Knowing omega 3 fatty acid levels in your blood can be a game-changer for many health concerns. We highly recommend doing an Omega 3 test. There are three types of omega 3 fatty acids: ALA, EPA, and DHA. Out of these three, the most talked-about (as far as their benefits), are EPA and DHA. However, they are all beneficial and should be present in their correct ratios as found in nature.
It is estimated that only 2% of the population has adequate omega 3 levels. This is due to a lack of regular consumption of foods like fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, all of which have good levels of omega 3’s. In our clinic, we have clients do a simple blood test that measures the amount of omega 3 fatty acid in their red blood cell membranes. This amount is expressed as a percentage of total red blood cell fatty acids. It is a long-term stable marker of omega 3 status and it reflects tissue levels of EPA & DHA.
Why You Need the Test
(even if you eat fish or take fish oil supplements)
An omega 3 index between 8% and 12% is associated with the lowest risk of death from heart disease and an index below 4% is associated with the highest risk. You can’t assume your omega 3 index is optimal just because you eat fish or take supplements; it must be measured. I have tested many clients who ate well and were taking fish oil supplements, yet still had low blood saturation levels of omega 3s. Once you know your omega 3 index, it can be optimized with simple dietary changes. It can also be a good review of what fish oil products one should take and the optimal dose for that person.
There are many fish oil products on the market that could actually cause more harm than good due to poor quality. Unless oils are carefully processed under pharmaceutical guidelines, they may already be in the process of oxidizing and becoming rancid at the time of purchase. Oils in this state can create more inflammation in your body rather than reduce it.
Why You Need Proper Omega 3 Dosage
Controls Chronic Inflammation – Leading Cause of Diseases
According to a study published in the May 14th, 2012 online early edition of the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, it has been determined that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in high quality, whole-extracted fish oil is effective in inhibiting an enzyme called Cyclooxygenase (COX). This enzyme produces the prostaglandin hormones that spark inflammation. In summary, the right quality fish oil at the correct blood saturation level is excellent for controlling chronic inflammation, which is considered one of the leading causes of disease. Proper levels of PUFAs play a large role in lowering heart disease probability and are equally important in areas such as Alzheimer’s and eye health.
Lessens Risk of Heart Disease
People with low omega 3 levels have a 10-fold higher risk for sudden cardiac death compared to people with high omega 3 status. Reporting in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers found through a 16-year study that those with higher levels of all three fatty acids showed a 35% lower risk of dying of heart disease compared with those with lower levels of the fats in their blood.
Helps the Brain with Memory and Learning
According to a new report in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, neuroimaging shows increased blood flow in regions of the brain associated with memory and learning for people with higher omega 3 levels. A higher intake of EPA & DHA from fish oil during pregnancy sets the stage for optimal brain development. Lower blood DHA levels are correlated with poorer reading and working memory tasks in school children.
Helps with Eye Health
In regards to eye health, low blood omega 3 levels are correlated with a higher risk for eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. Seventy percent of patients with dry eye are symptom-free after three months of proper dosing of omega 3 supplementations.
In conclusion, it is evident through many clinical studies that proper levels of PUFAs are critical for both disease prevention and the improvement of current health conditions. However, in order to accomplish true health balance, you must address the body as a whole, treating all aspects of health. This includes eating a healthy diet to balance your body chemistry, getting enough exercise, stress management, and detoxification of organ and body systems.
Pick up an Omega 3 Blood Test
To get your Omega 3 Levels tested, call either one of our clinics to let us know that you will be stopping by to pick up an Omega 3 Blood Test. We usually have them in the Menomonee Falls location readily available, but may have limited stock at our New Berlin location.
Nagging Health Condition? Call for a Free Consultation!
If you are currently dealing with a nagging health condition that has gone unresolved through traditional medical care (low energy, brain fog, body aches, hair loss or weight gain, etc.), consider giving Total Health Nutrition Center a call. We offer a no-charge, no-obligation phone consultation with one of our four practitioners to discuss your health concerns and to determine if we might be a good fit. We have been helping people resolve challenging health issues and developing disease prevention programs for over 30 years. Give us a call at 262-251-2929 or check out our website www.totalhealthinc.com