Re: Re: Omega 3 and Omega 6

[Guest guest]

Has anyone tried Omega 3 and ginger as diet supplements?

I started taking 3 capsules a day a couple of weeks ago. (I am now starting to

find there is very slight movement (without pain) in one of my

fingers)...........

Don´t want to get too excited because it is not supposed to kick-in for 3 months

and after a year there are encouraging research papers that suggest HOPE!!!

Anyone else tried Omega 3 and cut out the Omega 6?

Cheers - Rob

---------------------------------

Plus - For a better Internet experience

[Guest guest]

That's good news Rob! I have used fish and flax oils and I think they help.

I do use trace amounts of powdered ginger in cooking, probably not enough to

do anything. I also cut usage of oils and shortening. Hope the positive

trend continues. Please keep us informed of your progress. Orin

In a message dated 5/25/03 5:06:14 PM Central Daylight Time,

robdrinkall@... writes:

> Has anyone tried Omega 3 and ginger as diet supplements?

>

> I started taking 3 capsules a day a couple of weeks ago. (I am now starting

> to find there is very slight movement (without pain) in one of my

> fingers)...........

>

> Don´t want to get too excited because it is not supposed to kick-in for 3

> months and after a year there are encouraging research papers that suggest

> HOPE!!!

>

> Anyone else tried Omega 3 and cut out the Omega 6?

>

> Cheers - Rob

>

[Guest guest]

I was trying Omega -3 when I had a flare and my clorestral and triglycerins were

sky high. So none for me now.

rob drinkall <robdrinkall@...> wrote:Has anyone tried Omega 3 and ginger

as diet supplements?

I started taking 3 capsules a day a couple of weeks ago. (I am now starting to

find there is very slight movement (without pain) in one of my

fingers)...........

Don´t want to get too excited because it is not supposed to kick-in for 3 months

and after a year there are encouraging research papers that suggest HOPE!!!

Anyone else tried Omega 3 and cut out the Omega 6?

Cheers - Rob

---------------------------------

Plus - For a better Internet experience

[Guest guest]

At 08:59 PM 5/25/2003 +0100, Rob wrote:

>Has anyone tried Omega 3 and ginger as diet supplements?

>I started taking 3 capsules a day a couple of weeks ago. (I am now

>starting to find there is very slight movement (without pain) in one of my

>fingers)...........

>Don´t want to get too excited because it is not supposed to kick-in for 3

>months and after a year there are encouraging research papers that suggest

>HOPE!!!

>Anyone else tried Omega 3 and cut out the Omega 6?

Yes. The theory behind this is returning the Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acid

ratio to its proper balance in our diet. For 100 000 years we ate animals

that ate naturally (grass for grazing animals, bugs and seeds for fowl,

bugs and small fish for fish). Those animals, as well as the body parts we

ate (such as the brains) had a good balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty

acids, about equal parts. But with factory farming and domestication, the

animals we eat are being fed a grain-based diet, and have subsequent low

levels of Omega 3 fatty acids in their bodies. One way to get around this

is to find free-range, organic, naturally fed animals. Or in the case of

fish, wild ocean fish, not farmed. The other way is to reduce food that is

high in Omega-6 such as milk products.

The results of supplementing with Omega 3 oils to bring that balance back

to normal has been documented, and the science is there. It does indeed

take some time for the effects to build up, especially as your body

composition changes.

Quite frankly though, 3 capsules a day isn't going to make much difference.

You need to consume about 15-20 capsules in order to help balance it out.

And that gets expensive, plus you're eating all that extra gelatin.

A much cheaper and easier way is to supplement with fish oil (1 teaspoon

per 50lb of bodyweight). Have more than that and you start to risk actually

having too much Vitamin D and A, depending on the type of fish. Newer,

high quality fish oils do not smell at all and come with added antioxidants

to counteract the oxidative tendency that all oils have and to keep it from

going rancid as quickly. A while back one of the list members mentioned

that she got a reaction from taking fish oil. She was probably sensitive to

fish in general. I have to say that I am somewhat sensitive to them, though

not enough to make much of a difference. At any rate, if you're sensitive

to any food don't eat it.

