Omega-3 is a healthy fat made from the tissue of oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, lake trout and sardines. Omega-3 fatty acids contain EPA and DHA. EPA can help prevent heart attack, sudden cardiac death, strokes, diabetes and cancer[1]. DHA protects our brain and nervous system[1]. Studies have shown that adding Omega-3 can help with depression, bipolar disorder and Schizophrenia, autoimmune diseases, Psoriasis and Alzheimers, Arthritis and Antiaging[2]. Omega-3 Fatty acids reduce inflammation by preventing the production of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules[2]. It is highly recommended that pregnant women take at least 900 mg/day (= a serving of salmon) to ensure their babies have a healthier brain, good nervous system, better eyesight, decreased behavioral problems and better sleeping patterns[3]. By taking Omega-3s mom will also benefit by decreasing her chance of breast cancer[2]. Did you know that 70% of a newborns brain, retina and nervous system is made up of Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA!!?[3] In our current environment we get way too much Omega-6, and we need to balance it out with Omega-3 –conveniently with supplementation. Too much Omega-6 can cause inflammation, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, skin damage, accelerated aging and decreased sex drive!! We ingest Omega-6 fats in the form of oils made from vegetables grown in the U.S.A- ie- soybeans, canola oil, corn oil, the “cheap oils” that are inexpensive and have high profit margins[3]. XYMOGEN’s OmegaPure oils are processed through “special molecular distillation” (triple phase!)- which ensures a high standard, pharmaceutical grade product. “Traditional molecular distillation technology uses high temperature to evaporate the oil and contaminants which can decrease the quality of the Omega-3. XYMOGEN goes above and beyond special Molecular Distillation standards to ensure its quality and safety[5], and the evaporation stage is reduced to half the time of traditional systems to drive down oxidative risk. OmegaPure 780 EC contains 450 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 330 mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). If you have any questions regarding Omega-3 and our supplements at Higher Health Chiropractic please call the office (303) 925-0808 and speak to Dr. Deanna.
Higher Health Blog
Archive for the ‘Dietary Supplements’ Category
Decreased sex drive? Omega-3 supplementation may be the answer!
January 26th, 2011
Choose EFAs for Heart and Brain Health
January 11th, 2011
Are you taking 2-4 grams of Fish Oil Daily?
The two omega-3 fatty acids (also known as EFAs) found in cold water fish and/or purified fish oil capsules that have been associated with a plethora of health benefits are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). The health benefits achieved through daily consumption of these essential fatty acids, or EFAs, include reduced inflammation, improved cognition and mood, improved blood sugar regulation (diabetes) and up to a 45% reduction in cardiovascular events! (Ref #1).
EFAs and Cardiovascular Disease
This is a quote from “The most compelling evidence for the cardiovascular benefit provided by omega-3 fatty acids comes from 3 large controlled trials of 32,000 participants randomized to receive omega-3 fatty acid supplements containing DHA and EPA. These trials showed reductions in cardiovascular events of 19% to 45%…..These findings suggest that intake of omega-3 fatty acids, whether from dietary sources or fish oilsupplements, should be increased, especially in those with or at risk for coronary artery disease”(1).
EFAs and Neurological Disease
A study published by researchers at UCLA noted that DHA found in fish oil slows the progression of mild cognitive impairment, Alzhiemer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease (1). DHA found in fish oil also decrease brain inflammation and helps protect the brain from oxidative damage that leads to memory loss. The bottom line is DHA from fish and fish oil can help protect the brain, prevent memory loss and decrease the progression of neurological disorders.
References for further review
1) Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Cardioprotection. Mayo
ClinicProceedings. March 2008 vol. 83 no. 3324-332
2) DHA May Prevent Age-Related Dementia. Journal
of Nutrition. 2010.
The Dangers of Vitamin D Deficiency…
October 19th, 2010
Did you know that vitamin D deficiency can cause stroke, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting and birth defects?
The American Society of Anesthesiologists released a report in October of 2007 that stated approximately one in four patients who have chronic pain issues were also found to have low levels of Vitamin D[1]. According to the Vitamin D Council, if you are someone who completely avoids the sun you will need to take at least 4,000 units of Vitamin D per day[1]!
How can you have your vitamin D levels checked? Your physician can administer a 25-hydroxyvitamin test to determine if you have optimal levels of Vitamin D in your blood. This test measures the amount of calcidiol (a prehormone found in the blood that is produced in the liver)[1,2].
What can I do if I am deficient!?
You can take a supplemental vitamin D3 cholecalciferol. Recent studies are showing that most of us, even the outdoorsy crowd, are deficient in vitamin D –perhaps because we apply sunscreen to avoid skin cancer.
Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with strict vegetarianism[2].
In addition to taking a good liquid Vitamin D supplement, eating fresh wild salmon will also increase your Vitamin D levels and it will also provide your body with essential fatty acids. Vitamin D is a fat-soluable vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods[2].
We provide a liquid Vitamin D3 supplement by Xymogen at Higherhealthchiropracticdenver. If you have any questions please call the office to speak with Dr. Deanna or contact us on our website Higherhealthchiropractic.com
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind.asp
