Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), are known for their support of the body’s natural healthy inflammatory response.
Factors that promote this inflammation include a Westernized diet that has a relative deficiency of Omega-3’s and excess of Omega-6’s, especially Arachidonic Acid.
Many chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, auto-immune diseases, type 2 diabetes, pulmonary diseases, some cancers, Alzheimers, and even obesity, are believed to be related to long-term chronic inflammation.
How Do Omega-3’s Decrease Inflammation?
The composition of your cell membranes (ratio of Omega-3’s:Omega-6’s) is a reflection of your diet and dietary supplements.
When you have an insult to your system (physical – internal or external, stress- induced, allergy-induced, infection, etc.), your cells release the fatty acids stored in your cell membranes. Most Omega-3’s, are anti-inflammatory; most Omega-6’s are pro-inflammatory.
In addition, Omega-3’s contribute to the formation of compounds which aid in the removal of inflammatory cells and the eventual resolution of the inflammation.
More About Cell Membranes and Fatty Acids
Rebalance your Omega-3 and Omega-6 ratio through diet and nutrition supplements to help support your healthy inflammatory response by increasing Omega-3’s and decreasing Omega-6’s.
Foods like fatty fish, chia seeds and walnuts are good sources of Omega-3’s.
A high quality fish oil supplement is an excellent source of Omega-3’s.
GLA is an anti-inflammatory Omega-6 fatty acid found in primrose oil and borage oil.
More About Essential Fatty Acids
In the body’s biochemical pathways, EPA (Omega-3) competes with Arachidonic Acid (Omega-6)in the cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways which are involved in the inflammatory response.
