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Did you know that omega-3 fatty acids are critically important to your health? So why take an omega-3 supplement? Omega-3 is one of the key building blocks for your cells, hormones, myelin. You need it for brain health, heart health, hormones, skin health and so much more!
What is omega-3?
Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid which forms part of your cell membranes. Omega-3 is critical to many functions of your body.
Why is omega-3 important to me?
Omega-3 is a essential for keeping your body functioning properly. Omega-3 has many functions throughout your body, most importantly in heart health, blood vessels, lungs, immunity and hormones. It is especially important for brain health – omega-3 forms part of the myelin sheath around nerve cells which helps the nerve cells fire properly.
What are the symptoms of omega 3 deficiency?
Because omega-3 impacts so many different functions in your body, a deficiency may show up in seemingly unrelated symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of omega-3 deficiency are:
- dry, scaly skin
- dry eyes
- poor concentration and forgetfulness
- depression
- joint pain
- weight gain
My personal experience – I had terribly dry, flaky skin, and more so during winter. I had to moisturise every few hours while at work. I became very self-conscious about my skin. You know how the moisturiser ads say you’ll have beautiful, soft skin if you try this brand or that brand? I have tried so many different moisturisers but nothing helped.
When I started taking an omega-3 supplement, I noticed a significant improvement in my skin condition. I even noticed that I can tolerate the sun better now.
My skin looks pretty good now – I use a paraben and perfume free moisturiser and take my omega-3 supplements daily.
This is, of course, my personal experience, and obviously I don’t know if omega-3 can help you the same way I think it worked for me. But I do know that omega-3 is critical for my body generally, not just my skin.
How do I get omega-3?
Your body cannot create it’s own omega-3 so you need to get it from food, like fatty fish, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and leafy vegetables. Salmon and anchovies have a high omega-3 content. Farmed salmon may be higher in contaminants than wild caught salmon so wild salmon is a healthier option if you can get it.
It is recommended that you have salmon 2 to 3 times a week to get sufficient omega-3 through your diet.
How do I know if I really am omega-3 deficient?
If you have any of the symptoms described above, this is a good indication that you may have an omega-3 deficiency. However, if you really want to see the numbers, you can do the Complete Omega-3 & Inflammation Test functional lab test that will show you your current omega-6 to omega 3 ratios. You do need both omega-6 and omega 3 but most people on the typical western diet, have too much omega-6 relative to omega 3. You can order it online and the test kit will be shipped to you. No need to leave your home. This lab comes with a 30-minute coaching call with a qualified health coach to help you understand the test results and give you personalised recommendations.
Why take an omega-3 supplement?
If you’re not eating omega 3-rich foods regularly and in sufficient quantities (for example, having anchovies, salmon or other fatty fish at least twice a week), you probably won’t be getting enough omega-3 from your diet alone. You need both omega-3 and omega-6 but most people have too much omega-6 relative to omega-3 which results in more inflammation.
If you’re looking for an high quality omega-3 supplement with no fishy aftertaste, take a look at EquiLife. EquiLife uses all natural products. The EquiLife omega-3 supplement uses a triglyceride formula for increased absorption.You can get it in omega-3 softgels or an omega-3 liquid.
Remember, with any supplement, speak to your primary health care provider about possible interaction with medications you may be taking.
Conclusion
However you get your omega-3’s, whether you up your intake of fatty fish and nuts and seeds, or you take an omega-3 supplement, it is essential that you get the right amount of omega-3 levels for optimum health.
The information in this article is for general information purposes only. It is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical, health or other practitioner in relation to your personal circumstances.
Jennifer Tak is a certified Integrative Health Practitioner & Energy Coach who helps busy professionals regain their energy and conquer stress, gently and naturally. Jennifer had over 20 years of corporate life and was stressed out and exhausted. Now she’s using her previous corporate experience, combined with her hippy inclinations with health and energy medicine to simplify health for busy people. Get a FREE copy of her Stress Relief e-Book for 15 ways to reduce your stress quickly, gently and naturally.
Very interesting article. I knew omega 3 was vital to Women’s health but I never knew how essential it would be or that our bodies didn’t just make it on their own. I have issues with dry skin in the Winter, almost as bad as what you described so I may be lacking in omega 3 in my diet. I love salmon, but it’s expensive to purchase so I will probably have to go the route of just taking a supplement instead.
Glad you learned something new here, Rachel. Good quality supplements are a good option if you can’t do salmon. You could also do anchovies and other types of fatty fish that may be cheaper, but remember to check mercury levels. Going natural with your skincare may also help.
Hi, I’ve just through your article on why take Omega 3 supplements. This article is very helpful and thanks to you for sharing it with us. I use Omega 3 supplements but never knew they could be this helpful. I only use them for my weak joints, little did I know that they can also be used for forgetfulness and poor concentration, dry skin and eyes. I promise to visit your site to learn more about these good health practices. Thanks once again.
Hi Kokontala! Yes, omega 3 is necessary for all sorts of functions in your body. Of all the supplements available, I believe this is one of the most important for your general health.
Omega 3’s are very important. We usually eat salmon about once or twice a week. I appreciate your recipes, I will definitely try them out. I have never tried the supplements. Is it possible to have too much omega 3 in your diet? Is there any negative if I took a supplement and still ate my fish?
Good question. Salmon twice a week is good. Too much omega 3 could have a blood thinning effect so look at your overall diet and if you have health issues. Supplementation is probably not necessary if you’re already have fatty fish regularly.