waterworkswonders.com

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disease. Approximately one percent of the population develops schizophrenia during their lifetime – more than two million Americans suffer from the illness in any given year. Although schizophrenia affects men and women with equal frequency, the disorder often appears earlier in men, usually in the late teens or early twenties; women are generally affected in the twenties to early thirties. People with schizophrenia often suffer terrifying symptoms such as hearing internal voices not heard by others, or believing that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. These symptoms may leave them fearful and withdrawn. Their speech and behaviour can be disorganised and strange to the extent that they may be incomprehensible or frightening to others.

How is Schizophrenia Diagnosed?
There is currently no physical or lab test that can conclusively diagnose schizophrenia – a psychiatrist usually makes the diagnosis based on clinical symptoms. Physical testing can rule out many other conditions (seizure disorders, metabolic disorders, thyroid dysfunction, brain tumour, the effects of street drug use, and so on) that sometimes have similar symptoms.

What causes Schizophrenia?
Although the exact cause of schizophrenia remains unknown, experts agree that schizophrenia develops as a result of interplay between biological predisposition (for example, inheriting certain genes) and environmental factors. These lines of research are beginning to converge: brain development disruption is likely the result of genetic and/or environmental stressors early in development (during pregnancy or early childhood), leading to subtle alterations in the brain. Environmental factors later in development can either damage the brain further and further increase the risk of schizophrenia, or lessen the expression of genetic or neurodevelopment defects, thus decreasing the risk of schizophrenia.

Treatment for schizophrenia
The American Psychiatric Association publication ‘Guidelines for the Treatment of Patients with Schizophrenia’ states: “Antipsychotic medications are indicated for nearly all acute psychotic episodes in patients with schizophrenia.”
 
There is also a significant overlap in terms of the medications for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (Manic Depression).
There are two main classifications of medications (from a layman’s perspective); the traditional antipsychotic medications (Haldol, etc.), and the newer, ‘atypical’ antipsychotic medications that have come out in the past decade (Clozapine, Geodon, Seroquel, Risperdal, Zyprexa, Abilify, etc.). It is recommended that sufferers or their carers speak to online support groups to get in touch with others, and to hear about their personal successes and problems with the different medications. It is also a good idea to read as much as possible regarding the medications available, and talk with a psychiatrist, to identify the medications that may be appropriate. It should be kept in mind that whilst both the older and newer medications can greatly help a person with schizophrenia, they all have significant side effects that vary according to the individual. No medication available, unfortunately, constitutes an actual cure for schizophrenia.

A natural treatment for schizophrenia?
While the conclusions drawn range from the positive to the negative, research does suggest that people with schizophrenia may benefit by a reduction in symptoms when they take fish oil capsules that are high in the EPA (a type of Omega-3 fatty acid) form of oil. It is important to be careful about the type of fish oil you are using, as not all fish oils are effective. Researchers at the University of Sheffield tell us: “What people really need to be looking at is the amount of EPA in the fish oil they are buying. Our data from previous studies suggests that DHA is of little use in the treatment of schizophrenia, but EPA is the substance that yields the best results. Dosage wise it is suggested that about 2,000 mg/day to 4,000 mg/day (2 to 4 grams/day) should help.”

A research review article from 2005 in the journal Drugs states: “The evidence to date supports the adjunctive use [i.e. in addition to antipsychotic medications] of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of treatment unresponsive depression and schizophrenia. As these conditions are associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus, omega-3 fatty acids should also benefit the physical state of these patients.” (Drugs, 2005; 65(8):1051-9).

Fish fats, and the oils extracted from them, contain two biologically-active omega 3 fatty acids, DHA, EPA. There are good theoretical reasons why both might be important in the brain. However, with regard to schizophrenia, evidence is accumulating that it is the EPA which is really helpful, whereas DHA may not be beneficial in this context.

The strongest evidence comes from a study at Sheffield University by Dr Malcolm Peet and his colleagues. They did a study in patients with chronic, partially treatment-resistant schizophrenia. These patients continued on their existing medications. They were then randomised on a double-blind basis to receive either a placebo, or high EPA fish oil from sardines or anchovies, or high DHA fish oil from tuna. In other words, all the treatments were coded so that neither the patients nor the doctors knew which patient was receiving which treatment until the trial had been completed and the code broken. When the code was broken, the results were very clear. The placebo patients, as is usual in such experiments, showed a small improvement. The DHA patients also showed a small improvement, but in fact a lesser one than was evident in the placebo group, raising the possibility that DHA may not be helpful. In contrast, the patients on EPA showed a significant improvement which was comparable to that seen with the newer antipsychotic drugs, yet without the side effects.

