Inflammation and omega-3
The word "inflammation" comes from a Latin word meaning "to kindle", and anyone who has experienced the pain and discomfort of inflammation can confirm that this meaning is accurate! Whatever the source of inflammation, you can help reduce or manage it by supplementing your diet with omega-3.
What is inflammation?
Inflammation is the body's response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells or other irritants. It is characterized by an influx of white blood cells, redness, heat, swelling, pain and/or organ dysfunction. There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is a short-term process that usually appears within minutes or hours of a stimulus (for example, a swollen, red finger around a splinter or a sore muscle following an intense workout) and disappears once the stimulus is removed. Chronic inflammation is longer-term and is an important underlying cause of a wide range of degenerative diseases.
How can I reduce inflammation?
The body's inflammatory response is determined by the quantity and balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the cell membrane. Too much omega-6 is pro-inflammatory, while omega-3 is anti-inflammatory. Since the typical Western diet is high in omega-6 and low in omega-3, most of us don't have the perfect balance needed to cope with cellular inflammation unless we take an omega-3 supplement. By establishing the right omega-3/omega-6 balance, we can manage and reduce inflammation.
There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. EPA is considered the peacemaker or mediator of cellular messengers. When EPA-derived eicosanoids are released by cells, they cannot communicate with each other, and the inflammatory response is moderate.
Some examples of EPA at work?
Arthritis: Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Since omega-3 fatty acids, EPA in particular, have anti-inflammatory capabilities, they can be extremely beneficial for joint health. Health Canada recognizes that 2800 to 3000 mg of EPA + DHA per day helps reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis in adults with a ratio of 0.5:1 to 2:1 EPA : DHA when combined with other forms of therapy.
A healthy mood: TheInflammation has been linked to mood disorders, including depression. Health Canada recommends 1500 to 3000 mg EPA + DHA per day (including at least 1000 mg EPA and an EPA:DHA ratio of 1.75:1 to 2:1) to balance mood.
Focus and concentration: Inflammation is a common factor in brain disorders, including attention deficit disorder. An excellent way to control inflammation in the brain is to maintain high levels of EPA in the blood with an EPA omega 3 supplement. A formula of EPA with GLA is particularly beneficial for ADHD.
Muscle repair and recovery: Good news for athletes! Omega-3 fatty acids help improve body composition by accelerating fat loss, increasing muscle growth and strength, and promoting recovery by reducing inflammation and exercise-induced pain. They also improve heart and lung function.
NutraSea hp: An omega-3 supplement with high EPA content
Just one teaspoon a day of our NutraSea hp liquid formula offers 1500 mg of EPA and 500 mg of inflammation-reducing DHA in an easy-to-absorb natural triglyceride form and a 3:1, EPA:DHA ratio. The tangy lemon flavor tastes great, with no fishy aftertaste or burp.
For customers who prefer capsule form, NutraSea ch is also available in convenient capsules, ideal for travel. Four capsules a day give you 1500 mg EPA and 500 mg DHA for general health and anti-inflammatory benefits.
How do I know if my product is pure and potent?
Ascenta developed the Pure Check program because we wanted to make it as easy as possible for our customers to know exactly what's in their fish oil. Every batch of omega-3 supplements we produce is tested by an independent laboratory for quality, purity and label claims; test results are posted online for your perusal.
To see the test results on your product, enter the lot number on the label on pruecheck.net. Pure Check is the only program where every batch of product is tested and posted online, providing a unique level of transparency and assuring you that your product is of the highest quality: proof of potency and purity.