Reducing Inflammation With Omega 3

Using Omega 3 to Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation occurs when our body gives off chemicals that respond to injury. Inflammation is also experienced by those who have heart disease and auto-immune diseases. When inflammation is chronic, it is our body having an over-reaction to something and attacking itself for no apparent reason. Many people need to turn to powerful anti-inflammatory medications or steroids to halt the process. Researchers are now finding a way of reducing inflammation with Omega 3.

Studies of Omega 3 and its role in inflammation, show that it has capabilities to reduce that inflammation. Since Omega 3 has a role in neuro-transmissions, it tells the body to release chemicals that stop inflammation and other chemicals that keep inflammation from coming back.

People who have enough Omega 3 in their system show signs of these anti-inflammatory chemicals.

Studies are ongoing and haven’t quite found the answer why, but researchers found that when they gave study subjects higher dosages of Omega 3, an extra chemical known as resolvin helped reduce inflammation and helped blood vessels heal after open heart surgery.

In auto-immune disorders, the body attacks itself instead of an illness or injury attacking it. This causes high levels of inflammation anywhere in the body. In a separate study of people with auto-immune disease, subjects were tested for Omega 3. The people who had enough Omega 3 in their system produced a powerful chemical known as polyunsaturated fatty acids or PUFA. This chemical blocked auto-immune responses by the body.

Omega 3 Requirements for Inflammation

The key to using Omega 3 to help reduce inflammation in the body is to eat a healthy diet with enough Omega 3 foods. Omega 3 foods include; fish, grass fed animal protein, flax seed and flax oil, soybeans, walnuts, and winter squash.

One healthy diet to follow is the Mediterranean diet that is full of nuts, olive oil, fish, and other high Omega 3 foods.

Another good diet to follow is a Japanese type diet. This includes large amounts of healthy fish. You can also take an Omega 3 supplement from 1,000mg to 3,000mg daily.

Omega 3 has been found most effective for inflammation at right around 3,000mg daily. This is the upper recommended limit, so it is important to consult a physician before taking Omega 3 for inflammation. It can have side-effects and a drug interaction with blood thinning medications. You can eat 2 to 3 servings of fish weekly and each serving is about 1.5 grams of Omega 3.

After cardiac surgery, doctors may prescribe up to 4,000mg of Omega 3 to promote healing and reduce inflammation around the heart. This must be monitored by a physician, especially if you are on a blood thinner. For those who do not have health conditions, there are usually no side-effects. Any reported side-effects only involve the digestive system and are alleviated if taken with food.

Some Omega 3 sources may cause allergic reactions, so use caution in choosing a source.

Some fish oil supplements can cause an allergic reaction in those allergic to fish and shellfish. Tree nut allergies cause an allergic reaction to sources made from walnuts. There are many sources so make sure to find the right one for you.

Conclusion

Studies show promising results in reducing inflammation with Omega 3 intake. Omega 3 causes the body to produce chemicals that tell the body to “turn off” the inflammatory process. This reduces the need for powerful anti-inflammatory medications and assists the body with healing. This has already been shown to be helpful in recovering from cardiac surgery. The best way for Omega 3 to help with inflammation is to make sure you are eating enough Omega 3 foods in your diet. You can also add an Omega 3 supplement to your daily routine safely with very few side-effects. Always speak with your physician about adding Omega 3 supplements and stay within the recommended guidelines. You may be able to say goodbye to chronic inflammation and benefit your body in many ways!

The Importance Of Omega 3 And Women’s Health

Omega 3 and Women’s Health

Women lead busy lives today, many with careers outside the home. Even if you are a homemaker, there is often too much going on to cook and eat healthy nutritious meals. The trend in diet has turned to processed and fast foods, and this has caused women’s health to suffer. There are little or no foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids, and we need to understand the importance of Omega 3 and women’s health issues today. Omega 3 is an essential nutrient that helps reduce the risk of heart disease, inflammatory conditions, memory decline, and depression. Omega 3 plays a large role in reducing depression and anxiety in women, yet we are not eating adequate amounts.

Diets have largely turned to mostly processed foods and carbohydrates. This in turn robs the nervous system and brain of needed nutrients to function properly. In addition, too many carbohydrates and the wrong kind of fats can cause us to gain weight. Omega 3 fatty acids is an important nutrient, and increasing the amounts eaten can reverse some health conditions or reduce their symptoms.

