Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Can't Hurt, and They Might Help - with a lot of things...

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

JC Jones MA RN

Some reports released by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the past few weeks indicate that adding omega-3 fatty acids may be a good way to protect yourself and your loved ones against many nasty conditions you probably don't want to get. Vital for human life, omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in fish oils, but since most of us don't eat enough fish regularly to provide the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids we need, supplements are recommended.

• The American Heart Association (AHA) has endorsed taking omega-3 fatty acids to increase HDL (good cholesterol) while decreasing LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Omega-3 fatty acids decrease risk of blood clots, heart attack and high blood pressure
• Omega-3 fatty acids help control inflammatory processes and decrease the need for pain medicines in people with rheumatoid arthritis
• Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to decrease problems associated with diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, Berger's Disease and Raynaud's Disease
• Omega-3 fatty acids may lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease
• Omega-3 fatty acids help decrease some complications of AIDS
• A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids strengthens the immune system and helps prevent cancer
  

Some of the most exciting uses of the natural supplement are in mental illness and dementia:

• The NIH is recruiting volunteers for a nation-wide study to determine if omega-3 fatty acids slow the progression of Alzheimer's Disease.
• A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps stabilize moods and decrease depression
• Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids may help ADHD, bipolar spectrum disorder, anxiety and schizophrenia

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in walnuts and flaxseed oil. If you have one of the above conditions, it is recommended you discuss the adding the supplements to your medical regimen with your health care provider. Flaxseed source is felt to be the safest. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements do thin the blood, so it is important to discuss their use with your doctor if you are taking aspirin and any blood thinners.

Thank you cenz for the use of the gorgeous photo, Mackerel Fishing at Brixham Lighthouse.

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