Other studies have also shown that the same EPA rich oil as was used in the Sheffield study is very helpful in improving symptoms even in those who have a shorter history of schizophrenia. It therefore seems that the best fish oils to use are those which are high in EPA.

These findings have been fully embraced by the Schizophrenia Association of Great Britain, which recommends EPA fish oil along with other nutritional supplements on a daily basis to help treat this condition.

Conclusion
The current evidence points towards this natural essential fatty acid being beneficial for schizophrenia especially when run alongside current antipsychotic medication.

Any good doctor or nutritionist will tell you that the best way to get any nutrient is to eat a very balanced diet. In the case of Omega 3 oil this would be in the form of fish. Sadly due to the pollution levels found in our oceans today eating large portions of fish every day is not advisable.

Therefore anyone with schizophrenia who wants to supplement their diet with omega 3 oil must purchase fish oil capsules that are high in EPA. Make sure at point of purchase that the capsules are free of toxins and contaminates and that they also have a high EPA to DHA ratio, as these types of capsules were found to be more effective by some leading doctors in the UK.

David Mcevoy
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/schizophrenia-naturally-3537.html

Many people don’t understand how important nutrition is to their brain. And, when they don’t get the nutrition their brain needs to think intelligently, it doesn’t help them to understand this simple concept – good nutrition feeds your brain!

After all, your brain is part of your body and it’s well understood that you need certain nutrients for your body. Why wouldn’t you need certain specific nutrients for your brain too? Yet, most people are extremely casual about what they eat – as if it’s only a matter of taste that’s important.

But, if your brain is developed enough to think clearly, it will be easy to understand this question. What’s the most important factor to our intellectual and cognitive development?

Some people say it’s genetics. Other’s say it’s the environment. While still others might argue that the most important factor in a person’s brain development is their self-discipline – in other words, how the use their brain.

But, while all these factors do play an important role, the single most important factor for brain development and intellectual capacity is a person’s daily diet and the nutrition your get from it.

You’re probably familiar with the saying, “Garbage in, garbage out.” Well, if you’re eating an unhealthy diet, then that same principle applies to your brain. Eating garbage robs you of your brain’s full potential.

And it gets even worse. If you have a family and are eating a poor diet, you’re definitely dooming your children to a future of mediocre intelligence, poorly developed verbal skills, eyesight, hearing and many other physical and mental drawbacks.

But wait, it’s not too late! The good news is that at any time during a person’s lifetime they can still turn to nutrition for a better brain.

If you’re ready to improve the mental capacity and functionality of your own and your family’s brains, consider this. While all of your nutrition is important, the most important and beneficial nutritional factors for your brain are the DHA, EPA and other omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish.

Studies show that nearly 70 percent of a baby’s brain and more than 60 percent of the adult brain is made up of essential DHA and EPA fatty acids and that an adequate dietary intake of these oils is absolutely vital for mental and emotional health.

That’s why, among other reasons, the U.S. National Institutes of Health recommends that all adults supplement with a daily intake of about 650 mg of fish oil containing balanced ratios of EPA and DHA. Pregnant and nursing mothers should take nearly 1000 mg a day.

It’s simply the smart thing to do.

You can get these special brain nutrients from eating more fatty fish and from taking pure fish oil supplements on a daily basis. Don’t you think it’s time to get started?

Michael Byrd
http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/nutrition-and-brain-development-109689.html

I already know that the ALA(alpha-linolenic acid ) in flaxseed oil converts into both EPA and DHA in the body, but not in everyone. This conversion(especially ALA to DHA) is often severely limited by other fats we may be eating. I think I’ll go with algae, but which type or brand?

I read in Becoming Vegan (by a nutritionist) and heard from Compassionate Cooks podcast that DHA/EPA needs can be met by consuming whole foods. It’s a different story for lower absorption levels in some people, but most nutritionists and scientists seem to agree that vegans can meet their DHA needs through food.

Basically, like you said, DHA is converted from consuming plenty of ALA Omega-3 fatty acids, (i.e. flaxseeds, hempseeds, walnuts, canola, soybeans) so I think if we are able to consume these whole foods as well as seaweeds we should be okay also, unless in some unusual cases. For seeds however, absorption levels can be increased by grinding them, as well as storing them in the fridge since their nutrition levels can decrease significantly if not kept fresh. I usually use my high-power blender to grind them along with my smoothies, like my Berry Fascinating Flaxseed smoothie (linked below).

But if you’re pregnant or lactating, or if you know your absorption levels are low, I think it might still be beneficial to take these DHA supplements, or drink fortified foods just in case. I noticed that Silk soymillk nowadays are fortified with DHA and Omega-3′s so that’s another option. I tried it recently and liked the taste so I’ve been regularly getting them. Costco carries them in bulk also.

