another study, taking fish oil supplements was associated with a 23% reduction in all causes of death and a 32% reduction in death from cardiovascular causes. These results were seen in people with or without documented cardiovascular disease. A second analysis of studies in patients with coronary heart disease linked fish oil supplements with a 16% reduction in all causes of death and a 24% reduction in death due to heart attacks. The statins (prescription drugs that are used to lower cholesterol) lower all causes of death by 13% and cardiovascular deaths by 22%.
.....Taking extra omega 3 fatty acids may not be for everyone. There may be some side effects seen when taking fish oil capsules; mainly upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea and ‘fishy burps’. Doses of 3 grams, or less, appear to be safe. People who are taking prescription medications to thin their blood, such as warfarin, should speak with their Doctor before taking EFAs supplements. These supplements can |
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