Omega-3 fatty acid intake banishes inflammation and changes immune response

Thursday, November 29, 2012 by: PF Louis
Tags: omega-3s, inflammation, immune function

(NaturalNews) Wading through the varied sources on omega-3 clinical trials and lab research can lead into a labyrinth of contradictions. One study even claims there are no cardiac benefits from omega-3.

Some reports that are slightly more encouraging often suggest or imply that you still need pharmaceuticals for real healing or prevention.

One study claimed omega-3 lowers rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and supports lower dosages of pharmaceuticals. But what they added that NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs) or anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) drugs, with known side effects, actually curb the disease.

NSAIDs and anti-TNF drugs don't cure. They ameliorate pain somewhat with high risks of adverse side effects. A recent study supports a conservatively positive outlook on omega-3 fatty acids ability to support the immune system and prevent inflammation.

The recent omega-3 study

A study of 84 men 45 to 84 years old with at least a two year history of diabetes Type II to determine the efficacy of omega-3 on inflammation for Type II mellitus. The omega-3 subjects were given just under three grams daily of omega-3 incorporating DHA and EPA, the types of fatty acids from animal sources.

The study in Tehran, Iran at the Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Public Health. The study lasted only eight weeks to determine the effects of short-term omega-3 intake.

The subjects who were given placebos of sunflower oil capsules had no changes in their inflammatory markers from serum testing, while those who did take the strong omega-3 doses showed lowered inflammatory markers.

The research concluded: "Findings indicate that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may alleviate inflammation caused by Type II diabetes mellitus." The "may" word is conservative med-speak used by most researchers.

A little more assertive omega-3 benefit reports from maverick MDs

Two different incidents of young men in Virginia and West Virginia, one in his mid-20s the other in his late teens, suffering from extreme brain damages were brought out of comas and rapidly recovered thanks to massive omega-3 dosing.

They both came out of their comas and rapidly improved toward total recovery. (http://www.naturalnews.com)

Dr. Dwight Lundell, a cardiologist with 30 years experience, proclaims the source of heart problems is not cholesterol or fats in general, but arterial inflammation from processed oils and other factors. He advises consuming healthy fats high in omega-3. (http://www.naturalnews.com)

Vegetable omega-3 sources, such as flax, olive oil, and other sources, contain ALA (alpha-linoleic acid), which has to be converted by the body into the more beneficial forms of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). But not everyone who is in poor health or older can make that conversion.

The animal omega-3 fats (fish, fish oils, grass fed livestock meats), contain already converted DHA and EPA to help deliver immediate, stronger results.

Omega-3 fatty acids comprise most nerve and brain tissue. There are many other omega-3 benefits, including emotional stability, heart health, skin health, blood sugar stability, improved memory, and overall anti-aging.

For normal use, three grams or fewer daily of omega-3 is considered adequate by most health professionals.

Sources included in this article:

http://www.vitasearch.com/get-clp-summary/40461

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm

www.icelandhealth.com

http://www.naturalnews.com