Cold-pressed, unrefined organic flax seed oil is very high in Omega-3 fatty

acids and is another beneficial supplement . You can have a lot of it

without worrying about any effects. It can be used for salad dressings and

cold dishes (don't heat it), or mixed into food just before you eat it. You

can also sprinkle milled/ground flax over cereal. I find this better for me

than fish oil. I just take flax seed oil straight off the spoon. Again,

it's far cheaper than buying pills. Make sure to continue taking

antioxidants (in particular vitamin E and vitamin C) to help balance out

the oxidative stress that oil places on your body.

I covered ginger a few days ago in an earlier message where I described how

to make fresh ginger tea. Ginger, garlic, onions... these are all excellent

healing foods with hundreds of active compounds in them, with

anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-regulating actions, among many

others.

Elfstrom

--

Elfstrom email( david@... web( http://elfstrom.com

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/2003 3:57:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

salo99@... writes:

>

> I was trying Omega -3 when I had a flare and my clorestral and triglycerins

> were sky high. So none for me now.

>

I thought this was supposed to lower cholesterol?????

Janet

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/26/2003 11:54:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

david@... writes:

> Cold-pressed, unrefined organic flax seed oil is very high in Omega-3 fatty

>

> acids and is another beneficial supplement .

Hi Dave,

Can this be purchased in a health food store? Is that where you buy it and

also is it just as good as the fish oil for omega-3 oil???

Janet

[Ed. Note: I get mine at the local GNC (http://www.gnc.com/). I would personally

assume that Omega-3 is Omega-3 regardless of the source. Cold pressed flax seed

oil has a nice nutty flavor and is much more tasty than fish oil in my opinion -

plus there's no worries about Mercury poisoning. Ron]

[Guest guest]

At 04:40 PM 5/26/2003 +0000, Marti wrote:

>Thankyou so much for sharing your knowledge. I just started on

>milled flaxseed. How much vitamin c and E will I need to take to

>balance it? I live in a landlocked state and about the only salmon

>available to us is farm raised. Does this provide enough Omega 3 to

>be helpful? Thanks!

Yeah... stay away from that farmed salmon, especially if it was raised on a

landlocked state! There is a consumer movement here in Canada to make

farm-raised salmon state the 'ingredients' on farmed fish, such as listing

the coloring added to the fish's food so that their flesh looks a healthy

pink -- instead of a pale grey. (yuck!) Farmed salmon is still better than

red meat though.

The Vitamin E alone has been proven useful for arthritis, taking a 400 IU

capsule 2 times a day is fine.

Vitamin C is useful in many ways. The " Ester-C " formula has better

absorption, 500mg 2 times a day is fine. However people with arthritis can

benefit from therapeutic doses of 3000mg a day. I haven't tried that yet.

Elfstrom

[Ed. Note: I don't have the source of this information at my fingertips, but I

read in a reputable journal (I believe it was " Science News " ), that more than

500 mg of Vitamin C supplements per day causes thickening of the walls of the

arteries leading to the heart, and can lead to a heart attack because the heart

must work harder to pump blood. Ron]

[Guest guest]

, I'm sure you read the book about the zone. It stressed that to take the

amount of fish oil needed [as you suggested], one can run the risk of

complications from Mercury which is found it lots of ocean fish and in regular

fish oils made from those fish. That's why pregnant women are cautioned not to

have more than three servings of fish, such as tuna, per week. But the book

said it is possible to buy pharmacutical grade fish oil, but it is even more

expensive and only available through three distributors. I don'[t remember the

names. Just another cautionary tale, Sylvia

Elfstrom <david@...> wrote:At 08:59 PM 5/25/2003 +0100, Rob

wrote:

>Has anyone tried Omega 3 and ginger as diet supplements?

>I started taking 3 capsules a day a couple of weeks ago. (I am now

>starting to find there is very slight movement (without pain) in one of my

>fingers)...........

>Don´t want to get too excited because it is not supposed to kick-in for 3

>months and after a year there are encouraging research papers that suggest

>HOPE!!!

>Anyone else tried Omega 3 and cut out the Omega 6?

Yes. The theory behind this is returning the Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acid

ratio to its proper balance in our diet. For 100 000 years we ate animals

that ate naturally (grass for grazing animals, bugs and seeds for fowl,

bugs and small fish for fish). Those animals, as well as the body parts we

ate (such as the brains) had a good balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty

acids, about equal parts. But with factory farming and domestication, the

animals we eat are being fed a grain-based diet, and have subsequent low

levels of Omega 3 fatty acids in their bodies. One way to get around this

is to find free-range, organic, naturally fed animals. Or in the case of

fish, wild ocean fish, not farmed. The other way is to reduce food that is

high in Omega-6 such as milk products.

