HEALTH: We can take out the ‘Greek' of Omega 3s DECEMBER 2008

We hear a lot these days about Omega 3 fatty acids and how they’re so good for the body.

We may have even heard some places where we can get these essential nutrients, like salmon and certain other fish and oils. So let’s talk about why these are so important to incorporate into our diets.

But first, as usual, there’re a few other things to understand. In fact, to understand the whole picture, we must first visit another omega fatty acid called Omega 6.

The real story lies in understanding what the body does with these fats and how they both affect our health in the long run. These fats are called “essential” because the body cannot make them; they must be supplied in the diet.

While Omega 6s are essential to good health in the right amounts, they become a problem when in excess.

Excess Omega 6 fats are digested and metabolized by the body and end up creating pro-inflammatory agents, while Omega 3 digestion does exactly the opposite; they create anti-inflammatory products. The big idea here, is to understand that inflammation is the body’s enemy.

It may surprise you, for example, to know that half of all heart attacks are caused by years of low levels of inflammation in the arteries of the heart.

Inflammation of the joints leads to the constant pain of arthritis.

Long-term inflammation of the brain tissue may lead to dementia and other cognitive problems. Hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, stroke and cancer all have a component of inflammation and have been linked to an imbalance of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids.

The point is, inflammation is not good.

To combat this serious health problem, the ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 should be 4:1 or lower, with some research putting the safest ratio at 1:1.

In the diets of developed western societies that ratio currently stands at 20:1 or higher. It’s no wonder we have serious degenerative disease in our society.

This imbalance in omega fats in our diets is a big reason that 7 out of 10 people die from degenerative diseases.

Add to this the fact that most Americans will spend the last 13 years of their lives in the “disability zone”, and you can see the need for immediate attention to making a change.

Research is also showing improvements in behaviors and abilities of children with ADHD when a better ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is achieved.

The feeds used to fatten up cattle and to raise chickens and farm-raised fish are high in Omega 6 fatty acids.
These Omega 6 fats are then concentrated in animal products, including meats, dairy, eggs and even those farm-raised fish.

Omega 6 is also found in corn, and all vegetable oils.

Omega 3 fats are found in wild salmon, flax seed, flax seed oil, walnuts, avocados and in fruits and vegetables and in commercially available supplements.

Since the ratio is so important to reducing inflammation, it is important to lower Omega 6 at the same time as raising Omega 3 in your diet. Now you can understand that a steady diet of fast foods can come back to haunt you.

You may have heard about the “Mediterranean” diet. One of the reasons it is so good for you is that it achieves a good balance between Omega 6 and Omega 3 fats.

This article is meant to get you thinking about this important topic.

As usual, it is important to learn more and to contact a qualified health care professional for your particular situation, especially if you are taking any medications or have a particular health condition.

In our office we have introduced a new supplement called NanOmega for those who would like to work toward a better ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fats in their diets.

-- Dr. Tom Honka can be reached at 781-2222.