With that said, you can find vegan supplements of DHA made from red algae. My longtime vegan friend recommends the following DHA supplement sold by a naturopathic doctor who supports veganism. You only need a few drops a day:

http://drfuhrman.com/shop/Supplements.aspx#DHA

If you live in San Diego, All Vegan store carries it.

Hope this helps!

I remember that some fomula contains DHA, but I’ve never seen supplement contains DHA for toddler…
Are there any?

Breyers yogurt has DHA added to some of it’s varieties. As someone else said, soy milk has it added. Some regular milks have it added too (Horizon). Oh, and some egg products (egglands best etc.) are especially high in omega-3s (DHA).

I took DHA supplements thoughout my pregnancy and I am still while I breastfeed. I feel as if it may have had a good impact because my five week old baby is already doing so many things his cousin didnt do for 6 to 8 months.
What is your experience with taking DHA ? Do you feel it works to improve brain function?

I didn’t take a supplement but I did (and still do) eat a lot of low mercury fish. I’ve noticed much the same as you: our 2 1/2 month old daughter is hitting her milestones very quickly. I’m not sure if that’s due to the DHA she got while in utero and gets through breast milk, if it’s the fact that both her parents are home with her and she’s constantly being interacted with, just a coincidence, or all of the above; but I’m sure the DHA doesn’t hurt.

Depression is more than just “feeling down in the dumps”. It is a mood disorder with such symptoms as fatigue, sleep disturbances, restlessness, loss of energy, hopelessness, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritation, agitation, inappropriate guilt, withdrawing from activity, and suicidal thoughts. A person does not have to have all of the symptoms, any five, at least, need to be present for a diagnosis of depression to be made. The symptoms also have to last more than just a few days. A lack in the modern diet of essential and metabolic fatty acids has been linked to the increase, over the last century, of depression.

The rise in the rate of disorders like depression due to a lack or imbalance between fatty acids shows how necessary essential and metabolic fatty acids are for the body and brain to function properly.

The role played in the function of serotonin and dopamine, which are chemicals of the brain, by essential fatty acids is important. If the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is wrong in the diet, optimum functioning of the brain chemicals can not be maintained and the result can be depression. Eating fatty fish or taking an omega-3 supplement such as fish oil is important to maintain a balance of essential and metabolic fatty acids. Visit http://www.omegaflaxseedoil.com to learn more about benefits of Omega 3.

The right balance of essential and metabolic fatty acids, especially DHA, has been argued by Hibbeln and Salem of the Laboratory of Membrane Biophysics and Biochemistry might possibly reduce the development of depression. A study involving bipolar disorder patients being treated with DHA and EPA along with their medication indicated that DHA and EPA improved results with these patients, showing fewer recurrences of mania or depression.

Patients in another study who suffered from depression, ate fatty fish two or three times a week for five years showed that they were not as likely to have feelings of depression Consuming fatty fish as a way to balance your levels of essential and metabolic fatty acids is excellent.

A wide imbalance in essential and metabolic fatty acids brought on by our modern eating habits has led to cases of depression to increase. The importance of correcting the imbalances is shown in tests treating depression patients with essential and metabolic fatty acids result in decreasing the occurrences and improving the feeling of depression.

Glossary:
Essential fatty Acids: Fatty acids are vital for physical and mental wellbeing which cannot be produced by the body.
Serotonin and Dopamine: two chemicals in the brain which are involved with emotions and nerve communication
Omega 3 fatty acids: Fatty acids essential for physical and mental wellbeing including ALA, GLA and DHA.

Rich Fuller
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/depression-what-do-essential-and-metabolic-fatty-acids-have-to-do-with-it-110821.html

Have you ever wondered if what you know about omega 3 is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on omega 3.

Adding fats to your diet is essential if you want to live a healthy lifestyle that results in feeling and looking great, but it has to be the right kind of fats. Essential fatty acids fall within this category and are a crucially important addition to anyone’s diet.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are made up of two components: DHA (which stands for docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

The best source of DHA and EPA are fish, especially salmon, seaweed, shellfish and algae. Furthermore, you can also get omega-3′s from unrefined whole grains, dark; leafy greens and certain nuts and seeds like walnuts, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. This second group contains ALA (alpha linolenic acid) which your body then converts to EPA and DHA.

Your best bet, however, is to get your omega-3′s from seafood because your body converts only about 15 percent of dietary ALA to EPA and much less to DHA.