The results of supplementing with Omega 3 oils to bring that balance back

to normal has been documented, and the science is there. It does indeed

take some time for the effects to build up, especially as your body

composition changes.

Quite frankly though, 3 capsules a day isn't going to make much difference.

You need to consume about 15-20 capsules in order to help balance it out.

And that gets expensive, plus you're eating all that extra gelatin.

A much cheaper and easier way is to supplement with fish oil (1 teaspoon

per 50lb of bodyweight). Have more than that and you start to risk actually

having too much Vitamin D and A, depending on the type of fish. Newer,

high quality fish oils do not smell at all and come with added antioxidants

to counteract the oxidative tendency that all oils have and to keep it from

going rancid as quickly. A while back one of the list members mentioned

that she got a reaction from taking fish oil. She was probably sensitive to

fish in general. I have to say that I am somewhat sensitive to them, though

not enough to make much of a difference. At any rate, if you're sensitive

to any food don't eat it.

Cold-pressed, unrefined organic flax seed oil is very high in Omega-3 fatty

acids and is another beneficial supplement . You can have a lot of it

without worrying about any effects. It can be used for salad dressings and

cold dishes (don't heat it), or mixed into food just before you eat it. You

can also sprinkle milled/ground flax over cereal. I find this better for me

than fish oil. I just take flax seed oil straight off the spoon. Again,

it's far cheaper than buying pills. Make sure to continue taking

antioxidants (in particular vitamin E and vitamin C) to help balance out

the oxidative stress that oil places on your body.

I covered ginger a few days ago in an earlier message where I described how

to make fresh ginger tea. Ginger, garlic, onions... these are all excellent

healing foods with hundreds of active compounds in them, with

anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-regulating actions, among many

others.

Elfstrom

--

Elfstrom email( david@... web( http://elfstrom.com

[Guest guest]

At 04:35 PM 5/26/2003 -0400, you wrote:

> > Cold-pressed, unrefined organic flax seed oil is very high in Omega-3

> fatty

> > acids and is another beneficial supplement .

>

>Hi Dave,

>Can this be purchased in a health food store? Is that where you buy it and

>also is it just as good as the fish oil for omega-3 oil???

>Janet

>

>[Ed. Note: I get mine at the local GNC (http://www.gnc.com/). I would

>personally assume that Omega-3 is Omega-3 regardless of the source. Cold

>pressed flax seed oil has a nice nutty flavor and is much more tasty than

>fish oil in my opinion - plus there's no worries about Mercury poisoning. Ron]

I buy it from the health food store in the refrigerated section. I usually

buy Omega Nutrition's high-lignan organic flax oil.

Addressing what Ron said, Omega-3 isn't quite omega-3 regardless of the

source ... especially if you're aiming to have EPA, the direct precursor to

the series-3 " anti-inflammatory " prostaglandins, and DHA, used in the

brain. Omega-3 from flax has to pass through 3 steps in your body before it

can be turned into EPA, and 5 steps for DHA. See the diagram at

http://www.westonaprice.org/know_your_fats/tripping.html Fish oil has both

EPA and DHA already in it. Typically you need about three times as much

flax seed oil by volume to be equivalent to fish oil.

Both Ron and Sylvia (in a later message) mentioned mercury. Mercury isn't

really an issue with the high-quality fish oil supplements. Carlson's Cod

Oil and Ascenta NeutraSea Herring oil brands both test their oils for many

contaminants, including mercury. The one fresh tuna steak I ate in Greece

last year probably had more mercury in it than I'll have in a year's worth

of taking pharmaceutical-grade fish oil supplements, mainly because tuna is

higher up on the food chain.

Overall, I prefer flax oil, it seems to work better for me than fish oil;

others might find fish oil better. You just have to try a couple of bottles

of each type over a few months and see.

Elfstrom

[Guest guest]

I have found that a combination of Primrose oil , Borage oil , and Fish Oil

are the most beneficial for me out of all natural remedies. The primrose

and borage seem to be the most potent..and they are plant oils.

mike

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/25/2003 5:55:36 PM Eastern Standard Time,

robinanne53@... writes:

> Hi Rob,

>

> Can you explain Omega 3 and 6 to me? What exactly are they? I heard ginger

is very good for inflammation; in a tea

> form too.