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in foods like: cold water wild caught fish, flax and flax products, canola oil, walnuts, and fish oil supplements. Food companies are catching on to the importance of this nutrient and including it in foods such as; orange juice, margarine, yogurt, granola cereals, and breads. With the addition of Omega 3 to these foods, it is easier for women to get what they need.

There is another fatty acid lurking out there, and we are eating far too much of it. Omega 6 is a by-product of grain fed animals and corn. Omega 6 needs to be eaten in lesser amounts than Omega 3 to get the right absorption. At this time, we are eating about 30 parts Omega 6 and 1 part Omega 3. This needs to be reversed. We should be eating 3 parts Omega 3 and 1 part Omega 6 in order to get the proper balance of the two.

Omega 3 Benefits for Women

Omega 3 benefits women’s health and condition by working directly on the cells, nervous system transmissions, and helping the body produce inflammation reducing chemicals. The health conditions Omega 3 benefits are:

Inflammation

Increase in Metabolism

Boosts Memory

Reduction of PMS and Menopause Symptoms

Lower Risk of Female Reproductive Cancer

Increased Fertility With PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

Lower Rates of Depression/Anxiety

Increased Focus and Attention; reduction of ADHD
(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Improved Heart Health, Lower Blood Pressure,
Reduced Blood Clots

Improved Fetal Brain Development During Pregnancy

As you can see, the health benefits from adequate Omega 3 from women are numerous. Getting adequate amounts in the diet or through supplementation improves total body health and reduces the risks of a number of women’s health conditions.

Omega 3 Dosage for Women

Research shows when a certain culture eats large amounts of fish, the evidence of certain diseases are lower. Cultures like: the Japanese, Mediterranean countries, and Eskimos in Alaska eat large amounts of fish. The rate of heart disease, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders and memory disorders, is much lower in those areas. The American diet is very low in fish, and there are many prevalent health conditions related to low Omega 3.

It is recommended to eat at least 2 servings of wild caught cold water fish every week. Fish should be wild caught with the lowest mercury levels possible. Mercury prevents our body from absorbing Omega 3 properly. Eating too much Omega 6 also reduces the proper absorption of Omega 3. If your diet isn’t quite balanced enough, supplements are a good way to get enough Omega 3. If you choose to use an Omega 3 supplement, The American Heart Association recommends taking 1,000mg to 3,000 mg a day. There are some people that must take more than 3,000 mg of Omega 3 daily. Take such an amount only under the advice of a physician.

There may be mild side-effects from the recommended dosage. These include upset stomach and diarrhea but can be reduced by eating along with the supplement. Major side-effects include low blood pressure and risk of bleeding, but these only occur at higher doses, or if you are on blood thinning medications. This is why it is important to check with your doctor before using Omega 3.

Conclusion

Every woman should know the importance of Omega 3 and women’s health. Awareness of Omega 3 and how to get more in our diets reduces many health conditions that affect women today. Omega 3 reduces the risk of heart disease, mental disorders, and keeps our memory sharp. If you get enough of this every day, you’re doing a great thing for your health!

Fish Oil Omega 3 And PCB’s

Omega 3 and PCB Contamination

Because Omega 3 from fish oil has a very healthy reputation, many people forget that some fish can contain toxins that are potentially dangerous to your health. PCB’s, Polychlorinated Biphenyl,, were used from 1920 to 1970 in the making of: plastic, paints, fluorescent lights, and insulation. Because PCB was very strong, it didn’t decompose and can still be found in our soil and water today even though it is no longer used. It was banned from use in the U.S. in the 70’s, but traces of it can still be found in the water supply.

Fish that swim and live in water high in PCB’s absorb the chemical into their bodies. Not all fish absorb it, but some have high levels. A good Omega 3 product will note on the label that the product has been tested for PCB’s. Some products have been found to have high levels of PCB’s. This is why it is important to check PCB labels before purchasing Omega 3. The manufacturer must note that PCB levels are within Proposition 65 limits.

Proposition 65 Limits for Fish Oil Omega 3 Supplements

According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) the acceptable level for PCB’s is 2 parts per million/2 nanograms. This is minimal compared to the the 90 nanogram limit when PCB’s can cause cancer in the body. A manufacturer that produces a supplement of fish oil has to have strict production and testing standards.

