Did you know that more than 97 percent of females are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat that can help to protect the body against heart disease. They lower the risk of clotting by making blood “less sticky”, and help to protect the walls of blood vessels from damage, by keeping them elastic. You can boost your omega-3 intake by eating more oily fish, such as herring, mackerel, sardines, and trout, as well as, linseeds, flaxseed oil, and (some) eggs.
If these foods aren’t a part of your regular diet, it would be beneficial to supplement. OMEGA-3 supplement benefits also include boosting your heart health, reducing inflammation and pain, and even improving your sleep habits.
Other benefits include slowing the aging process.
Curious if you are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids? Here are some signs to look out for:
- Dry skin
“One of the secrets to youthful and hydrated skin is omega-3 phospholipids, which are found naturally in the cell wall structure,” said naturopathic nutritionist Amy Morris. “The more deficient you are in omega-3, the drier your skin will be. “Omega-3 also helps the skin to absorb healthy nutrients and expel waste products that are harmful, resulting in healthy-looking, glowing skin. - Lifeless hair
“The same omega-3 phospholipids found in the cells of your skin, are also found in hair follicles, making omega-3 an important nutrient for lustrous, glossy hair,” said Morris. “Omega-3 fats nourish the hair, support hair thickening, and also reduce scalp inflammation that can lead to hair loss. - Brittle nails“Soft, peeling, and brittle nails are all outward signs something in your body aren’t right, and that you could have an omega-3 deficiency. “Many studies have shown that omega-3 from animal sources, such as fish oils are easier for the body to absorb than plant-based omega-3, so it is best to incorporate oily fish into your diet.”
- Insomnia People with higher levels of omega-3 experience better quality sleep, according to a University of Oxford study. “I advise people to take omega-3 supplements in the morning, and not at night, as they can keep you awake if taken too close to bedtime,” the nutritionist said.
- Poor concentration If you don’t eat a lot of oily fish, or take omega-3 supplements, there’s a good chance you may experience poor concentration because you are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. “Many people have experienced significant improvements in their concentration by simply ensuring their body gets a daily dose of omega-3, said Morris.
- Fatigue “Regular fatigue can have many causes, but there is no doubt that a deficiency in omega-3 could be one of them.” Omega-3 deficiency could be causing your fatigue, according to the University of Maryland Medical Centre. You should increase the amount of fatty oils in your diet to boost your energy levels.
- Joint pain “Omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oils are powerful anti-inflammatory agents,” said Morris. “This is what makes them so important for people living with joint pain. “It has been found that omega-3 has the ability to stop the process that destroys tissues and joints, which causes the initial inflammation.”
“To make sure you meet the recommended daily allowance for omega-3, I’d advise taking a high-quality omega-3 supplement.
Dr. Hoch uses a variety of professional, high-quality herbs, homeopathic remedies, and nutritional supplements to help her patients reset their hormones, decrease inflammation, improve joint motion, reduce pain, correct digestive issues, and encourage weight loss. We currently have a number of great products available through Fullscript, our online store. Fullscript is where you can get high-quality, physician-recommended brands of natural products.
How to create an account and navigate within Fullscript.