What do you do if you don’t like, and absolutely refuse to eat, seafood? Well, fortunately you can get omega-3′s in capsule form. Not everyone’s stomach can handle these capsules, but try them out for one month. It’s an extremely convenient way to add omega-3′s to your diet.

When purchasing omega-3′s in pill form, you’ll notice some products also contain the other two components of essential fatty acids: omega-6 and omega-9. Stick with the products that contain only high amounts of omega-3′s. Most people already get high amounts of these two fatty acids from their diet, and it’s this lack of omega-3′s that is potentially the culprit behind many health problems today.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about omega 3? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

When adding omega-3′s to your diet through pills, look for 1,000 mg pills and take 3-9 per day with food depending on your current health status and healthy living goals. Your Doctor or physician should be able to consult with you about this.

Solgar Vitamins have some very good omega 3 products available at www.solgar.co.uk

So now you have a good introduction into omega-3 fatty acids and the different ways to add them to your diet, but what are the health benefits associated with them?

Plenty! Here’s a quick list and you can also easily do some research by searching for “benefits of omega-3″ in your favorite search engine.

• stabilizes blood sugar levels and lowers insulin levels
• boosts your immune system
• encourages your body to burn fat and decreases appetite
• improves your mood and attention span
• reduce inflammation
• improve your skin tone and radiance

If the above doesn’t get you excited about this proven, inexpensive and easy-to-get fatty acid supplement, then check your pulse!

It’s an addition to your diet that will help improve your health by leaps and bounds.

I hope that reading the above information was both enjoyable and educational for you. Your learning process should be ongoing–the more you understand about any subject, the more you will be able to share with others.

Keith Woolley
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/fats-in-your-diet-are-essential-but-which-ones-to-choose-24348.html

Loaded with omega 3 fatty acids, the benefits of fish oil supplements are numerous. Known for the positive effect it has on heart health, joints and the brain, omega 3 is one of the latest buzzwords in a healthy diet. Because the body does not naturally produce this vitally important compound, it needs to be obtained through foods or supplements.

While many people believe the best source of omega 3 is in plant foods such as walnuts or flax seed, they may be unaware that there are two different types. Plants produce short chain omega 3′s, however, the long chain version of this compound contains DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), which have been proven to provide more abundant health benefits. DHA and EPA are known as essential fatty acids (EFA’s).

Fish is the best source of these beneficial fatty acids. However given the influx of deadly toxins that are carried by fish, it is recommend they only be consumed one to two times a week. Given this fact it is difficult to get adequate amounts of omega 3 in our diets. Thankfully, fish oil supplements can safely help to make up the omega 3 shortfall.

If you have no serious health conditions, you need about 1000 mgs of omega 3 daily. This means in order to see the benefits of fish oil supplements you should take two 500 mg soft gels daily.

What Are The Health Benefits?

With the American Heart Association recommending that everyone increase their intake of omega 3, the health benefits of fish oil are numerous. Studies have shown that a diet filled with omega 3 fatty acids helps improve cardiovascular health, immune response, anti inflammatory action, brain function, vision, joint function and mobility and skin. In addition, with more than 100,000 scientific studies published on the benefits of fish oil supplements, and fish oil, it is a wonder that everyone does not include it in their diet.

The Superiority Of Fish Oil In Ester Form

Most people have not heard of the ester form of fish oil, largely because it is so expensive to manufacture. There is only a handful of manufacturers out there which produce fish oil in ester form. From a bioavailability point of view it is the most superior form of fish oil. Fish oil is usually manufactured in triglyceride form, and while still beneficial, it cannot be readily absorbed until the body converts it to ester form. In triglyceride form, the oil has a difficult time passing through the cell membranes, thus the body sees significantly less of its benefits. By contrast, if the oil is converted to an ester form during the manufacturing process it is easily able to enter cell membranes, allowing the body to use it as instant energy, or store it for later use.

Ensuring Purity

Because of toxicity issues with most cold-water fish, it is crucial to research where the fish, from which the oil is harvested, are derived from. The majority of lakes in the northern hemisphere have heavy levels of mercury, PCB’s and other contaminates. Because of this, most fish oils are imported and transported a considerable distance before they are made into a capsule form. Given their long trek, additives must be put into the oil so that it will not spoil during the journey. In order to ensure that the oil you are using as pure it is important to use a product that has been molecularly distilled to filter out contaminates, impurities and additives.

Benefits of fish oil supplements – The Importance Of DHA

DHA is the more important Omega 3 fatty acid. It is believed to constitute the ‘building blocks’ of the brain. In addition it has been shown to provide greater cardiovascular benefits than EPA and is more effective at boosting ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and lowering the levels of dangerous triglycerides in the blood. Because of this, DHA content should be one of your main considerations when comparing fish oil brands and you should aim for at least 250mg. The average industry standard is 120mg of DHA but this is way too low to produce the health benefits associated with this amazing EFA.