It is important to know that every fish has a small amount of PCB regardless of FDA standards, and there is no such thing as “PCB Free” fish. Manufacturers must test every batch to make sure that it contains the lowest amount of PCB’s allowed under the Prop 65 standards.

When shopping for an Omega 3 fish oil supplement, find a product that has the “FDA Registered Facility” seal. The FDA holds these facilities to high standards of quality. FDA registered is not the same as FDA approved, but the manufacturer upholds a set of standards prescribed by the FDA for supplements and health products.

Find the Purest Omega 3

Pollution is getting worse, and the environment contains synthetic chemicals in our water, air, and food. There are traces of chemicals in just about everything, everywhere, and it is almost impossible to remove them. Products must be sold as clean and pure as possible to protect you, the consumer.

The best way to have the purest Omega 3 possible is with molecular distillation of the fish oils to flush out toxic chemicals. With this process, the fish oil can be almost 100% Pure.

The way this is done is the fish oil is put into a vacuum and heated slightly. This causes evaporation of the toxins and lets them be separated from the fish oil. The process removes both heavy metals and PCB’s while leaving just the natural fish oil and beneficial contents. This leaves the purest product possible that maintains high quality and is safe to take.

Conclusion

It is important to understand the importance of Fish oil Omega 3 and PCB. Fish oil is one of the best ways to obtain this necessary nutrient, and all the health benefits it has to offer. If you want to use a fish oil based Omega 3 supplement, check your labels. Look for things like “FDA Registered Facility” and mention of “Proposition 65 Standards.” Your safety is important, as well as getting a quality product.

Omega 3 For Men’s Health

Taking Good Health Into The 21st Century

Heart disease and diabetes are two of the biggest issues in men’s health. When we look at diet and nutrition, we find that men seriously lack some key nutrients that promote good health. Omega 3 for men’s health has become a primary focus in research that’s discovered we are not getting enough of this healthy fatty acid in our diets.

Eating too many processed foods and Omega 6 fatty acids can lead to fat build-up in the arteries. Omega 6 fatty acids, saturated fats and trans-fats tend to overcome the Omega 3 and interfere with absorption. This imbalance lends to the breakdown of the body and circulatory system. The resulting conditions are: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and unhealthy arteries. Diets low in Omega 3 also show a higher risk for cancer.

Omega 3 fatty acids are a very important building block of cells, both in the brain and the body! The only problem is we don’t consume enough of the foods that contain high amounts of Omega 3.

Scientists have found, that when the body has enough Omega 3, there is less incidence of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, dementia, and cognitive (mind) decline. Because of these discoveries, you will find more foods with Omega 3 added in the stores.

Diets High in Omega 3 for Men’s Health

In Japan and Alaska, men tend to have a lower occurrence of heart disease. This is because they eat diets that are high in fish and products made from fish and fish oils. When tested, their blood levels contained very high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids. One startling discovery was that they had high cholesterol, yet a surprising low incidence of heart attacks in their culture. The studies all showed that men between 40 and 55 years of age need to eat a diet with fish that has high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids. If they have a sensitivity to fish, they should be taking at least a supplement that contains Omega 3.

Men who eat a diet rich in Omega 3 have a lower incidence of; dementia, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and even depression. Omega 3 can even help increase the metabolism and boost weight loss efforts. Memory is better and chances of getting Alzheimer’s is lower. Men who have heart surgery heal faster, since it helps the heart muscle repair itself.

What is the Recommended Amount of Omega 3?

Healthy men can safely take Omega 3 in doses from 600 mg to 1000 mg a day. For men that suffer from heart disease, doses usually range from 1000 mg to 4000 mg daily, but normally with a doctor’s supervision and recommendations.

High doses can have serious side-effects and must be performed under a doctor’s care. This is because of its blood thinning effects that can interact with prescription blood thinners.

With normal doses, the side-effects are normally very minimal. You can avoid such side effects by taking Omega 3 with a meal or snack. Side-effects include: stomach upset, diarrhea, stomachache, and nausea. Larger doses can cause the blood to become too thin and can interact with medications like; Lovenox, Coumadin and Heparin.

Conclusion

By using Omega 3, men can reduce the chances of heart attacks, high blood pressure, cancer and diabetes. Research shows that eating more fish each week or taking an Omega 3 supplement increases Omega 3 levels in the body and keeps men in good health.

