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Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) – Essential to Brain Health

Decades of study and countless books have gone into exploring Omega-3 and the role it plays in our physical and mental health. Here are Seven Essential Facts about this ESSENTIAL substance.

Omega-3 is called “essential” because it’s necessary for our health, but we cannot make it on our own.

One essential Omega-3 fatty acid is a substance called α-linolenic acid (ALA). Our body uses ALA to make two other essential fatty acids: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). However, we don’t make enough to meet daily needs for optimal health.

Omega-3 is critical for preventing symptoms of chronic illness, such as inflammation, fatigue, joint and muscle pain and poor elimination of toxins.

The brain thrives on Omega-3. Without enough, we can experience learning problems, memory issues, brain fog and other neurological symptoms. Proper levels help protect us from Alzheimer’s Disease.

Food is a great source of Omega-3. Consider salmon, tuna, halibut, krill, flaxseed, walnuts and chia seeds.

It’s difficult to get sufficient amounts from food alone. Most Americans consume a daily average of 130 mg EPA + DHA – way below the recommended 1000-2000 mg. Consider adding a supplement to your diet.

Acquiring Omega-3 must be done in a focused fashion, with attention paid to the balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 (a group of fatty acids linked to increased inflammation). An imbalance can adversely impact well being and brain health.

At Wellness Architecture we offer testing to ensure optimal Omega-3 levels. Over the years have used different supplements to give to our patients. Since testing has become more common we know that the supplements that we offer are of the highest quality. After supplementing with either our liquid or capsules our patients always show optimal levels of Omega-3 fatty acids on retesting. If you are curious to know more, give us a call at 650-233-7327.

Resources

University of Maryland CAM Database Online. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids” Accessed 7 Nov 2016: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids

Assisi A., Banzi R., Buonocore C., et al. “Fish oil and mental health: the role of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in cognitive development and neurological disorders.” Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006 Nov;21(6):319-36. Accessed 7 Nov 2016: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17012979

Ricardo U., Dangour, A.D. “Nutrition in Brain Development and Aging: Role of Essential Fatty Acids” Nutrition Reviews (May 2006)64 (suppl 2) S24-S33; DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2006.tb00242.x http://nutritionreviews.oxfordjournals.org/content/64/suppl_2/S24

Bourre, J.M. “Effects of nutrients (in food) on the structure and function of the nervous system: update on dietary requirements for brain. Part 2: macronutrients”. J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep;10(5):386-99. Accessed 7 Nov 2016: http://www.bourre.fr/pdf/publications_scientifiques/260.pdf

NutritionData.com. Foods Highest in Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Accessed 7 Nov 2016. http://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-012140000000000000000.html?maxCount=20

Freund-Levi Y, Eriksdotter-Jonhagen M, Cederholm T, et al. “Omega-3 fatty acid treatment in 174 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease: OmegAD study: a randomized double-blind trial.” Arch Neurol. 2006 Oct;63(10):1402-8. Accessed 7 Nov 2016: http://www.utdallas.edu/~tres/papers/freund-levi.2006.pdf

Omega-3 is called “essential” because it’s necessary for our health, but we cannot make it on our own.

 

One essential Omega-3 fatty acid is a substance called α-linolenic acid (ALA). Our body uses ALA to make two other essential fatty acids: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). However, we don’t make enough to meet daily needs for optimal health.

 

Omega-3 is critical for preventing symptoms of chronic illness, such as inflammation, fatigue, joint and muscle pain and poor elimination of toxins.

 

The brain thrives on Omega-3. Without enough, we can experience learning problems, memory issues, brain fog and other neurological symptoms. Proper levels help protect us from Alzheimer’s Disease.

 

Food is a great source of Omega-3. Consider salmon, tuna, halibut, krill, flaxseed, walnuts and chia seeds.

It’s difficult to get sufficient amounts from food alone. Most Americans consume a daily average of 130 mg EPA + DHA – way below the recommended 1000-2000 mg. Consider adding a supplement to your diet.

 

Acquiring Omega-3 must be done in a focused fashion, with attention paid to the balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 (a group of fatty acids linked to increased inflammation). An imbalance can adversely impact well being and brain health.

 

At Wellness Architecture we offer testing to ensure optimal Omega-3 levels. Over the years have used different supplements to give to our patients. Since testing has become more common we know that the supplements that we offer are of the highest quality. After supplementing with either our liquid or capsules our patients always show optimal levels of Omega-3 fatty acids on retesting. If you are curious to know more, give us a call at 650-233-7327.

Resources

University of Maryland CAM Database Online. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids” Accessed 7 Nov 2016: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids

Assisi A., Banzi R., Buonocore C., et al. “Fish oil and mental health: the role of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in cognitive development and neurological disorders.” Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006 Nov;21(6):319-36. Accessed 7 Nov 2016: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17012979

Ricardo U., Dangour, A.D. “Nutrition in Brain Development and Aging: Role of Essential Fatty Acids” Nutrition Reviews (May 2006)64 (suppl 2) S24-S33; DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2006.tb00242.x http://nutritionreviews.oxfordjournals.org/content/64/suppl_2/S24

Bourre, J.M. “Effects of nutrients (in food) on the structure and function of the nervous system: update on dietary requirements for brain. Part 2: macronutrients”. J Nutr Health Aging. 2006 Sep;10(5):386-99. Accessed 7 Nov 2016: http://www.bourre.fr/pdf/publications_scientifiques/260.pdf

NutritionData.com. Foods Highest in Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Accessed 7 Nov 2016. http://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-012140000000000000000.html?maxCount=20

Freund-Levi Y, Eriksdotter-Jonhagen M, Cederholm T, et al. “Omega-3 fatty acid treatment in 174 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer disease: OmegAD study: a randomized double-blind trial.” Arch Neurol. 2006 Oct;63(10):1402-8. Accessed 7 Nov 2016: http://www.utdallas.edu/~tres/papers/freund-levi.2006.pdf