Is your body inflamed in a way that is harming your health or wellbeing?
Inflammation is our body’s natural response to anything happening internally or externally due to damage, injury or trauma- we need this kind of inflammation to survive. But when the body becomes inflamed through incorrect diet, disease or chronic ill health, we can help the body attempt to rebalance through diet and supplementation.
To combat inflammation, Fish oil or foods rich in Omega 3 are one of the top recommendations due to the high content of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). EFA'S regulate inflammatory prostaglandin response and cell membrane function. Fish oil is a great source of EFAs and one of the top supplements sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Many consumers do not realise there are a lot of 'junk' supplements available online and on the shelves. It is a largely unregulated industry and if not purchased from a reputable source you run the risk of buying a dodgy product.
Low quality supplements can contain fillers and very little of the good stuff that your body actually needs for optimal health. Some Fish Oils do not contain the minimum amounts of EPA & DHA (Eicosapentaenoic & Docosahexaenoic Acid) required by the body, these brands do not even state the levels of EPA & DHA on the box, so if you have one of those- sorry to tell you but you are just giving your money away. (At least you know the truth now, right?!)
The dietary guidelines recommends 2-3 serves of fish a week?
That is, low mercury, wild caught, sustainable fish!!
Argh, where on earth do I buy that?
2-3 times a week?
No wonder fish oil is so highly sought after.
Our Western diet is very pro-inflammatory, we eat an excess of fried, fatty, hydrogenated vegetable oil laden foods. It is said that humans evolved on a diet ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 of 1:1, now the Western diet is more like 15:1, and many people are deficient in Omega 3. Because of this, we have aches and pains, autoimmune diseases are being triggered and we are getting sicker.
For a good quality Fish Oil, I always recommend Nordic Naturals, I currently use the one with added Vitamin D but there are many varieties to suit everyone. I like Nordic Naturals because they use clean, oily fish, are a sustainably sourced and are third party tested for purity and potency.
The recommended doses for maintenance is 500mg per day, 500-1500mg for optimal health and 2000mg-3000mg for athletes & performance.
If you want to increase your Omega 3 intake without resorting to supplements, try increasing your cold water marine fish, flaxseeds, chia and algae, which are all rich omega 3 sources.
As always, check with your health practitioner to see if supplementation is right for your body, and read those labels!
Yours in health & radiant skin,
Mon xx
0432 708 500