Fish Oil Omega 3 Supplements And Mercury Safety

Omega 3 Fish Oil and Mercury Contamination

Mercury safety and fish have always gone hand in hand. Certain types of fish are high in mercury and not safe to eat in large amounts. Fish such as; tuna, shark, and swordfish are the highest in mercury and should only be eaten in small amounts. This brings up a discussion about fish oil Omega 3 and mercury safety.

Some controversy have suggested that if fish oil supplements are made improperly, then they could be high in mercury. It depends on the type of fish the manufacturer uses as well as the manufacturing process. The process must clean toxins out of the fish oil, yet keep important nutrients intact. Of course, no fish oil supplement is completely mercury free. The best supplements have almost undetectable levels when the manufacturer cleanses the fish oil in the right manner.

The Type of Fish is Important

Manufacturers should be using fish that are lower in mercury. This means using; sardines, anchovies, whitefish, or wild caught cold water fish like salmon. Salmon is actually really high in Omega 3 fatty acids. When they use low mercury fish, the supplement is already be low in mercury to begin with.

As an added protection, the fish must be tested for mercury prior to even extracting the fish oil.

The Distillation Process

The last step in getting a supplement with the lowest mercury levels possible is the distillation process. This brings the supplement to the purest point possible and removes most of the toxins in the oil. By the time that product hits the market, there should be almost no detectable mercury present at the end of the process.

Before buying an Omega 3 supplement, check the product website to make sure your manufacturer includes a distillation process when making their fish oil supplements. This gives you the assurance that you made a good choice with products that are safe and beneficial to your health.

Finding Quality Omega 3 Supplements

When choosing a quality Omega 3 product, always look for the symbol that indicates the supplement was made in an FDA Registered Facility. What this means is the manufacturer had to uphold very strict standards for quality and purity. A registered facility does not mean the product is FDA approved, but that the FDA has given them standards for their manufacturing practices. If you see this symbol, be assured you have a product that is made with care. Also check for the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) symbol. This also means that a product maker upholds high standards of quality.

Another important thing to look for is that the manufacturer takes the extra step to test for and remove any other toxic substances such as PCB’s and dioxin. These chemicals can also harm your body and fish oil supplement manufacturers must make sure there are minimal and safe levels of these chemicals.

Omega 3 Absorption and Purity

Studies done at The National Institute of Health (NIH) show that out of 41 different fish oil supplements tested for mercury, all of the supplements had almost undetectable levels of mercury. This means that fish oil products are safe to take. Understand that not every fish oil supplement manufacturer uses a distillation process, but the fish oil is safe nevertheless.

The point is that even if some mercury in fish oil is safe for consumption, that mercury can adversely effect how Omega 3 is processed and absorbed by the body. If you get a fish oil supplement higher in mercury, it will keep the body from getting the actual benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids. You will not be able to absorb the Omega 3. Eating fish high in mercury can even block the benefits of Omega 3. Look for a fish oil supplement manufacturer that pays attention to mercury levels and gives you the highest quality Omega 3 product possible. This means that you will reap all the benefits of Omega 3 and good health in the process. Studies show there are ample products on the market that are safe.

Conclusion

Good manufacturers pay close attention to fish oil Omega 3 supplements and mercury safety. When you find the highest quality product and begin using your supplement, you will both protect your body and increase the benefits of Omega 3.

Using Omega 3 For ADHD

Treating ADHD with Omega 3

Common treatments for ADHD include both stimulant medications and behavioral therapy. While this is common, many people choose to forgo the stimulants in light of more natural therapies. There are children who really benefit from stimulants in the school setting. But as a parent, remember, treatment is a choice, and you have plenty of options. Using Omega 3 for ADHD is one natural way to benefit the brain functions in a healthy and safe manner.

ADHD Overview

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a condition where sufferers often lose focus on tasks, cannot stop moving, and possibly even have learning disabilities. Those close to ADHD sufferers often have a hard time understanding and tolerating the behaviors. It can cause a great amount of dysfunction in households, schools, and in the workplace.