>

> Robin

Get the book Strong Women Beat Arthritis.... it explains it all, as do several

good dietary books out there. Omega 6's are the BAD fats in sweet foods and

oils. Omega 3's are good fats from FISH, Walnuts, Flaxseeds, etc.

Ed. Note I wouldnt say that Omega6 is " BAD fat " It is just way over abundant

in the typical western diet. Most people could benefit by reducing Omega6 and

replacing some of it with Omega3 to approach the appropriate balance between the

2. There is some discrepancy in the proper balance as stated by different

researchers but they do agree that most get too much O6 Orin

[Guest guest]

Thanks alot and Orin,

Looks like Omega 3 should be the one to take? I will also check into that book.

Sounds good. Thanks, Robin

[Guest guest]

From the way I have read it Omega 6 is a PRO-INFLAMMATORY fat and Omega 3 is an

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY fat. We do need BOTH, but I agree the balance is what most

people are missing.

In a message dated 5/27/2003 5:22:10 PM Eastern Standard Time, pookiegut writes:

>

> Ed. Note I wouldnt say that Omega6 is " BAD fat " It is just way over abundant

in the typical western diet. Most people could benefit by reducing Omega6 and

replacing some of it with Omega3 to approach the appropriate balance between the

2. There is some discrepancy in the proper balance as stated by different

researchers but they do agree that most get too

> much O6 Orin

[Guest guest]

Evening Primrose Oil is often recommended for women [not exclusiovely] it's an

Omega-6, and supposedly necessary in some situations. Sylvia

pookiegut@... wrote:From the way I have read it Omega 6 is a

PRO-INFLAMMATORY fat and Omega 3 is an ANTI-INFLAMMATORY fat. We do need BOTH,

but I agree the balance is what most people are missing.

[Guest guest]

I take Flax Seed oil, which has the Omega-3 along with Evening

Primrose...haven't tried borage oil- what does it do? Sylvia

Newjersey23 <newjersey23@...> wrote:I have found that a combination of

Primrose oil , Borage oil , and Fish Oil

are the most beneficial for me out of all natural remedies. The primrose

and borage seem to be the most potent..and they are plant oils.

mike

[Guest guest]

I guess I started the talk on Omega 3 (Just as an update very slow progress but

my pain is not as severe - I need to take this for 6 months before any serious

observations.

People who need more info on Omega 3 please see below: There is rather alot but

I hope it helps;

Omega-3 Fatty AcidsAlso Known As: essential fatty acids (EFAs), polyunsaturated

fatty acids (PUFAs) OverviewUsesDietary SourcesAvailable FormsHow to Take

ItPrecautionsPossible InteractionsSupporting Research

---------------------------------

Overview

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids, which means that they

are essential to human health but cannot be manufactured by the body. For this

reason, omega-3 fatty acids must be obtained from food. Omega-3 fatty acids can

be found in fish and certain plant oils. It is important to maintain an

appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 (another essential fatty acid) in the

diet as these two substances work together to promote health. Also known as

polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play a

crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development.

There are three major types of omega 3 fatty acids that are ingested in foods

and used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA),

and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and

DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body.

Extensive research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and

help prevent certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. These

essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be

particularly important for cognitive and behavioral function. In fact, infants

who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy

are at risk for developing vision and nerve problems.

As mentioned previously, it is very important to maintain a balance between

omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce

inflammation and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. An

inappropriate balance of these essential fatty acids contributes to the

development of disease while a proper balance helps maintain and even improve

health. A healthy diet should consist of roughly one to four times more omega-6

fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The typical American diet tends to contain

11 to 30 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids and many

researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of

inflammatory disorders in the United States.

In contrast, however, the Mediterranean diet consists of a healthier balance

between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and many studies have shown that people

who follow this diet are less likely to develop heart disease. The Mediterranean

diet does not include much meat (which is high in omega-6 fatty acids) and

emphasizes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids including whole grains, fresh

fruits and vegetables, fish, olive oil, garlic, as well as moderate wine

consumption.

