Let me share with you a positive change I have made in my life. 30 days ago I took a blood prick finger test and posted it off for analysis. I knew my diet wasn’t the best overall but in lockdown I had definitely been eating more vegetables so how bad could it be?
Well there were lots of unhappy faces from the lab analysis!!! Here’s some information about each test result but in case it’s too technical, these tests drill down on how the unbalance is affecting the core functions of the body that rely on Omega-3. These being:
The ratio with Omega-6
How the brain is functioning
How the body cells are functioning
The level of inflammation in my body due to not having enough Omega-3
What does “Unbalanced” mean?
Omega-6 is in pretty but everything we eat and a surplus of vegetable Omega-6 fatty acids will make a diet unbalanced and pro-inflammatory. The ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 should preferably be below 3 to 1. My result of 28.1 to 1 is almost at the worst case scenario of 30 to 1. I obviously need to reduce the vegetable oil in my diet and use a supplement of Omega 3 to improve the balance ratio.
Omega-3 Index
Not only is the ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 a problem but my actual Omega 3 level is well below the recommended 8%. Apparently other people who have taken this test and consumed plain Omega-3 oils were shocked that their supplements weren’t being sufficiently absorbed. You need a supplement that is actually absorbed into the body!
Mental Strength
Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in a wide range of physiological functions that are related to neurogenesis, neurotransmission, and neuroinflammation. They play fundamental roles in the development, functioning and ageing of the brain. The optimal ratio for mental strength should be below 1 to 1 so you can see how my brain function is not receiving the building blocks it needs to function well.
Cell Membrane Fluidity
Cell membranes are made of fatty acids that are from your diet and supplements. Alcohol consumption creates excessive membrane fluidity while cholesterol, saturated and monounsaturated fats can reduce the fluidity of the membrane and reduce the membrane stiffened and dysfunctional. By consuming Omega 3 it corrects the ratio which restores membrane fluidity. The ideal ration should be 1 to 1 so you can see how far out my results are at 14.8 to 1.
Arachidonic Acid (AA) Index
Arachidonic acid (AA) is the most important omega-6 fatty acid that your body is unable to make. Therefore, it must be supplied through diet. AA is the starting point for the production of hormones involved in physiological inflammation processes which are triggered to protect the body from infections or after an injury. Modern diets have a large surplus of Omega-6 Linoleic acid (LA), which regulates the subsequent production of the Omega-6 fatty acid Arachidonic Acid. So once again, Omega-3 is vital to balance out the Omega-6 on our diets. My result wasn’t terrible but good average values are in the range of 6.5% to 9.5% and I want to improve this result because I don’t want unnecessary inflammation in my body.
My Plan
So I have now started on 6 months of the Balance Oil which is a daily dose of natural fish oil, high in Omega 3 (EPA + DHA), olive polyphenols and vitamin D3 to protect cells from rusting (oxidation). It includes another blood prick test that I will take in 4 months time to see how my results are changing.
I am not doing this to look better or feel differently but because I recognise that it is near impossible to get enough Omega 3 into your body unless I am eating oily fish three times a day. I think the supplement tastes pretty good (citrus) and there are some phenomenal health benefits to reducing inflammation in your body for £1.48 a day.
Thanks to Nurse Kate at Elixir Treatments for setting me up with the program.