The Healing Secrets of
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Dr. Wayne Neal
Do you or someone you know suffer from joint pain,
depression, asthma, or ADD/ADHD? Read how adding Omega 3 Fatty Acids to your
diet can help.
What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?
Omega 3 fats are Essential Fatty Acids
(EFA). They are called essential because the body can not produce them. As
a result, they must be included in your diet.
“But what are Fatty Acids,” you ask?
Fatty Acids are the main structures forming the membrane in every cell of your
body. This membrane allows the proper amounts of nutrients to enter the cell,
and ensures waste products are quickly removed from the cell. Because your cell
membranes are made up of fat, its integrity is largely determined by the type
of fat you eat.
Fats are classified as one of three
types: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. The kitchen is the best
place to see the difference in the three. (Though in a chemistry lab, the three
names refer to the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon chain.)
·
Saturated fats are solid at room temperature. Butter is an example of a
saturated fat.
·
Monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature, but are
solid when refrigerated. Olive oil is an example of a monounsaturated fat.
·
Polyunsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature and in the
refrigerator. Two examples are cod liver oil and flax seed oil.
Omega 3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated
fats. It is important to remember two things about polyunsaturated fats. First,
they need to be kept in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Second, do not
cook with them, because heat destroys polyunsaturated fats.
What do Omega 3 Fatty Acids do in the
body?
The body uses Omega 3 Fatty Acids to:
·
Reduce
inflammation.
·
Prevent
excessive clotting of the blood.
·
Prevent
hardening of the arteries.
·
Promote proper
brain function.
·
Lower
cholesterol levels.
What does the research show?
A 1996 Purdue University study showed that kids low
in Omega-3 essential fatty acids are significantly more likely to be
hyperactive, have learning disorders, and to display behavioral problems.
According to Dr. Mercola, Omega-3 oils,
specifically fish oil, is probably the single most important nutrient for a
child with ADD/ADHD to take.
In Preventing and Reversing Arthritis Naturally
by Raquel Martin, Dr. Julian Whitaker states that Omega 3 Fatty Acids reduce
both the inflammation and the related pain often seen with arthritis. The book
also reports that The New England Journal of Medicine published a study that
found fish oils reduced inflammation in arthritis patients.
If you suffer from asthma, the April, 1997 issue American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition should help you breathe easier.
Researchers at the
In The Omega-3 Connection by Andrew L.
Stoll, M.D., the director of the psychopharmacology research lab at Boston's
McLean Hospital and assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical
School, Dr. Stoll suggests that restoring our body's natural balance of
Omega-3 Fatty Acids may help alleviate (and prevent) many types of
depression, even for those who don't respond to traditional antidepressants.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids may also prove helpful with other problems, such as
the inability to handle stress, memory loss, and cognitive decline.
What are good sources of Omega 3 Fatty
Acids?
Flax seeds are an excellent source of
Omega 3 fatty acids. For best results, you can grind the flax seeds in a coffee
grinder and put them in the refrigerator. Store the 
rest of flax seeds 
in the freezer until you are ready to
grind more. They taste great in salads, smoothies, and on top of yogurt or
fruit.
If you are looking for an easy way to get
your Omega 3 fatty acids, take a spoonful of cod liver oil. If the fish flavor
is not for you, try a brand that has lemon added to it. This is great way to
get children to take it.
One word of caution about Omega 3 Fatty
Acids
Omega 3 Fatty Acids are natural, but some
patients need to take caution before using. Individuals, who are taking blood
thinners, have disorders involving bleeding, or bruise easily, should consult
with a medical practitioner before taking supplemental Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
For further information on this topic, you may contact Dr. Neal at
770.952.5353, by email at DrNeal@humberparkerson.com,
or visit our clinic on the web at www.HumberParkerson.com.
The Highest Level is the monthly e-mail newsletter of the
© Humber Parkerson
Clinic 2005
November
2005 Issue of The Highest Level