---------------------------------

Uses

Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may be helpful in treating a variety of

conditions. The evidence is strongest for heart disease and problems that

contribute to heart disease, but the range of possible uses for omega-3 fatty

acids include:

High Cholesterol

Those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet tend to have higher HDL ( " good " )

cholesterol levels. Similar to those who follow a Mediterranean diet, Inuit

Eskimos, who consume high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, also

tend to have increased HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides (fatty

material that circulates in the blood). In addition, fish oil supplements

containing EPA and DHA have been shown to reduce LDL ( " bad " ) cholesterol and

triglycerides. Finally, walnuts (which are rich in ALA) have been shown to lower

total cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol.

High Blood Pressure

Several studies suggest that diets and/or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty

acids lower blood pressure significantly in people with hypertension. Fish high

in mercury (such as tuna) should be avoided, however, because they may increase

blood pressure.

Heart Disease

One of the best ways to help prevent and treat heart disease is to eat a low-fat

diet and to replace foods rich in saturated and trans-fat with those that are

rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty

acids). Evidence suggests that EPA and DHA found in fish oil help reduce risk

factors for heart disease including high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

There is also strong evidence that these substances can help prevent and treat

atherosclerosis by inhibiting the development of plaque and blood clots, each of

which tends to clog arteries. Studies of heart attack survivors have found that

daily omega-3 fatty acid supplements dramatically reduce the risk of death,

subsequent heart attacks, and stroke. Similarly, people who eat an ALA-rich diet

are less likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.

Stroke

Strong evidence from population-based studies suggests that omega-3 fatty acid

intake (primarily from fish), helps protect against stroke caused by plaque

buildup and blood clots in the arteries that lead to the brain. In fact, eating

at least two servings of fish per week can reduce the risk of stroke by as much

as 50%. However, people who eat more than three grams of omega-3 fatty acids per

day (equivalent to 3 servings of fish per day) may be at an increased risk for

hemorrhagic stroke, a potentially fatal type of stroke in which an artery in the

brain leaks or ruptures.

Diabetes

People with diabetes tend to have high triglyceride and low HDL levels. Omega-3

fatty acids from fish oil can help lower triglycerides and raise HDL, so people

with diabetes may benefit from eating foods or taking supplements that contain

DHA and EPA. ALA (from flaxseed, for example) may not have the same benefit as

DHA and EPA because some people with diabetes lack the ability to efficiently

convert ALA to a form of omega-3 fatty acids that the body can use readily.

Weight Loss

Many people who are overweight suffer from poor blood sugar control, diabetes,

and high cholesterol. Studies suggest that overweight people who follow a weight

loss program including exercise tend to achieve better control over their blood

sugar and cholesterol levels when fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as

salmon, mackerel, and herring) is a staple in their low fat diet.

Arthritis

Most clinical studies investigating the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements

for inflammatory joint conditions have focused almost entirely on rheumatoid

arthritis. Several articles reviewing the research in this area conclude that

omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning

stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for

people with rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition, laboratory studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids

(and low in omega-6 fatty acids) may benefit people with other inflammatory

disorders, such as osteoarthritis. In fact, several test tube studies of

cartilage-containing cells have found that omega-3 fatty acids decrease

inflammation and reduce the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage.

Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), another

potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint

stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small

group of people with osteoarthritis. In some participants, symptoms worsened

before they improved.

Osteoporosis

Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA help increase levels of

calcium in the body, deposit calcium in the bones, and improve bone strength. In

addition, studies also suggest that people who are deficient in certain

essential fatty acids (particularly EPA and gamma-linolenic acid [GLA], an

omega-6 fatty acid) are more likely to suffer from bone loss than those with

normal levels of these fatty acids. In a study of women over 65 with

osteoporosis, those given EPA and GLA supplements experienced significantly less

bone loss over three years than those who were given a placebo. Many of these

women also experienced an increase in bone density.

Depression

People who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids or do not maintain a healthy

balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in their diet may be at an increased

risk for depression. The omega-3 fatty acids are important components of nerve

cell membranes. They help nerve cells communicate with each other, which is an

essential step in maintaining good mental health.

Levels of omega-3 fatty acids were found to be measurably low and the ratio of

omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids were particularly high in a study of patients

hospitalized for depression. In a study of people with depression, those who ate

a healthy diet consisting of fatty fish two to three times per week for 5 years

experienced a significant reduction in feelings of depression and hostility.