While the benefits of fish oil supplements are many, it is important to remember that they are not all created equal. When looking for a quality supplement, make sure it is the highly superior ester form, has been molecularly distilled and contains at least 250mg (and preferable more) of DHA.

Brett Seagrott
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/benefits-of-fish-oil-supplements-using-oil-in-ester-form-108386.html

Omega3  and Omega6 work together in the body, however a balance of 1:1 is required for optimal performance. Our modern diets of processed foods and oils are already so high in Omega6 that some doctors are saying the ratio can be anywhere from 1:20 to 1:60. In order to get the balance into a healthier range you have to increase your intake of Omega3. One of the easiest ways to increase your intake is through Omega3 supplements.

The following is a list of 9 of the most popular Omega3 supplements on the market today:

1. Omega3 Supplements from Hemp Oil
Hemp oil is high in essential fatty acids. In fact 30-35% of the weight of a hemp seed is oil, which contains the essential fatty acids linolenic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

2. Omega3 Supplements from Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil contains high levels of Omega3 fatty acids, especially alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is beneficial for reducing inflammation and is also required for normal infant development.

3. Omega3 Supplements from Fish Oil
Fish oil contains the Omega3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. Fish oil can be made using a variety of species such as salmon, tuna, sardines and anchovies as well as other types of fish.

4. Omega3 Supplements from Salmon Oil
Much like fish oil, salmon oil contains the Omega3 essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The difference being salmon oil supplements are made only using farmed or wild salmon.

5. Omega3 Supplements from Krill Oil
Krill oil is made from krill, a shrimp-like marine animal that is typically eaten by whales and seals. Krill oil contains the Omega3 essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

6. Omega3 Supplements from Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil contains high levels of Vitamin A and D as well as the Omega3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Although there is a risk of toxins when consuming fish in any form, it must be warned that since the liver acts as a filter, cod liver oil has a higher risk of being contaminated with toxins such as mercury and PCBs.

7. Omega3 Supplements from Shark Liver Oil
Shark liver oil is rich vitamins A and D, and the Omega3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However much like Cod liver oil, there is a higher chance of contamination of toxins such as mercury and PCBs.

8. Omega3 Supplements from Emu Oil
Emu oil has been used for thousands of years as a natural medicine by the Aborigines of Australia. With its high concentration of linolenic acid (LA) and oleic acid (OA), Emu oil can be used internally for its healing Omega3, 6, and 9 properties.

9. Omega3 Supplements from Seal Oil
Omega3 supplements from seal oil are the only type of supplement that contains all three Omega3 essential fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA). All three Omega3’s (EPA, DHA and DPA) are present in mothers milk and are essential for growth and development.

Essential Fatty Acids are called so because they are essential to our health, but are something that our bodies cannot make. The most important and overlooked essential fatty acids that are lacking in our modern diets are the Omega3 essential fatty acids EPA, DHA and DPA.

Corey Rozon
http://www.articlesbase.com/supplements-and-vitamins-articles/healthy-omega3-supplements-9-types-542503.html

A very good question, and to answer, you first have to know exactly what Omega 3 is.

Omega-3 oils are the lubricating fluids of your joints, the balancing fluids of your heart, skin and pancreas, the force for the battle against cancers and the fluid to keep the brain tuned.

Omega 3 oils or oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids include fish oil, algae oil and flax seed oil. The long chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, found in the greatest abundance in fish and fish oil but also in some other foods as well, play a key role as components of cellular membranes.

Fish is still the best source, but because of pollution, the best way to get omega 3 fatty acids from fish is to take a fish oil supplement that’s been purified.

Adding foods containing omega 3 fatty acids may also be inefficient, since fish is the only identified natural source of both DHA and EPA. This has led to many natural health experts to advocate purified fish oils first and foremost as the best source of all foods containing omega 3.

You asked the question, Why do I need Omega-3 fatty acids?

While the research is still in its preliminary stages, FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has already decided to allow the following qualified health claim on foods containing Omega-3 acids: “Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Exact omega 3 requirements are unknown, but the Food and Drug Administration, which usually has very little to say about health supplements other than basic vitamins and minerals, recognizes a reduced risk of heart disease as a “qualified” health claim and recommends omega 3 fatty acid intake.

It would be safe to say the benefits of a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids can have a profound effect on human health and wellness.

While the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids can be noticed on many levels, the biggest breakthroughs documented have occurred in improved mental functions and health.