Symptoms Of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD can actually overlap with a number of other conditions. These may not even be noticeable, and needs must be evaluated on behavior scales by a few different observers. Usually teachers, parents, and other caregivers fill out the scale forms and turn them into a Licensed Physician. The symptoms of ADHD can include:

Inability to finish even simple tasks

Lack of attention to detail

Easy distraction

Poor memory skills

Mistakes

Alternating between several different tasks and
leaving them incomplete

Cannot maintain attention to movies, TV, teacher talking, or personal conversation with others

Fidgets, moves a lot, paces the floor, excessive climbing,
and running

Unorganized

Failure to complete household tasks, homework, or projects

If left untreated, ADHD can lead to complications such as: depression, withdrawal from social situations, feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and being unable to keep a job or learn in school. Regardless of treatment choice, approaching ADHD with an open mind is the first step to dealing with the disorder.

Treatments For ADHD

Treatment for ADHD is a personal choice, and you have every right to decide what is best. Most medical treatments involve stimulant medications that actually help the ADHD gain focus on tasks. It is often used in combination with behavioral therapy to teach sufferers how to function on a day to day basis.

Treatment, whatever type used, is important to reduce the discomfort of sufferers and those around them. It needs to focus on helping them learn to control increased energy levels, reduce movement, and hold conversations with others.

While prescription medications can actually help with calming the brain activity and increasing focus, there is a high failure rate due to non-compliance. This is mostly because of the side-effects of the stimulant, which is the opposite of what you might think.

The stimulants used in ADHD can actually make a person too calm or even overly sleepy. Many parents notice the huge changes in their children and take them off the medication. ADHD must be treated for life and there is no cure. The key is finding the right treatment for your child. One that works best for your child and lifestyle.

Here are the options:

Prescription ADHD medications – ADHD medications are actually stimulant medications that have a calming effect on people with ADHD. When given, the person is actually able to focus and slow down. Parents notice their children tend to be quieter and even sleepy on them and this can sometimes make them feel something is not right with their child.
Behavioral Therapy – Behavioral therapists can teach parents and kids how to manage routines, organization, and reinforcement of positive behavior. Sometimes this is very effective even without medication. Parents can learn techniques to make environments more suitable for children with ADHD like: rotating toys, keeping the house low key, and telling kids what to expect.
Dietary Modifications – Certain foods have been found to trigger ADHD symptoms. Things like: red dye, sugar, chocolate, MSG , and other food substances can each trigger a different symptom. An elimination type diet can help you find the offending foods and keep them away from your table and out of your kitchen. Try taking away all the “forbidden foods” and add them back into the diet one at a time to see which one causes the symptoms.It is also a good idea to add in foods to the diet that reduce blood sugar spikes and dips like: protein, fruit, plenty of fiber, and whole grains. Blood sugar spikes can cause sudden energy bursts, while dips can cause negative behaviors. Balance in the diet can help balance the behavior patterns.
Omega 3 – Research has shown that almost half of kids in studies given Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation show reduced symptoms. It is thought that some cases of ADHD are due to a lack of EPA and DHA, which help the neurons in the brain function properly.In kids that have this deficiency, Omega 3 shows the same calming effects as stimulant medications. If you would like to try this option, check with your pediatrician before supplementing Omega 3 in your child.

Conclusion

Living with a child or family member with ADHD can be a challenge for both the loved ones and the sufferer. The dysfunction and lack of focus is exhausting, and some choose to pass on the current medical regimen of stimulant medications. This leaves the options of behavioral therapy and alternative treatments such as, diet changes and Omega 3 supplementation. Using Omega 3 for ADHD may be the breakthrough some sufferers need to have a more normal life.

The Importance of Adequate Omega 3 For Children

Omega 3 and Children

Life seems to be a constant hustle and bustle with kids, and their diets tend to suffer. School lunches are get poor grades, and we eat more fast and processed foods. As hard as we try to feed our kids healthy foods, they are still lacking one very vital nutrient — Omega 3 Fatty Acids. As parents, we must understand the importance of omega 3 for children and make sure they are getting enough.

It’s hard these days to feed kids a healthy diet when TV commercials advertise foods that are less than par. The store shelves are lined at kid’s eye levels with processed foods that contain little or no valuable nutrition and school lunches come from mostly cans. We have a tough fight ahead of us!

One very important point we cannot miss is that researchers are finding that Omega 3 Fatty Acids are a basic building block of brain cells. Kids need healthy brain cells for learning. Omega 3 can reduce symptoms of ADHD, childhood depression, and even asthma. The studies are ongoing and researchers are finding some very positive results with the use of Omega 3.

If you’re pregnant, make sure you get adequate Omega 3 in order to build healthy fetal brain cells. Infants who use formula need formula enriched with Omega 3, while young children also need to eat foods high in this nutrient. Many supplements for pregnant women, infants, and children are enriched with added Omega 3.

