Don't Forget Fish Oil
by Dr. Inez Kelleher
Fats – the right kind of fats – are important in our diet. Like vitamins, Omega6 and Omega3 fatty acids (FA) are fats that are essential and our body cannot make them.
Omega6 oils are plentiful in our diet -- maybe too plentiful. Omega 3 is not. Omega 3 oils are important for all our cells' membranes, making them pliable, and fluid. Dry flakey skin may indicate a deficiency in your diet.
Omega 3 plays an important role in decreasing inflammation in our joints, muscles, and tendons. Studies also show a decrease in coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events in people taking fish oil supplements, as well as a decrease in Alzheimer's, and an increase in longevity.
Omega3 FA can be found in walnuts, flax seed,chia seeds, grass fed beef, certain eggs, tuna, trout, oysters, and sardines, to name a few foods. Typically, these are not consumed on a regular basis, so fish oil supplements can be used. They usually have two omega3 oils, DHA and EPA. They should total (DHA +EPA) 700 to 1000mg.
The USRDA has recommended a dietary intake of 1600mg for men and 1100mg for women. Some experts feel we need up to 4000mg per day. So consider taking 1100 to 4000mg depending on which guideline you want to follow. There is a prescription also available. For that, check with your doctor.
After a few weeks of Omega 3s, your joints may feel better especially if you have discomfort secondary to inflammation in your body (asthma, allergies, eczema). Also, if you have bumps on the back of your arms (keratosis pilaris) they may go away, your skin texture and dryness overall will improve.
by Dr. Inez Kelleher
Fats – the right kind of fats – are important in our diet. Like vitamins, Omega6 and Omega3 fatty acids (FA) are fats that are essential and our body cannot make them.
Omega6 oils are plentiful in our diet -- maybe too plentiful. Omega 3 is not. Omega 3 oils are important for all our cells' membranes, making them pliable, and fluid. Dry flakey skin may indicate a deficiency in your diet.
Omega 3 plays an important role in decreasing inflammation in our joints, muscles, and tendons. Studies also show a decrease in coronary artery disease and cardiovascular events in people taking fish oil supplements, as well as a decrease in Alzheimer's, and an increase in longevity.
Omega3 FA can be found in walnuts, flax seed,chia seeds, grass fed beef, certain eggs, tuna, trout, oysters, and sardines, to name a few foods. Typically, these are not consumed on a regular basis, so fish oil supplements can be used. They usually have two omega3 oils, DHA and EPA. They should total (DHA +EPA) 700 to 1000mg.
The USRDA has recommended a dietary intake of 1600mg for men and 1100mg for women. Some experts feel we need up to 4000mg per day. So consider taking 1100 to 4000mg depending on which guideline you want to follow. There is a prescription also available. For that, check with your doctor.
After a few weeks of Omega 3s, your joints may feel better especially if you have discomfort secondary to inflammation in your body (asthma, allergies, eczema). Also, if you have bumps on the back of your arms (keratosis pilaris) they may go away, your skin texture and dryness overall will improve.