Omega-3 Supplements Beverly MA | Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Optimal Health
Omega-3 Supplements Beverly MA
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important and have many health benefits within the human body. Omega-3 fatty acids work to fight inflammation within the body which can have many protective effects against disease. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk or improve symptoms of diseases such as, Alzheimer's disease, high blood pressure, ADHD, rheumatoid arthritis and depression (among many others!). Omega-3 supplements are a popular over-the-counter supplement that are readily available. However, not all Omega-3 supplements are created equal. When choosing a Omega-3 fish oils, be sure that the fish oil contains high levels of DHA and EPA. Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for brain function and development throughout all stages of life. Many studies show that those who take fish oils during pregnancy give birth to children who score higher on tests of intelligence and have better brain function. As we age, studies have shown that individuals with lower EPA and DHA levels are more likely to have a smaller brain size.
Unfortunately, studies show that Omega-3 fatty acids won't improve brain function of those already suffering from Alzheimer's disease. It is best to begin supplementing with fish oil and Omega-3 from childhood. On the other hand, several studies have shown those who have mild memory impairments may have brain and memory improvements from fish oil supplements.
11 types of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
There are 11 different types of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, the 3 most important are ALA, EPA, and DHA. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat and are consider essential fatty acids because the human body can't synthesis (or create) them on it's own.
There are only 2 ways to obtain Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 supplements
Diet (or the foods we consume)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are not stored and used for energy, but rather support many important roles in the human body, including supporting the immune system, inflammation, cardiovascular health, and brain health! Studies show that diets high in Omega-3 Fatty Acids are associated with higher intelligence and lower risk for depression, heart disease, arthritis, and cancer.
ALA, EPA & DHA
ALA: Are found mostly in plant foods, such as chia seeds, spinach, kale and flax seeds. ALA is a precursor, (must be converted), to EPA and DHA, but the conversion rate is low (less then 1% is converted). If it is not converted then it is stored or used as energy (fatty acid metabolism)
EPA & DHA: Found mostly in seafood. The highest concentrations are found in mackerel, herring, salmon, and shrimp. Also, found in Grass-fed animals products. EPA & DHA are considered long-chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids and are the holy-grail to combat acute and chronic disease if consumed in high levels.
"All diseases have common genesis in inflammation" - Dr. Joseph C. Maroon MD and Vice Chairman of the department of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Highest Source of Omega-3 in US Diet is ALA
Unfortunately in the United States the largest source of omega-3 consumption is ALA. Due to the low consumption of EPA & DHA within the diet, general medical advice would be to eat fish, especially oily fish or grass-fed animal products. If you can't obtain your Adequate Intake (AIs) then it would be generally recommended to use Omega-3 supplements (Learn more about AIs) If dietary supplementation does not occur, many health side effects or chronic disease can result.
Omega 3 and Inflammation
The human body is impacted by inflammation in 2 ways:
Acute Inflammation: a biological response to anything harmful. The causes can be of physical, biological, chemical or psychological in nature. Commonly understood examples are:
Physical: Burns, trauma, physical injury, exercise
Biological: infection, stress
Chemical: Alcohol or chemical irritants i.e. bleach
Psychological: Excitement, fear
During acute inflammation, the body responses in a number of ways, but the most common are pain, heat, redness, swelling, itchiness or loss of function. Acute inflammation is the first line of defense, and the response is short-lived and ceases once the stimulus is removed (i.e. chemical irritant is washed off). If acute inflammation is prolonged then the immune response continues and becomes chronic in nature.
Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammation occurs when inflammation persists for an extended period of time. Long-term inflammation can contribute to every chronic Western illness i.e. Heart Disease. Since Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce production of substances linked to inflammation, it is strongly recommended to use a omega-3 supplement or eat foods high in Omega-3's. Studies show omega-3 supplements reduce the risk for inflammation. Health benefits include reduced risk of heart disease, heart failure, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer.
Omega 3 and Cardiovascular Health
Unfortunately, the world's leading causes of death are heart attacks and strokes. Countries that have a high Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio (2:1 - 4:1) have extremely low rates of these diseases. Western countries such as, the United states typically, have a Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio much higher! (16:1 - 40:1 or higher). Studies show that diets that have a healthy Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio are less likely to suffer from inflammation including, body pain, low energy, excessive mucus production, skin rashes, and many other signs!
If you are not eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids it's extremely important to offset the ratio by taking a fish oil supplement.