Omega 3 and Safety for Children

The highest levels of Omega 3 in food comes from fish and fish oils. The problem with high amounts of fish in the diet is the possible high intake of mercury. High mercury fish are: tuna, swordfish, king mackerel, and orange roughy. Tuna has the highest levels of mercury and is commonly used to make sandwiches for kids. Recommendations for tuna in kids’ diets is three ounces weekly. That is about ½ a can of tuna. This issue can add to the deficiency of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Best fish for kids are ones that swim in cold water and are wild caught. This includes; tilapia, cod, salmon, and shrimp. While these are generally fatty fish, they have way less mercury. If your child is vegetarian or refuses to eat fish, there are healthy vegetarian sources including: flax and flax products, soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts (make sure your child does not have a tree nut allergy if you choose to use walnuts). An easy way to get your child to eat these foods is to use them in foods like: oatmeal sprinkled with flax powder, or to bake up some flax muffins with canola oil.

You can always try a children’s Omega 3 supplement. There are many types of children’s multi-vitamins that already contain Omega 3. There are even children’s fish oil capsules. If you do use the children’s fish oil supplement, check the label to see if the brand is low mercury. Make sure you check with your child’s doctor before using an Omega 3 supplement.

Omega 3 Dosage For Kids

The best way for kids to get adequate amounts of Omega 3 is to have them eat 2 to 3 servings of fish that is “low mercury” a week. Children do not need as much as adults to get the health benefits. If you choose to use a supplement, infants need about 300mg to 500 mg Omega 3 every day. Infants who breastfeed will get enough Omega 3 from breast milk as long as you eat enough “low-mercury” foods containing Omega 3. Make sure that during pregnancy and breastfeeding you are not eating sources of mercury. Infants who bottle feed should take a formula fortified with Omega 3. Check labels carefully, but most are now fortified.

If your child will not eat fish, ask their pediatrician about an Omega 3 supplement. The recommended dosage for younger children is 600 mg Omega 3 every day. If you can get your child to eat fish, all they need is about 3 to 6 ounces of salmon or whitefish two times a week. The recommended amount for older children and teenagers is right around 1,600mg daily.

If you have a young child with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), depression, or autism, the recommended dosage is 1,000mg daily. Always consult with a doctor before giving Omega 3 to a young child and only use higher doses under close supervision. It is generally safe for kids and side-effects are mild if given with food.

Conclusion

Understanding the importance of adequate omega 3 for children helps them grow and develop as healthy children and adults. Omega 3 can help brain development, as well as help prevent certain health conditions. Studies are ongoing to see if Omega 3 can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, Autism, and childhood depression. Omega 3 can be supplemented, but the best source for kids is a healthy diet with “low mercury” Omega 3 foods.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids Overview

An Overview of Omega 3

This Omega 3 fatty acids overview will provide you with all of the necessary information to be up-to-date and informed about Omega 3 supplementation. Research has shown that Omega 3 fatty acids are an essential part of our diet and important for a healthy body.

Omega 3 fatty acids perform many functions in our body. They help our brain develop healthy cells, improve memory, and maintain our cognitive functions. Omega 3 also improves the health of our cardiovascular system, reduces inflammation, and helps us build new cells. The downside is our body cannot make Omega 3 on its own, and we need to get it from the food we eat. Adding to the issue is that our diets today are seriously lacking in Omega 3 foods. We can turn this around and start eating more foods that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids. If you are not getting enough Omega 3, your body will tell you. You may notice that you have more inflammation. Your memory and thinking may be slower. Emotions can become unbalanced leading to anxiety and/or depression. Your blood pressure may be higher and you’ve already been told that you show signs of cardiac disease. Understanding the symptoms of Omega 3 deficiency helps you make changes quickly to avoid health issues.

Signs of Omega 3 Deficiency

If you are not getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids, you will notice signs in several different areas. Omega 3 is critical to the cardiac system, the immune system and the brain. Here are some of the effects of low levels:

The Brain

Memory Loss
Low Cognitive Function
Depression/Anxiety

The Cardiac System

High Blood Pressure
Blood Clots
High Cholesterol

The Immune System

Joint Pain
Inflammation

If you have any signs in any of these areas, reevaluate your intake of Omega 3 fatty acids!