Manic/Depression (Bipolar Disorder)

In a study of 30 people with bipolar disorder, those who were treated with EPA

and DHA (in combination with their usual mood stabilizing medications) for four

months experienced fewer mood swings and recurrence of either depression or

mania than those who received placebo. A similar but larger study is currently

underway at the University of California- Los Angeles School of Medicine.

Schizophrenia

Preliminary evidence suggests that people with schizophrenia experience an

improvement in symptoms when given omega-3 fatty acids. However, a recent

well-designed study concluded that EPA supplements are no better than placebo in

improving symptoms of this condition. The conflicting results suggest that more

research is needed before conclusions can be drawn about the benefit of omega-3

fatty acids for schizophrenia. Similar to diabetes, people with schizophrenia

may not be able to convert ALA to EPA or DHA efficiently.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Children with ADHD may have low levels of certain essential fatty acids

(including EPA and DHA) in their bodies. In a study of nearly 100 boys, those

with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids demonstrated more learning and

behavioral problems (such as temper tantrums and sleep disturbances) than boys

with normal omega-3 fatty acid levels. In animal studies, low levels of omega-3

fatty acids have been shown to lower the concentration of certain brain

chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) related to attention and motivation.

Studies that examine the ability of omega-3 supplements to improve symptoms of

ADHD are still needed. At this point in time, eating foods high in omega-3 fatty

acids is a reasonable approach for someone with ADHD.

Eating Disorders

Studies suggest that men and women with anorexia nervosa have lower than optimal

levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (including ALA and GLA). To prevent the

complications associated with essential fatty acid deficiencies, some experts

recommend that treatment programs for anorexia nervosa include PUFA-rich foods

such as fish and organ meats (which include omega-6 fatty acids).

Burns

Essential fatty acids have been used to reduce inflammation and promote wound

healing in burn victims. Animal research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids help

promote a healthy balance of proteins in the body -- protein balance is

important for recovery after sustaining a burn. Further research is necessary to

determine whether omega 3s benefit people in the same way.

Skin Disorders

In one study, 13 people with a particular sensitivity to the sun known as

photodermatitis showed significantly less sensitivity to UV rays after taking

fish oil supplements. Still, research indicates that topical sunscreens are much

better at protecting the skin from damaging effects of the sun than omega-3

fatty acids. In another study of 40 people with psoriasis, those who were

treated with medications and EPA supplements did better than those treated with

the medications alone. In addition, many clinicians believe that flaxseed (which

contains omega-3 fatty acids) is helpful for treating acne.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

When added to medication, such as sulfasalazine (a standard medication for IBD),

omega-3 fatty acids may reduce symptoms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative

colitis -- the two types of IBD. More studies to investigate this preliminary

finding are under way. In animals, it appears that ALA works better at

decreasing bowel inflammation than EPA and DHA. Plus, fish oil supplements can

cause side effects that are similar to symptoms of IBD (such as flatulence and

diarrhea). Time-release preparations may help reduce these unwanted effects.

Asthma

Preliminary research suggests that omega-3 fatty acid supplements (in the form

of perilla seed oil, which is rich in ALA) may decrease inflammation and improve

lung function in adults with asthma. Omega-6 fatty acids have the opposite

effect: they tend to increase inflammation and worsen respiratory function. In a

small, well-designed study of 29 children with asthma, those who took fish oil

supplements rich in EPA and DHA for 10 months had improvement in their symptoms

compared to children who took a placebo pill.

Macular Degeneration

A questionnaire administered to more than 3,000 people over the age of 49 found

that those who consumed more fish in their diet were less likely to have macular

degeneration (a serious age-related eye condition that can progress to

blindness) than those who consumed less fish. Similarly, a study comparing 350

people with macular degeneration to 500 without found that those with a healthy

dietary balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and higher intake of fish in

their diets were less likely to have this particular eye disorder. Another

larger study confirms that EPA and DHA from fish, four or more times per week,

may reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration. Notably, however, this

same study suggests that ALA may actually increase the risk of this eye

condition.

Menstrual Pain

In a study of nearly 200 Danish women, those with the highest dietary intake of

omega-3 fatty acids had the mildest symptoms during menstruation.