Omega 3 and Autoimmune Disease
A healthy immune system attacks germs like bacteria and viruses, but in the case of an autoimmune disease, proteins called autoantibodies attack the individual's healthy cells. There are many types of autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes to name a few. The cause of the immune system attack varies from individual to individual. Omega-3 fatty acids can counter the formation of chemicals that cause inflammation. There are many health benefits for an individual suffering an a type of autoimmune disease to take Omega-3 fish oil supplements or to increase possible sources of Omega-3 in their diet. Many placebo-controlled trails of fish oil supplements in chronic inflammatory diseases reveal significant benefit, including decreased disease activity and a lowered use of anti-inflammatory drugs (Simopoulos, 2002).
Omega-3 and Depression
There are many studies that illustrate different mechanisms of why Omega-3 supplementation improves depression. The most likely cause is to the anti-inflammatory effects that Omega-3s have. For the most health benefits, be sure that the fish oil contains long chain EPA and DHA.
Omega-3 and Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are a common mental health condition that impacts many individuals in the United States. Symptoms of anxiety include, excessive worrying, feeling agitated, restlessness, and fatigue to name a few. Fortunately, studies have shown that Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can improve mood and anxiety disorders. For the greatest health benefits, be sure to start supplementing with Omega-3s at a young age.
Omega-3 and Sleep
Looking to improve your sleep without taking melatonin? Try Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids instead! It's suggested that 600mg of Omega-3 DHA will improve children's sleep.
Why do Omega-3s Improve Sleep?
Sleep issues are associated with poor health. Poor health can manifest as behavioral, cognitive, or both. These same manifestations are associated with deficiencies of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. If Omega-3 fatty acids are supplemented, then it is possible that sleep, behavioral and cognitive health issues may be reduced, improving both children and adult's quality of life.
Omega 3 Supplement During Pregnancy:
Omega-3 fish oil supplement should be included before, during, and after pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. The source of Omega-3 fatty acids, should content high levels of DHA and EPA. High levels of docosahexaenoic acid or DHA play a role in the fetal brain, eye, immune and nervous system development. Maintaining high levels of DHA throughout the pregnancy is important. It's very important to take omega-3 fatty acids pre-conception as during the course of the pregnancy, DHA levels drop quickly, especially during the third trimester. During the third trimester the greatest amount of brain development takes place. After birth it's important to maintain high levels of DHA in both the mother and baby as brain development occurs rapidly during this time and the mother needs to replenish her levels lost during pregnancy. Low levels of DHA are associated with cognitive deficits and behavioral conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and aggression in children.
Omega 3 for Childhood Development
When choosing an Omega-3 supplement be sure that the source of omega-3 is of high quality and carefully processed to remove environmental toxins. During childhood development the nutritional goal would be for your child to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and high quality sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. However, not all children want to eat a high quality diet, if that is the case then Omega-3 supplementation is necessary for proper development. During childhood development, Omega-3s play an important role in brain function. Research studies have found that when Omega-3 levels are low, symptoms or conditions such as ADHD, anti-social traits, poor reading ability, and poor memory can result. To avoid the side effects of low levels of DHA and Omega-3s be sure to include a high quality polyunsaturated fatty acid, fish oil supplement in your child's health plan!
Omega 3 Supplement for Menstrual Pain
If you are suffering from primary dysmenorrhea, there is evidence you don't need to suffer from severe period pain anymore. A 2011 study found that fish oil is better than ibuprofen in treatment of severe pain in primary dysmenorrhea (1). A year later a 2012 study confirmed that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids reduced the symptom intensity of primary dysmenorrhea (2). Supplement with an Omega-3 fish oil to stop suffering from severe period pain. Looking for even greater pain relief from your period pain? Try acupuncture! Acupuncture works to reduce menstrual cramps and overall period pain!
About Our Acupuncture Clinic:
North Shore Acupuncture and Natural Medicine is an acupuncture clinic in Beverly, MA. We utilize acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and natural medicine restore optimal health and wellness. Employing traditional and modern approaches to enhance your health and longevity.
Comparison of the effect of fish oil and ibuprofen on treatment of severe pain in primary dysmenorrhea
Mandana Zafari, Fereshteh Behmanesh, Azar Agha Mohammadi
Caspian J Intern Med. 2011 Summer; 2(3): 279–282.
2) Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on intensity of primary dysmenorrhea.
Rahbar N., Asgharzadeh D., Ghorbani R.
Int J. Gynaecol Obstet. 2012. April; 117(1): 45-7.