Lastly, the fish oil supplement should contain both DHA and EPA fatty acids in order to provide optimum health benefits. The bottom line is, Omega-3 fatty acids appear to protect the brain, which is why many physicians recommend taking an omega-3 supplement, usually fish oil because of it’s high concentration of readily absorbed dha and epa (flax and other sources have to be converted in the body instead of being directly assimilated).

In addition, you should know that not all fish sources are equally high in the two most important types of omega 3 fatty acids, called DHA and EPA. Both fish and flax seed are excellent sources of omega 3 fatty acids, but fish is the better source.

Discover the purified fish oils made from deep, cold water fish, high in DHA and EPA.

Tom O’Connor is a leading researcher on the health benefits of Omega-3. Please click on: for more information.

Tom O`Connor
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/why-do-i-need-omega3-fatty-acids-103842.html

Do you know why pregnant and nursing women should supplement their diet with omega 3 fatty acids each day?

Well, the omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which are found only in salmon and other fatty fish, are vital for the optimum growth and development of her growing baby.

It’s a proven fact that women who eat fatty fish on a regular basis increase their chances of having a full term, higher birth weight baby with a fully mature brain, better vision and a fully developed central nervous system.

And, after the birth, the baby’s need for DHA and EPA continues. These omega 3 fatty acids are responsible for the early development of a newborn baby’s brain, retina and central nervous system.

Did you know that an infant’s brain continues to grow and develop rapidly for the first year after birth? In fact, it triples in size during this time. And 70% of this rapidly growing brain is made up of DHA and EPA.

That’s why the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations and the U.S. National Institutes of Health recommend that all pregnant and lactating women eat fatty fish at least 2 times a week. Alternatively, they could supplement their diet with a pure fish oil supplement that provides a combined total of 1 gram per day of DHA and EPA.

But here in the United States, 85% of women are deficient in these vital omega 3 oils. And nearly 20% are so low that DHA and EPA cannot be detected in their blood at all.

So, if Mom is deficient in the omega 3s, her baby isn’t getting the brain food it needs to be healthy and smart.

Pregnant women in the U.S. are told it’s important to eat a balanced diet and take prenatal vitamins, containing adequate amounts of iron, calcium and folic acid. But that’s about it.

Very few expectant and nursing mothers are ever told by their physician to take omega 3 fish oil supplements. Why this is so, I have no idea. But I suspect that it’ll change in the future.

In the meantime, the only way baby can get these essential oils is from the mother’s diet or supplementation. That’s why so many pregnant and nursing mothers who want to have healthier, happier, smarter babies take personal responsibility for getting more fish oil omega 3 fatty acids in their diet.

Fish and fish oil are healthy foods. Even mercury contamination isn’t a threat if you avoid eating large predator fish, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and white snapper (tilefish).

In fact, a recent Harvard School of Public Health research study concluded that fish oil health benefits, especially for pregnant and nursing mothers, far outweigh any perceived threat of mercury toxicity. So that’s not a concern anyone needs to worry about.

So, if you’re pregnant or nursing and want a smart, healthy baby, eat more fatty fish on a regular basis and take a high quality fish oil supplement. And, if you’re not nursing, you can squeeze a little fish oil with DHA into your baby’s formula.

Fish oil is essential for your child’s health and well being. Make sure they get enough.

Michael Byrd
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/nursing-mothers-need-omega-3-fatty-acids-118819.html

Researchers in the early 1980′s noticed cultures that consumed a lot of deep cold water fish had very little occurrence of heart disease despite their high fat diet. After much research it was discovered that fish are rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. (1,2) In this article, we will discuss how fish oil is can fight heart disease and how it can help strengthen the heart. Furthermore, we will discuss other benefits of omega 3 fish oil may have on the body and how you can obtain Omega 3 with out eating fish. Also, determine weather the brand of fish oil you are consuming contains toxins or not.

Most of us think that all fats are bad for your health, but in fact there are actually good fats out there. All natural fats are mixed with various kinds of fatty acids. These fatty acids are made up of both short and long chain carbon atoms. These short and long chain atoms look like arms reaching out. If the carbon atoms are bound with hydrogen the fatty acid is considered saturated. (3,4) Long carbon chains that are double bonded to other carbon atom chains are considered unsaturated. Fatty acid chains have at least two or more double bonds are called polyunsaturated. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are classified as linoleic acid when there is a double bond at the sixth carbon atom from the omega end. When this happens the polyunsaturated fatty acid is called an omega-6 fatty acid. (4,5) Linolenic acid has a double bond at the third carbon atom from the omega end and this is called omega 3 fatty acid. Both linoleic and linolenic acid are needed to sustain life. Even though some fatty acids can be manufactured by the body, omega 3 and omega 6 can not be manufactured and must be consumed in our diets.