Omega 3 as a Treatment

Omega 3 can help many major health conditions and doctors are using it more often to compliment other treatments. The health conditions that benefit from added Omega 3 are:

Alzheimer’s
Dementia
Heart Disease
Cancer
Autoimmune Disorders
Eye Disease
Depression/Anxiety
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Arthritis/Inflammation/Joint Pain
Asthma

While Omega 3 is not a cure for diseases, it may help to control symptoms. For instance, Omega 3 helps thin blood so doctors may use it to prevent blood clots after heart surgery. For this reason, taking Omega 3 in high amounts with any major health condition must be monitored by a doctor.

Food Sources of Omega 3

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in a variety of foods from both meat and vegetarian sources including; flax, salmon, walnuts, cauliflower, winter squash, tofu, soybeans, and sardines. It is recommended that you try to eat Omega 3 foods at least twice a week. If you eat a Japanese or Mediterranean style diet, you are probably getting enough Omega 3.

Once Omega 3 enters the body, it needs to be converted to EPA or DHA. The fish sources are easier for your body to convert to the usable forms, while vegetarian sources are a little harder for your body to convert.

Another issue is that we eat too much Omega 6 fatty acids. While these are a necessary part of the diet, we need to be eating more Omega 3 than Omega 6 or a 3:1 ratio. Eating too much Omega 6, causes inflammation. Try and eat a good balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6, and if increasing your dietary intake is not possible, use an Omega 3 supplement.

Omega 3 Supplements

Omega 3 supplements are available even if you are unable to tolerate fish or vegetarian sources in your diet. You can obtain a good Omega 3 supplement over-the-counter online and in drug stores. There are vegetarian and fish oil based supplements out there depending on your preference. Vegetarian sources usually come from flax. Fish sources from fish oils should be of a variety low in mercury. Always check your sources carefully to make sure purity and strict standards are used in manufacturing Omega 3 supplements.

Conclusion

In looking at the Omega 3 fatty acids overview, you can see the many health benefits of this essential nutrient. Getting enough Omega 3 in the diet is always best, but supplements are available when that is not possible. Always check with your doctor before starting Omega 3 supplements, especially if you have a health condition.

Grain vs. Grass For Omega 3

Omega 3 from Grain Fed or Grass Fed Sources?

If you are thinking about adding more Omega 3 foods to your diet, understand the difference between Grain versus Grass fed sources for the Omega 3. When we eat an Omega 3 rich food, it must be balanced with Omega 6 fatty acids in just the right amounts.

Our bodies do not produce Omega fatty acids, but they are necessary for good health. We need to get the proper ratio of 3 parts Omega 3 to 1 part Omega 6 fatty acids. Animals that we eat make Omega 3 and 6, but the proper ratio depends on whether they are fed grain or grass.

When beef cows are fed only grains, they tend to produce 20 parts Omega 6 fatty acids and only 1 part Omega 3 fatty acids. As you can see above, this is too much Omega 6 and unhealthy for the human body. When animals graze on grass naturally, the Omega three ratio is 1 part Omega 3 to 1 part Omega 6. Humans also tend to eat more nuts, flax, seeds, and vegetables that contain higher amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Studies now show the human diet has evolved into a mostly Omega 6 type diet, with nearly no Omega 3. Human health is in a downward spiral and the ratio is found to be 25 parts Omega 6 to 1 part Omega 3. The key to good health is to try to get the Omega 6 levels lower and raise the intake of Omega 3. This all begins with what the animals we eat are fed when they are raised.

Free Range Chickens are Higher in Omega 3

Chickens used to be a high Omega 3 food because they used to only be “free range” and eat a healthy diet of: insects, nuts, grass, and dried fruits that fell from trees. They never ate grains. Chicken eggs that come from free range chickens have a 1.5 Omega 3 to 1 Omega 6 ratio which is perfect! On commercial chicken farms, they are fed only grains and therefore produce eggs that contain 20 parts Omega 6 to 1 part Omega 3.

Be Careful of Omega’s in Fish too

While they say that fish is the best way to get Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet, not all fish is high in Omega 3. This is because fish raised commercially on fish farms are fed pellet diets made of grains. This raises the ratio to 4 parts Omega 6 to 1 part Omega 3. When you buy fish, check to see that it is wild caught and cold water fish. These wild caught fish eat “free range” style in the ocean and dine on algae, which is very high in good nutrition and vitamins. When fish is wild caught the Omega 3 is 15 parts and Omega 6 is only 3 parts.

