Yep, that’s right, more research is supporting that omega-3 fatty acids are important for our bodies to function efficiently and productively. In a recent study, eating seafood once a week was correlated with a slower decline of memory, and perceptual speed. It seems that the higher intake of a-linoleic acid account for the maintenance of cognitive function. Omega-3 fatty acids have extensive research supporting their intake. The average American diet is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, and the balance between the omega-3’s and omega-6’s is off kilter. Humans evolved eating an omega 6/3 diet of around 1/1, however in the modern age that ratio is more like 15/1, and has been implicated as a contributing factor in many chronic diseases our world faces today. Omega-6 fatty acids are prevalent in the flesh foods we tend to overconsume, and omega-3 fatty acids tend to come from more vegetable sources of fats, as well as seafood. Eating more nuts, seeds, avocados, and seafood is a good way to increase omega-3s, however with the decline of our ocean’s health, seafood may not always be a safe choice, in which case, speaking to a naturopathic physician is a good way to access what type of supplementation would be best.


email-photoNode Smith, associate editor for NDNR, is a fifth year naturopathic medical student at NUNM, where he has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine amongst the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend campout where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Three years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision. 


References:

Simopoulos AP.The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids.Biomed Pharmacother. 2002 Oct;56(8):365-79.

Ondine van de Rest, et al.APOE ε4 and the associations of seafood and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids with cognitive decline. Neurology 10.1212/WNL.0000000000002719

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