Colon Cancer

Consuming significant amounts of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids appears to

reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. For example, Eskimos, who tend to follow a

high fat diet but eat significant amounts of fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids,

have a low rate of colorectal cancer. Animal studies and laboratory studies have

found that omega-3 fatty acids prevent worsening of colon cancer while omega-6

fatty acids promote the growth of colon tumors. Daily consumption of EPA and DHA

also appeared to slow or even reverse the progression of colon cancer in people

with early stages of the disease.

However, in an animal study of rats with metastatic colon cancer (in other

words, cancer that has spread to other parts of the body such as the liver),

omega-3 fatty acids actually promoted the growth of cancer cells in the liver.

Until more information is available, it is best for people with advanced stages

of colorectal cancer to avoid omega-3 fatty acid supplements and diets rich in

this substance.

Breast Cancer

Although not all experts agree, women who regularly consume foods rich in

omega-3 fatty acids over many years may be less likely to develop breast cancer.

In addition, the risk of dying from breast cancer may be significantly less for

those who eat large quantities of omega-3 from fish and brown kelp seaweed

(common in Japan). This is particularly true among women who substitute fish for

meat. The balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids appears to play an

important role in the development and growth of breast cancer. Further research

is still needed to understand the effect that omega-3 fatty acids may have on

the prevention or treatment of breast cancer. For example, several researchers

speculate that omega-3 fatty acids in combination with other nutrients (namely,

vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, and coenzyme Q10) may prove to be

of particular value for preventing and treating breast cancer.

Prostate Cancer

Laboratory and animal studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids (specifically,

DHA and EPA) may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. Similarly, population

based studies of groups of men suggest that a low-fat diet with the addition of

omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil help prevent the development of

prostate cancer. Like breast cancer, the balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty

acids appears to be particularly important for reducing the risk of this

condition. ALA, however, may not offer the same benefits as EPA and DHA. In

fact, one recent study evaluating 67 men with prostate cancer found that they

had higher levels of ALA compared to men without prostate cancer. More research

in this area is needed.

Other

Although further research is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that omega-3

fatty acids may also prove helpful in protecting against certain infections and

treating a variety of conditions including ulcers, migraine headaches, preterm

labor, emphysema, psoriasis, glaucoma, Lyme disease, lupus, and panic attacks.

---------------------------------

Dietary Sources

Fish oils and plant oils are the primary dietary source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids is New Zealand green lipped

mussels (Perna canaliculus),used for centuries by the Maories to promote good

health. EPA and DHA are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel,

halibut, sardines, and herring. ALA is found in flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, canola

(rapeseed) oil, soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin seed oil,

purslane, perilla seed oil, walnuts, and walnut oil.

---------------------------------

Available Forms

In addition to the dietary sources described, EPA and DHA can be taken in the

form of fish oil capsules. Flaxseed, flaxseed oil, and fish oil should be kept

refrigerated. Whole flaxseeds must be ground within 24 hours of use, otherwise

the ingredients lose their activity. Flaxseeds are also available in ground form

in a special mylar package so that the components in the flaxseeds stay active.

Be sure to buy omega-3 fatty acid supplements made by established companies who

certify that their products are free of heavy metals such as mercury.

---------------------------------

How to Take It

Pediatric

The precise safe and effective doses of all types of omega-3 fatty acid

supplements in children have not been established.

EPA and DHA

EPA and DHA are naturally found in breast milk; therefore, infants that are

breastfed should receive sufficient amounts of these substances.

Formula for infants should contain less than 0.1% EPA.

Formula for infants should contain 0.35% DHA.

ALA

Infants that are breastfed should receive sufficient amounts of ALA if the

mother has an adequate intake of this fatty acid.

Infant formula should contain 1.5% ALA.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil may be added to a child's diet to help balance fatty acids. If

an infant is breastfed, the mother may ingest oil or fresh ground seed to

increase fat content in breast milk. See adult dosage below.

Flaxseed

Children (2 to 12 years): 1 tsp daily of ground flaxseeds or 1 tsp of fresh

flaxseed oil for constipation

Adult

EPA and DHA

The adequate daily intake of EPA and DHA for adults should be at least 220 mg

of each per day.

Two to three servings of fatty fish per week (roughly 1,250 mg EPA and DHA

per day) are generally recommended to treat certain health conditions.

Fish oil supplements

3,000 to 4,000 mg standardized fish oils per day. (This amount corresponds to

roughly 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week.)