Increasing Omega 3 While Lowering Omega 6

Grass is not a part of the human diet, but we need to eat less meat from animals raised on grains and more from animals that are raised on grass. The key to lowering Omega 6 is to drastically reduce the amount of Omega 6 foods in our diet. While reducing Omega 6, we need to be eating more foods that are high in Omega 3.

This means decreasing Omega 6 foods such as; animals fed on: grain diets, vegetable oils, sunflower seeds, margarine, sesame seeds, shortening and creamy salad dressing. These are all high in unhealthy fats and throw the Omega balance off.

While decreasing Omega 6 foods, increase your intake of Omega 3 foods like: grass fed animals, chicken that is free range, eggs from free range chickens, walnuts, flax products, wild rice (which is a type of grass high in Omega 3), wild fish, canola oil, and flax oil.

Try to eat winter squash such as; pumpkin, butternut squash, and acorn squash. Kidney and black beans are also high in Omega 3.

Conclusion

When it comes to grain versus grass for omega 3, you don’t need to graze on grass. You just need to decrease your intake of grain type foods and meat. Try to buy grass fed meats and lower your intake of Omega 6 foods. This will help you get the most benefits from Omega 3 fatty acids.

Side-Effects And Omega 3: Good Or Bad

The Side-Effects of Omega 3

Omega 3 comes from all-natural sources and a natural nutrient the body needs. Therefore, many people wonder about side-effects and Omega3: good or bad. There are very few reported uncomfortable side-effects and this supplement is actually pretty gentle on the body. The only issue people encounter is if they are allergic to walnuts, fish, shellfish, soy or flax. Other than allergies, Omega 3 is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people.

In order to avoid side-effects, take Omega 3 with meals. Most consumers report they don’t even feel like they took anything, but do feel the benefits. In order to minimize any adverse effects, keep the recommended dosage to under 3,000mg daily or even less. Only doctors can recommend dosages over 3,000mg daily for certain medical conditions.

Omega 3 is generally safe, but please note that it must come from fish that have a low incidence of mercury including: white fish, wild caught salmon, and shellfish. If the supplement contains mercury, the body will not be able to absorb Omega 3 properly. The recommended source is “cold water” fish in order for the body to get the most benefit.

Very few Side-Effects

Omega 3 does have a few small reported side-effects, but most are limited to the digestive system. Most people find that taking the supplements with food alleviates them. Side-effects can include:

Fish “burps”
Mild nausea
Loose stools
Fish smell on breath or body odor
Increased bleeding tendencies if taking more than 3,000mg a day
Higher blood sugar for diabetic patients
Bloated abdomen

One side-effect critical to monitor is the use of Omega 3 if you are on blood thinners. Since Omega 3 thins the blood, the use of Omega 3 with Coumadin (warfarin), heparin, or Lovenox (injections) can make your blood too thin and increase risk of serious bleeding. Always check with your physician before using Omega 3 if you use anti-coagulant medications.

When using Omega 3 with chronic health conditions, inform your physician so he or she can adjust your dosage accordingly. If you have a heart condition you may need more than 3,000mg daily, but your doctor will need to start you at a lower dose and gradually increase it as tolerated.

Side-Effects that can be Good

For people who suffer from heart disease, a few of the side-effects of Omega 3 can be really beneficial, when taken correctly. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown in studies to lower blood pressure. This may cause dizziness in some people who have had a long-standing history of high blood pressure. This effect can be lessened just by taking in some added fluids during the day and getting up slowly when lying down.

For those with blood clotting disorders, Omega 3 has blood thinning properties that may help treat blood clots. While this condition must be monitored closely by a physician, and Omega 3 can have drug interactions when used with prescription blood thinners, doctors may use this supplement to prevent blood clots from happening in the first place.

Never take Omega 3 without a doctor’s knowledge if you are on a blood thinner. If you suffer from constipation issues, Omega 3 derived from cod liver oil may help to relieve constipation issues and increase bowel movements.

Conclusion

Looking at the side-effects of Omega 3 good or bad tell you that this supplement is very safe and good for your body. Both healthy people and people with health conditions can benefit from getting enough Omega 3 in their diet and through supplementation. It is important to check with your doctor before starting Omega 3 supplements, especially if you are under care for a chronic health condition.