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! These tests drill down on how the imbalance is affecting the core functions of the body that rely on Omega-3: the ratio with Omega-6, how the brain is functioning, how the body cells are functioning, and the level of inflammation in the body due to not having enough Omega-3.

What does "unbalanced" mean?

Omega-6 is in pretty much 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 to Omega-3 should preferably be below 3 to 1. My result of 28.1 to 1 was almost at the worst case scenario of 30 to 1, meaning I needed 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 to Omega-3 a problem, but my actual Omega-3 level was well below the recommended 8%. 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 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.

Cell membrane fluidity

Cell membranes are made of fatty acids from your diet and supplements. Alcohol consumption creates excessive membrane fluidity, while cholesterol and saturated and monounsaturated fats can reduce membrane fluidity, making it stiffened and dysfunctional. Consuming Omega-3 corrects the ratio and restores membrane fluidity.

My plan

I have started a course of daily natural fish oil, high in Omega-3 (EPA and DHA), olive polyphenols and vitamin D3 to protect cells from oxidation, with a follow-up blood test in 4 months to track my results. I'm not doing this to look better or feel differently, but because I recognise it is near impossible to get enough Omega-3 into your body unless you're eating oily fish three times a day.