Typically, a 1,000 mg fish oil capsule has 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA

ALA

The adequate daily intake of ALA for adults should be roughly 2,220 mg per

day.

Flaxseed oil

One or two Tbsp of flaxseed oil per day is recommended for general health.

Doses up to 3,000 mg per day are recommended to prevent certain conditions

and doses up to 6,000 mg per day may be recommend to treat these conditions.

Flaxseed

1 Tbsp two to three times per day or 2 to 4 tbsp one time per day. Grind

before eating and take with lots of water.

Decoction (liquid prepared by boiling down the flaxseed in water): A rounded

Tbsp of whole seed simmered in 1 cup water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and

drink.

100 grams of raw flaxseed provides 22,800 mg of ALA

---------------------------------

Precautions

Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications,

dietary supplements should be taken only under the supervision of a

knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Omega-3 fatty acids should be used cautiously by people who bruise easily, have

a bleeding disorder, or take blood-thinning medications because excessive

amounts of omega-3 fatty acids may lead to bleeding. In fact, people who eat

more than three grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day (equivalent to 3 servings

of fish per day) may be at an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke, a

potentially fatal condition in which an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures.

Fish oil can cause flatulence and diarrhea. Time-release preparations may reduce

these side effects, however.

People with either diabetes or schizophrenia may lack the ability to convert ALA

to EPA and DHA, the forms more readily used in the body. Therefore, people with

these conditions should obtain their omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources

rich in EPA and DHA.

Although studies have found that regular consumption of fish (which includes the

omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA) may reduce the risk of macular degeneration, a

recent study including two large groups of men and women found that diets rich

in ALA may substantially increase the risk of this disease. More research is

needed in this area. Until this information becomes available, it is best for

people with macular degeneration to obtain omega-3 fatty acids from sources of

EPA and DHA, rather than ALA.

Similar to macular degeneration, fish and fish oil may protect against prostate

cancer, but ALA may be associated with increased risk of prostate cancer in men.

More research in this area is needed.

It is best to use lipid extracts rather than the powder form of New Zealand

green lipped mussels because there is less chance of an allergic reaction.

People who are allergic to seafood should avoid New Zealand green lipped

mussels. In some individuals who take New Zealand green lipped mussels,

arthritis symptoms may worsen before they improve.

---------------------------------

Possible Interactions

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you

should not use omega-3 fatty acid supplements without first talking to your

healthcare provider.

Blood-thinning Medications

Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the blood-thinning effects of aspirin or

warfarin. While the combination of aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids may actually

be helpful under certain circumstances (such as heart disease), they should only

be taken together under the guidance and supervision of your healthcare

provider.

Cyclosporine

Taking omega-3 fatty acids during cyclosporine therapy may reduce toxic side

effects (such as high blood pressure and kidney damage) associated with this

medication in transplant patients.

Etretinate and Topical Steroids

The addition of omega-3 fatty acids (specifically EPA) to a drug regimen of

etretinate and topical corticosteroids may improve symptoms of psoriasis.

Cholesterol-lowering Medications

Following certain nutritional guidelines, including increasing the amount of

omega-3 fatty acids in your diet and reducing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, may

allow a group of cholesterol lowering medications known as " statins " (such as

atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) to work more effectively.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

In an animal study, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of

ulcers from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More research is

needed to evaluate whether omega-3 fatty acids would have the same effects in

people.

---------------------------------

Plus - For a better Internet experience

[Guest guest]

you can get it at www.nordicnaturals.com it is a bit

pricy and you could probably use another brand but this is the only one I have

found that has the highest EPA/DHA content per dose. Other pills have a

very small EPA/DHA content so they have to take more pills to get the same dose

and in that regard the price probably works out to be almost the same.

Some of the discount online pharmacies sell NN too I think

Charlotte

From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of Laha1960@...

Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2006

3:03 PM

Autism and Aspergers Treatment

Subject: Re:

Omega 3 and Omega 6

We used Nordic Naturals Pro-EFA with my

son. His psychiatrist recommended a

minimum of 1000EPA 600DHA content fish oil.

I would say in about 4 to six weeks I noticed mood stability improvement.

He was 10 when he started.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

* CHARLOTTE

I saw what you wrote above. Is this a

brand and where does one get it? Can other brands be used? Is it expensive?

Thanks

in IL