UPDATE: It has come to my attention that Omega 3 can create issues with bipolar medications, though it may be a natural treatment on its own for it...under the advice of a medical professional! If you're on any medications, always be sure to confer with your doctor before taking any supplements, herbs, etc.!!!!
I'm a huge Dr. Oz fan...it's no secret. From watching his show, I've become privy to things like Celiac's disease, surprising health risks and helpful diet/exercise tips. I was just watching yesterday's episode (recorded on my DVR) and got schooled on Omega fatty acids.
I knew there was a difference between the 3's and the 6's and that one was better for you than the other but I always kept forgetting which was which. Not anymore! Hands down...Omega 3 is what you want and Omega 6 is what you want to cut down on. The expert for that segment, Dr. Hyman, stated that our hunter-gatherer ancestors got the correct ratio (1:1 or 1:2...Omega 3:Omega 6, respectively) but that in modern times, we're getting more like 1:27! No wonder we're so out of balance (symptoms of deficiency include brittle nails, dry scalp and chronic fatigue).
Salmon was said to be a prime source of Omega 3, but only if it's wild caught because farm raised salmon eat corn and various feeds that load it with Omega 6. I love salmon, so it's good to know that I should go straight to the butcher for the good stuff. I wouldn't mind paying a buck or two extra since I won't need much...sad to say that I'm the only one in the house who enjoys seafood, so it isn't purchased often.
It was suggested to take an Omega 3 supplement (600mg being the recommended dose) and to watch for the type of Omega 3 that is in processed foods. According to Drs. Oz and Hyman, unless it says explictly "DHA" (EPA and ARA are fine too, but DHA is best), it's likely just hype. Again...good to know.
Other great tidbits I picked up was on face cream and vitamin supplements. Did you know that face creams with antioxidants lose their benefits once exposed to the sun? Or that taking a Calcium/Magnesium supplement with any other vitamin or supplement (or drinking calcium-fortified orange juice with them) can keep your body from absorbing them? It's best to take them alone a couple of hours later. Some of you may have been privy already, but it's more or less new to me. I'd heard bits about it but it never sank into memory. I'll remember the antioxidant one when I start manufacturing my organic skincare line...use only at night and use one with sunscreen in it during the day! I'm learning helpful new things for my future business everyday...things I'd only touched on when making my face masks as a teenager all those years ago!
In any case, I'll cut it short. Just thought I'd pass that on, as we're all on the hunt for ways to stay healthy and look younger.
Till next time...Be well!
Summer School at Home
4 hours ago
The Omega 3 acids are great for you, but if you are on medication for bipolar disorder, you shouldn't take them. The basic make up of bipolar meds is similar to that of Omega 3 and you will get too much. That happened to me and my daughter and we were literally crazy insane until I figured out it was the Omega 3. In fact, if you are trying to treat bipolar naturally, Omega 3 is recommended for it, but only under the supervision of a doctor or alternative health practitioner.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info, I'm always interested in learning about new supplements, vitamins, etc.
Thanks for the tip, Raven...that's good to know! I'll post an update with that info!
ReplyDeleteLuckily, I took myself off the meds back in October and have, actually, been doing better...slowly returning to what's normal for me...nice to think it could help. I haven't bought the supplements yet, but plan to in the next few days...if the snow lets up.