Omega-3 Fights Inflammation

The body has a limited ability to manufacture its own omega-3 fats EPA and DHA.

It can convert alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) found in flaxseed oil, canola oil or walnuts, to omega-3s, but this ability is lessened if the diet is too high in omega-6 from vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, soybean or safflower, the fats that we get a lot of in our Western diet.

Unfortunately the message to reduce fats in our diet to around 33% has been corrupted over the years by various diet book authors, food manufacturers and even by some health organizations that should know better, into ‘very low fat’ or even worse ‘no fat’. As a result we have developed a phobia for anything that contains fat, including essential fats.

Of particular interest to those with chronic pain caused by inflammation, is that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the production of prostaglandin. Prostaglandins play important roles in the development and progression of chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and a variety of other inflammatory disorders. Omega-3 also assists in the alleviation of depression which many chronic pain sufferers develop.

EPA Helps With Depression¹

One study found that depression can be caused by a lack of omega 3. The researchers randomly assigned the subjects to three groups. They gave the first group 1,000 mg of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). They gave Group 2 the drug fluoxetin (commonly known as Prozac®). And they gave Group 3 a combination of both. The study lasted eight weeks and they evaluated the subjects every two weeks.

The results showed that EPA alone reduced symptoms by 56%, beating the drug's improvement of 50%. However, in the group taking both, symptoms improved by a even more -they helped 81% of subjects.

¹ Ref.Aust N.Z Journal of Psychiatry. 2008 Mar:42(3):192-8

What We Are Meant To Eat?

Our ancient ancestors are believed to have consumed a ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 of about 1:1. Today our diet has a ratio closer to 20 Omega-6 to 1 Omega-3. Studies have shown that if the ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 exceeds 4:1 health problems are likely to occur.

The American Heart Association recently issued dietary guideline for healthcare professionals which said:

“... Because of the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on risk of coronary artery disease as well as other diseases such as inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, the current intake, which is generally low, should be increased."

The Organization recommends that fatty fish, such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon, are eaten at least twice a week. (But see pollution fears below) Including omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources such as flaxseed, canola, soybean and walnut oils in the diet is highly recommended. The oil can be incorporated into salad dressings or whole flaxseeds and nuts can be ground and sprinkled on salads or cereals. Alternatively they can be taken as a nutritional supplement.

Omega-3 is what your Mum gave you when she brought out the cod-liver oil bottle. Mum was right How did they know that it really does feed your brain? That's because the brain is largely composed of omega-3 and needs a supply of it to do its job. Omega-3 also reduces inflammation which is present in many chronic pain conditions.

Omega 3 How It Works

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are two of the essential fatty acids (EFAs) known as omega-3 fats. EFAs form the primary structural fatty acid of the brain and the retina. Numerous published studies provide strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and sudden death from cardiac causes. DHAs also supports mental and visual functions in human beings.

Omega 3 Fish Is The Best Source

The best source of Omega-3 is oily fish or fish oil capsules. Not flax oil. This is why: flax seed oil contains the Omega 3 Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA) which is the precursor of the Omega 3 oils (EPA and DHA) found in fish oil. ALA must be converted to EPA and DHA to be of any nutritional benefit. But ALA is not readily converted to EPA and is severely restricted in its conversion to DHA. This negative effect is increased if the diet is too high in omega-6 fatty acids from vegetable oils such as corn, sunflower, soybean or safflower oils, which is very likely to be the case.

This means that if flax oils are your only source of omega-3 you may not be getting all that you need. By eating cold water oily fish or taking a fish oil supplement you will get Omega-3 in the form in which your body needs it.

Fish May Be Polluted

Many people are concerned about eating oily fish because it may be contaminated by mercury and other pollutants. These pollutants are readily absorbed by fats. Various studies have found that there is a high incidence of these pollutants in breast milk, which is rather scary.

Because of this it may be that fish oil capsules are the only safe alternative to fresh fish, so long as you use a brand that is certified to be uncontaminated.

A Safe Alternative to Fish

Consumer Lab.com, as part of its mission to independently evaluate products that affect health, wellness and nutrition, tested many dietary supplements that are on sale in the USA and tested them for both EFA levels and for contaminants.

Six of the 20 products tested failed to pass the tests due to inadequate amounts of DHA, which ranged from 50% to 83% of the amounts stated on the labels.

Consumer Labs reported that: "Two of these six products were also found to contain only 33% and 82%respectively, of their labeled amounts of EPA. Interestingly, two of the products that failed made claims on their labels that their “potency” had been “tested” or ‘verified’." The good news is that none of the products tested contained mercury.

Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements Consumer Labs Tested Safe

¹ Ref.Aust N.Z Journal of Psychiatry. 2008 Mar:42(3):192-8

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