The Importance of Omega – 3 Fatty Acids

We live in a pro-inflammatory world. Back pain, depression, auto-immune diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity are at an all-time high. These conditions are all due to excess inflammation in the body. Commonly NSAIDS are prescribed for back pain and prescription meds for conditions such as type 2 diabetes, depression, and rheumatoid arthritis. What if we can combat these conditions naturally, without over the counter or prescription medications? Well you can, and the regimen is fairly simple but requires some changes on your part.

Before we discuss dietary changes that are required to combat these conditions, let’s discuss how the inflammation got there in the first place. Multiple recent studies and articles blame the ratio of Omega – 6 fatty acids to Omega – 3 fatty acids in the diet. Omega – 6 fatty acids are found in red meats, vegetable oils such as canola, safflower and soy products. Soy and corn are very frequently used in the American diet not only as a processed food but it is the primary feed given to live stock, as it is subsidized by the government and inexpensive for ranchers. Ranchers love it too as it really fattens up the cows!

All cell membranes of the body are made of lipids (aka fatty acids). If our fat consumption is comprised primarily of Omega – 6 fatty acids (pro-inflammatory fatty acids) our cells walls will be comprised of that fat type; promoting the release of inflammatory molecules throughout the body Ultimately resulting in inflammatory diseases such auto-immune diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis. type 1 diabetes, degenerative arthritis and atherosclerotic plaque. Even though type 2 diabetes is not an auto-immune disease, too much Omega – 6 in the diet has been shown to contribute to its development.

Now that I have scared the pants off you, what do you do about managing the inflammation in your body? The two key components of living a less inflamed life is supplementing with Omega – 3 fatty acids, reduce Omega – 6 fatty acid intake, increase fruit and vegetable intake, and participate in resistance type exercise.

Omega – 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients meaning that you must get them from your diet. Dietary sources of Omega – 3 fatty acids include coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, fish oil from cold water fish, walnuts and flax seeds to name a few. Not only are Omega – 3 fatty acids anti-inflammatory, they block the pain chemical pathways and have repeatedly been shown to be safer than over the counter pain medications. Side effects of NSAIDs are gastro-intestinal upset, stomach ulceration, hemorrhage possible kidney failure, the potential for stroke or even death. The most common side effect of Omega – 3 fatty acids are fishy after taste, soft stools and the potential for bleeding in patients taking medications such as Warfarin. Omega – 3 fatty acids can even be taken safely during pregnancy and is even beneficial for the developing fetus.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, when taken long term (75 days), reduced joint pain and stiffness has been reported associated osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and fibromyalgia. It has even been shown to reduce cholesterol levels better than statin drugs. Even the American Heart Association recommends Omega – 3 fatty acid supplementation.

The recommended therapeutic dosage of Omega -3 fatty acids is between 2400 – 7200 mg/day. A lot of research that I have read recommends 3600mg mg/ day which has been shown to aid in the recovery of thoracic outlet syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome and burns.

Other natural pain relieving anti-inflammatory supplements are White Willow Bark, Curcumin/ Turmeric and Bowswelia. White Willow is recommended at 240mg/day. It is a precursor to the active ingredient in aspirin, so patients with aspirin allergies or children should not take White Willow Bark. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory supplement with no known side effects and is recommended at 400-600mg 3 x day. Bowswelia is both anti-inflammatory and pain relieving and is recommended at 300-500 mg 2-3 x day.

Shameless plug, we sell an Omega – 3 fatty acid here at the clinic which tastes like lemon meringue pie filling with zero fishy after taste. I can personally attest to that. If you are in the office we have an open bottle of the Omega – 3 emulsion that you can taste test. We also sell White Willow Forte which has White Willow Bark, Turmeric, Bromelain, and Boswelia all in one supplement. This product works great for acute pain and inflammation.

If you have any questions regarding Omega – 3 fatty acid supplementation please feel free to e-mail us at info@owenchiropracticps.com or call us at 253-942-3300.