Omega 3 fatty acids and inflammmtion.

Is there a connection between the lack of Omega 3 fatty acids and inflammation?

There is a mountain of evidence that says YES there is a connection. So what is the connection between Omega 3 fatty acids and inflammation?

Omega 3 fatty acids help to regulate inflammatory cytokines (cytokines are very small proteins that help to regulate our immune system and inflammation).

Without this essential oil our immune system can malfunction, turning on inflammation. This can lead to a permanent low grade inflammation. That may get worse over time. 

Why is it so important to our health and wellbeing to get enough Omega 3 fatty acids and whole food to combat inflammation?

Omega 3 fatty acids, are one of the very important components which make up our cell membranes.

Fatty acids are the major building blocks of the fat found in our body. These are a very important source of energy for us. (Are you tired a great deal of the time this may be why. I know in my case it was).

Essential fatty acids like omega 3's surround our cells and also are found inside our cells. It is also in the subcellular organelles (it is a specialized sub unit within our cell or small organs. There are many different functions within our cells. Like a factory within a factory so to speak).

So you can see why we should make sure we are getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids and whole foods.

Remember deficiency of vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 fatty acids leads to inflammation, which in turn leads to disease.

Are we starving our body of something it needs to be able to heal and repair itself?

A deficiency of Omega 3 fatty acids and the whole foods we need can lead to such degenerative diseases as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, mental malfunction (notice I did not say disease).

It is my belief that this malfunction can greatly be improved with Omega 3 fatty acids and great tasting whole foods.

The scientific community has been aware for some time that the brain is made up mostly of fatty tissue. Without this oil the brain does not have the food it needs to function well, heal or repair. Sure it will work hard to give us what we need to survive, but who wants to just get by.

A lack can give us the symptoms of depression.

Women that are pregnant can become deficient in omega 3's because it helps to increase the blood flow to the uterus, and also helps the growth of your baby and it's healthy brain.

This can rob Mom of what she needs for Her brain.

This may be the reason for postpartum depression.

Other health problems that occur are preeclampsia, arthritis, obesity, and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

Why do they call them fatty acids?

A fatty acid molecule has two parts, one end is fatty and the other end is acid. When they are linked together they were appropriately named fatty acids. There are different lengths to these fatty acids chains, that is why they named different oils after numbers like Omega 3's or Omega 6 fatty acids. 

What are some of the functions that fatty acids do?

*They function to protect our organs.

*They are useful for insulation and shock absorption.

*They are also used by the body for energy production and heat.

*They also are part of the fat just under our skin.

If we don't have enough our skin can become dry and red, sore, eczema like skin. This is what happened to me. My neck broke out in a red ring around it. My face became eczema like. After taking omega 3's for four to five weeks the red ring around my neck disappeared and the dry skin is clearing up day by day. I no longer have to try to cover it up with makeup. Didn't work any way. Nor do I have to tie a scarf around my neck. I don't have people asking me did I have my thyroid out any more.

*These short chain fatty acids are easy to digest. This is important for people who have a weak or diseased liver. The liver will find it hard to digest a meal made with a great deal of oil. The liver has the very LARGE task of digesting all the fats we eat. Therefore our liver will thank us if we lighten up on the fatty foods and give it omega 3's more.

*They are also needed to produce prostaglandins. 

What are prostaglandins?

Prostaglandins are hormone like in nature, in that they act as chemical messengers. Prostaglandins are involved in the production of male and female hormones. They inhibit the over production of acid in the intestines. They help with the production of the mucus in our intestines. Which in turn help to protect us from acid buildup. They have a relaxing affect on our coronary arteries and a very important function, they inhibit platelet stickiness. Prostaglandins also can improve our nerve tissue, muscles and heart function. Lower our blood pressure and lower inflammation.

These are just a few of the things that fatty acids can help prostaglandins to do.

Essential fatty acids also inhibit the production of cortisol. There has been much talk about cortisol lately. This will make us carve carbohydrates. These help us cope with any extra stress we have in our life. This may be a good thing in the short term but very bad in the long term. Why? We all know that eating a constant stream of carbohydrates will make us gain weight.

As you can see there is a connection between not getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids and inflammation.

As you can see there are many reasons to commit to getting enough fatty acids in your diet, or supplement your diet with them.

Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is not intended to replace the advice of your Doctor. The information is for educational purposes. All health conditions should be treated by a health practitioner. This site is not meant to dispense medical advice, and does not assume responsibility for those who choose to treat themselves.