Linoleic acid is very abundant in American diets, found in commercial baked goods, prepared foods, vegetable oils, and margarine. What most Americans lack is omega 3.

Fish oil contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two components of fish oil derived from linolenic acid. Both EPA and DHA have impressive health benefits. For starters, fatty acids are important for healthy cell membranes. Cell membranes control what enters and exits the cells in our body and protect the cell from danger. Depending on our diets (American diets are high in saturated fats), our cells can be comprised of mostly fatty acids saturated with hydrogen. Saturated fatty acids membranes are usually packed closely together with other cell membranes and becomes rigid and stiff.

If your diet consists of a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids, your cell membranes will be more flexible and curved in structure and have a more elastic nature. This is because polyunsaturated fatty acids have double bonds between carbon atoms and the carbon atom chains have lots of space between them. When a cell membrane is more flexible it is healthier than the stiff and rigid saturated fatty membrane.

Omega 3 fish oil has been studied in depth in the area of heart disease. With impressive results fish oil has shown to lower the risk of heart attack and reduce blood pressure. One recent study examined men who lived in Finland. These men consumed a fairly high level of EPA and DHA in there diet and experienced a 44% reduction in risk of acute heart attacks compared to men who consumed very little EPA and DHA.

Another study of blood pressure and omega 3 fish oil determined that supplementation with EPA and DHA helped individuals with hypertension. Blood pressure dropped by 6 points during the experiment. (6)

Omega 3 fish oil has shown to reduce other risk factors such as lowering serum triglyceride levels and total cholesterol levels which are both heart attack risk factors. A study showed that postmenopausal women can reduce there risk of heart attack by 27% when taking omega-3 fish oil. (7,8)

EPA and DHA in fish oil can also combat some diseases such as asthma, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and cancer. Studies have shown that omega 3 fatty acids can help improve asthma in children and increase survival rate in cancer patients. (9,10) Fish oil can also fill nutritional gaps and increase weight in cancer patients. Low levels of DHA have been linked to depression; people who have supplemented omega 3 fish oil have noticed an increase in mood and relief from symptoms of depression. Omega 3 fish oil may even help with mental illnesses like bipolar disorders. One study suggests that fish oil can help with rheumatoid arthritis. (11)

With all these benefits you might be considering fish at every meal. Not all species of fish have high levels of EPA and DHA. Anchovies, Herring, Mackerel, Salmon, Sardines, and Tuna have the highest levels of omega 3 fatty acids per ounce of meat out of any other sea bearing animal.

The people who were initially studied on fish oil were the native Inuit; they consumed more than 4 to 5 grams of EPA each day. That’s equivalent to 1.5 – 3 pounds of fish each day. Even the most avid fish eater might find it hard to eat that much fish each day on a consistent basis.

With all the illegal dumping going in the ocean, one might be worried about the fish that is harvested for omega 3 fish oil could contain the toxic chemicals that are dumped into the ocean every year. Purity in a fish supplement is important. Because of the rising concern about toxins in fish oil, manufacturing companies have refined there fish oil processing plants and now distill the fish oil which removes all of the heavy metals like lead and mercury, and toxic insecticides such as DDT. Look for a supplement that claims its product is made from a 12 step distillation process to remove toxins, dioxins, and furans as well as PCB’s and other contaminants.

A supplement rich in omega 3 fatty acids is the simplest way to attain the proper amounts of EPA and DHA we need in our diets. By taking 1000mgs of omega 3 fish oil one can ward off a wide rang of disease. Look for a fish oil supplement that blends a little vitamin e with the oil which is an antioxidant that preserves the fish oil and prevents it from going rancid. Fish oil supplements provides powerful health benefits and can help those with asthma, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus, erythematosus, and cancer and is a good choice as a preventive supplement even if you don’t suffer from these diseases. Omega 3 Fish Oil and other great supplements can be found at your local health food store or internet health food store.

References:

1. Kromhout D, Bosschieter EB, de Lezenne Coulander C., et al. The inverse relation between fish consumption and 20-year mortality from coronary heart disease. N Engl J Med. 1985 May 9;312(19):1205-9.

2. Kromann N, Green A. Epidemiological studies in the Upernavik district, Greenland. Incidence of some chronic diseases 1950-1974. Acta Med Scand. 1980;208(5):401-6.

3. Pleuss J. Fats. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 1998:1249.

4. Galperin C, German BJ, Gershwin ME. Omega fatty acids. In: Shils ME, Olson JA, Shine M, Ross AC, Eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, Md: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999: 1346-1347.

