The Health Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
If you’re a new parent, you certainly want to do everything you can to help your child develop as best as possible.
There is a lot of information out there on ways to ensure your baby grows up healthy and strong, and as a pediatric naturopathic doctor in Ottawa I believe strongly in the idea that much of this is accomplished by proper nutrition.
Today we are going to look at one nutrient which isn’t just responsible for helping baby’s brains develop properly, but something you need at all stages of life.
So, whether you’re a new parent or someone who just wants to live the best, healthiest, life possible, keep reading to learn more about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are nutrients which are vital for maintaining a healthy body.
They are part of the building blocks of your cells and act as a source of energy to fuel your blood vessels, lungs, heart, and immune system.
There are three main types – alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
DHA and EPA are found in fish, while ALA can be found in plant based food sources like nuts and seeds.
Benefits Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in keeping you healthy.
They affect everything from your skin, to your brain.
Let’s have a look at the benefits associated with this important nutrient.
1. It’s Good For Your Skin
DHA and EPA are important components in skin health.
EPA can help protect skin from sun damage, as well as:
- Reduces the need for naturopathic solutions for acne
- Helps to manage oil production
- Decreases premature ageing, reducing the need for facial rejuvenation acupuncture or acupressure massage
DHA helps promote cell membrane health and helps make up the structure of your skin.
2. It Can Help Manage Menstrual Pain
Most people who have had a period will likely have experienced menstrual pain at some point in their lives.
It can be debilitating and leave you out of commission for a few days every month.
Over and over again, studies have shown omega-3 fatty acids to be helpful in reducing menstrual symptoms.
3. It May Help Manage Depression And Anxiety
It can be hard to talk about for many people, but depression and anxiety are extremely common.
And living through a global pandemic for close to two years now has definitely not helped matters.
Depression is often displays as lethargy, sadness, and losing interest in things which used to bring joy.
Anxiety is signaled by ongoing nervousness and worry.
People who eat omega-3’s regularly have been found to be less depressed overall than individuals who are deficient in it, with EPA being the most effecting at combatting depression.
This makes it an effective natural supplement for anxiety.
4. It May Reduce Risk Of Dementia
As the population ages, the incidences of dementia, Alzheimer’s and other forms of mental decline increase as well.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with lowered mental decline connected to ageing, as well as a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
If used when Alzheimer’s is in its early stages, omega-3’s may be useful to help stave off the progression of the disease, but more research is needed in this area.
5. It Helps Children’s Brains Develop
The things you do during pregnancy and during a child’s early years can have an outsized effect on their development and growth later in life.
Omega-3 fatty acid intake during pregnancy has been linked to a number of benefits for children later on, including:
- Decreased risk of developing autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy
- Increased intelligence
- Improved social skills
- Decreased risk of developmental delay
- Fewer behaviour issues
Keep your naturopathic doctor for your child’s development on hand for more solutions to give your child the best shot at life.
6. It May Reduce Symptoms Of ADHD
ADHD is a condition typically characterized by inattentiveness, anxiety, and trouble focusing in girls and impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity in boys.
Children with ADHD are often found to have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood than their peers, and supplements can be used to help reduce the symptoms.
Omega-3s can be used to help with focus and attention, as well as to reduce impulsivity and aggression, and are seen as an up and coming treatment for ADHD.
7. It Can Reduce Your Risk Of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition which affects the skeletal system and causes bones to weaken and break easily.
Omega-3s help to increase the amount of calcium in your bones, which means a reduced risk of osteoporosis.
People using omega-3 supplements have also shown a lower chance of developing arthritis, better grip strength and less joint pain.
This makes omega-3’s a great naturopathic solution for osteoporosis.
Common Sources Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
If you’re wondering if you’re getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, then take a look at your diet.
It’s commonly found in many types of fish, including:
- Tuna
- Anchovies
- Orange
- Lake trout
- Bluefish
- Sturgeon
- Mackerel
- Sardines
- Herring
- Salmon
- Marlin
Additionally, plant based sources of omega-3’s include:
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed
- Soybeans
- Pumpkin seeds
Symptoms Of Omega-3 Deficiency
Are you wondering if you’re getting enough omega-3’s in your diet?
If you’re worried about deficiency of this important nutrient, here are some signs and symptoms to watch out for:
- Pain and stiffness of your joints
- Dry and irritated skin and changes to hair health
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Eye dryness
- Worsened symptoms of ADHD
- Tiredness
- Memory issues
Should You Supplement With Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
If you are vegetarian or vegan and don’t eat fish, supplementation with omega-3’s may be the right choice for you.
Although it can also be found in some plant based foods, this is ALA and is different from the EPA, andDHA found in fatty fish sources.
Speaking to your naturopathic doctor before starting any new supplements is always recommended, to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
If you’re looking for a someone to speak to regarding these or other supplements, it’s time to…
Book Your Appointment With Dawdy Naturopathic Today
Are you worried about getting enough omega-3 fatty acids because of your diet?
Maybe you’re a vegetarian or vegan and don’t eat fish, or perhaps you have an allergy.
Perhaps you’re pregnant and want to do everything in your power to ensure the health of your baby – including taking omega-3’s, and possibly other supplements which help promote fetal health.
Or maybe you’re just tired of dealing with dry skin, and all of the best creams aren’t helping so you want to look at fixing it from the inside, out.
I’m Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND, a naturopathic doctor serving Ottawa and Barrhaven.
I can help you determine which supplements might be right for you, based on your current needs.
Contact my office today to set up a consultation.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic
6899 Sunset Blvd,
Greely, ON K4P 1C5
-https://g.page/dawdynaturopathicclinic
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic offers a variety of naturopathic health solutions for individuals and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area.
