Essential fatty acids are required for repair and normal functioning of our brains and all our other organs. The risk of abnormal functioning like Alzheimer's and dementia, is a concern for every aging person in North America. Everyone knows a family that has been touched either by these problems, or by Attention Deficit Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Chronic Fatigue, or the many other nervous system malfunctions that are becoming evermore commonplace.
Our brains are 60% fat—not the stuff that is trimmed off a steak, but special fatty acids that form the structure of the brain and form the membrane around each cell—not only in the brain but in every organ of the body. Each cell of the brain is replaced many times throughout a person’s life so it’s critical that we routinely take in the proper fats so the body has the resources to repair the brain.
Those of us eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) get too much bad fat, too much sugar and too much salt—and not enough essential fatty acids. The obvious result is obesity in epidemic proportions. The less obvious result is that our brains are struggling to maintain themselves with few resources.
Studies have shown that adding essential fatty acids (EFAs) to the diet has a positive effect on many diseases of the brain and nervous system:
To be clear--science has generally not proved that a deficiency of the essential fatty acids causes these conditions, but there is a relationship. Science has shown that supplementing EFAs improves the symptoms in a majority of patients.
What's the best diet to get enough EFAs?
Generally eat a Mediterranean Diet with plenty of wild-caught cold water fish like salmon. If on a vegetarian diet, be careful to get a mix of healthy oils like flax and olive oil, supplementing the diet with primrose oil and borage oil.
Are there EFA supplements?
Even if there are plenty of cold water fish in the diet, most people could benefit from the many essential fatty acid supplements that are available in every health food store. A quick scan of vitaminshoppe.com found 11 pages of EFA supplements, most in the form of large softgels, but some are chewable and designed for children. For just one example out of many, General Nutrition Center (GNC) has a product called Preventive Nutrition® Omega Complex that has good amounts of LA, ALA, EPA, GLA, and DHA. The cost of a daily dose is about fifty cents. Any health food store will have a similar product.
Summary
Almost everyone can benefit from supplementing EFA. Every organ in every body needs them and most of us don't get enough in our diet. The brain is especially vulnerable to a deficiency of EFA and many abnormal brain functions are improved with supplementation. Be sure to consult your doctor if you're currently taking any pharmaceuticals before adding any supplements.
Our brains are 60% fat—not the stuff that is trimmed off a steak, but special fatty acids that form the structure of the brain and form the membrane around each cell—not only in the brain but in every organ of the body. Each cell of the brain is replaced many times throughout a person’s life so it’s critical that we routinely take in the proper fats so the body has the resources to repair the brain.
Those of us eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) get too much bad fat, too much sugar and too much salt—and not enough essential fatty acids. The obvious result is obesity in epidemic proportions. The less obvious result is that our brains are struggling to maintain themselves with few resources.
Studies have shown that adding essential fatty acids (EFAs) to the diet has a positive effect on many diseases of the brain and nervous system:
- Alzheimer’s disease—Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improved some symptoms in advanced cases; Phosphatidylserine (PS) has been shown to slow the progression of early-onset cases.
- Anxiety reduced by EFA and behavioral changes
- Attention deficit disorders (ADD and ADHD) may be helped by gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA), Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA. A few studies, but not all, have shown improvements.
- Bipolar disorder is improved with EPA
- Chronic fatigue syndrome was significantly improved with GLA, EPA and DHA
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is improved with EPA
- Depression is reduced by alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA), EPA, and DHA
- Learning disorders are improved by DHA.
- Memory impairment is improved with PS
- Parkinson’s disease has been associated with low levels of PS
- Schizophrenia symptoms are reduced by EPA
- Diabetic neuropathy is helped by GLA
- Hostility is reduced by DHA
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is improved by supplementing with EFA and vitamin D
To be clear--science has generally not proved that a deficiency of the essential fatty acids causes these conditions, but there is a relationship. Science has shown that supplementing EFAs improves the symptoms in a majority of patients.
What's the best diet to get enough EFAs?
Generally eat a Mediterranean Diet with plenty of wild-caught cold water fish like salmon. If on a vegetarian diet, be careful to get a mix of healthy oils like flax and olive oil, supplementing the diet with primrose oil and borage oil.
Are there EFA supplements?
Even if there are plenty of cold water fish in the diet, most people could benefit from the many essential fatty acid supplements that are available in every health food store. A quick scan of vitaminshoppe.com found 11 pages of EFA supplements, most in the form of large softgels, but some are chewable and designed for children. For just one example out of many, General Nutrition Center (GNC) has a product called Preventive Nutrition® Omega Complex that has good amounts of LA, ALA, EPA, GLA, and DHA. The cost of a daily dose is about fifty cents. Any health food store will have a similar product.
Summary
Almost everyone can benefit from supplementing EFA. Every organ in every body needs them and most of us don't get enough in our diet. The brain is especially vulnerable to a deficiency of EFA and many abnormal brain functions are improved with supplementation. Be sure to consult your doctor if you're currently taking any pharmaceuticals before adding any supplements.