5. Fats: saturated and unsaturated. In: Grodner M, Anderson SL, DeYoung S. Foundations and Clinical Applications of Nutrition: A Nursing Approach. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2000:118-122.

6. Prisco D, Paniccia R, Bandinelli B, et al. Effect of medium-term supplementation with a moderate dose of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on blood pressure in mild hypertensive patients. Thromb Res. 1998;91:105-112.

7. Torres IC, Mira L, Ornelas CP, Melim A. Study of the effects of dietary fish intake on serum lipids and lipoproteins in two populations with different dietary habits. Br J Nutr. 2000;83:371-379.

8. Stark KD, Park EJ, Maines VA, Holub BJ. Effect of a fish-oil concentrate on serum lipids in postmenopausal women receiving and not receiving hormone replacement therapy in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72:389-394.

9. Iso H, Rexrode KM, Stampfer MJ, et al. Intake of fish and omega-3 fatty acids and risk of stroke in women. JAMA. 2001;285:304-312.

10. Nagakura T, Matsuda S, Shichijyo H, Hata K. Dietary supplementation with fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with bronchial asthma. Eur Respir J. 2000;16:861-865.

11. Volker D, Fitzgerald P, Major G, Garg M. Efficacy of fish oil concentrate in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2000;27:2343-2346.

Darrell Miller
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/omega-3-fish-oil-benefits-the-heart-and-much-more-112580.html

Those are the words of Leigh Connealy, MD, who I interviewed for my new book, The Natural Fat-Loss Pharmacy: Drug-Free Remedies To Help You Safely Lose Weight, Shed Fat, Firm Up, And Feel Great.

Dr. Connealy is the medical director of the South Coast Medical Center for New Medicine, in Tustin, California. (www.scmedicalcenter.com)

There, she and her staff have counseled thousands of people how to be healthier through natural means-including using vitamins and herbs as aids to weight-loss, the subject of my book.

But along with telling me about supplements that can aid weight-loss, Dr. Connealy was very keen to tell me about the supplement she feels is the most important for better health: omega-3 fatty acids.

“I put every patient I see on a supplement of omega-3 fatty acids,” she says. “It is the most important supplement a person can take.” Why?

Omega-3s, she explains, strength the membrane, or outer covering, of the cell. This aids in cell-to-cell communication, a crucial process in health.

Omega-3 also decreases inflammation, which is linked to many different diseases, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s. In fact, omega-3 plays a role in every physiological function in the body, says Dr. Connealy.

There are two kinds of Omega-3 supplements: fish oil supplements, rich in DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosahexaenoic acid); and plant-derived supplements, rich in ALA (alpha-linoleic acid), a fatty acid that converts to DHA and EPA in the body. Talk to your doctor or other qualified health professional to determine which would be best for you.

I wrote The Natural Fat-Loss Pharmacy with Harry Preuss, MD, a professor at Georgetown University Medical Center, a top researcher with more than 300 scientific studies to his credit, a nutritionist, and an expert in natural remedies for health. In writing about omega-3, we reviewed literally hundreds of studies showing that the nutrient can strengthen the heart, boost emotional well-being, improve memory and learning, and decrease joint pain. Here are three impressive examples:

Heart attack. In a study conducted by Italian researchers, more than 11,000 people who had suffered a heart attack took an omega-3 supplement or underwent another type of medical, dietary or nutritional therapy. Among those who took omega-3, there were 30 percent fewer deaths and 20 percent fewer heart attacks.

Arthritis pain. Neurosurgeons at the University of Pittsburgh gave fish oil supplements to 120 arthritis patients with neck or back pain. After seventy-five days, 68 percent of the patients had stopped taking prescription pain medications.

Manic depression. People with manic depression (bipolar disorder) were given either EPA supplements or a placebo for several weeks. Those who took EPA had significantly less depression and mania. EPA is “an effective and well-tolerated intervention in bipolar depression” wrote the researchers, in the British Journal of Psychology.

In writing The Natural Fat-Loss Pharmacy, Dr. Preuss decided on a science-based approach to recommending brands of supplements: if a brand had been shown to work in a scientific study, it was the brand to recommend. For omega-3, Dr. Preuss recommends the brand Nordic Naturals, which has been researched at Duke University, the University of California-Davis, Texas A&M University, Oregon Health Science University, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in New York, and many other universities, hospitals and research institutions.

If you’d like to learn more about omega-3-and about vitamins and herbs for weight-loss-please consider reading The Natural Fat-Loss Pharmacy. You can find out more about it-and all my books on health and healing-at www.drugfreehealing.com.

Bill Gottlieb
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/omega3-fatty-acidsthe-most-important-dietary-supplement-you-can-take-104155.html