Inflammation and omega-3

The word "inflammation" comes from a Latin word that means "to ignite", and anyone who has experienced the pain and discomfort of inflammation can confirm that this meaning is accurate! Regardless of the source of inflammation, it can be helped to 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 (e.g., a swollen, red finger around a splinter or a sore muscle from 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 amount and balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the cell membrane. Omega-6 fatty acids, in excess, are pro-inflammatory fats while omega-3s are 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 deal with cellular inflammation unless we take an omega-3 supplement. By establishing a good 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 moderated.

Some examples of EPA at work?

Arthritis: Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. Since omega-3 fatty acids, EPA in particular, have anti-inflammatory capabilities, they can be extremely beneficial to 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.

Healthy Mood: TheInflammation has been linked to mood disorders, including depression. Health Canada recommends 1500 to 3000 mg of EPA + DHA per day (including at least 1000 mg of 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. A great 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, promoting recovery by reducing inflammation and exercise-induced pain. They also improve heart and lung function.

NutraSea hp: A high EPA omega 3 supplement

Just one teaspoon per 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 the capsule form, NutraSea ch is also available in convenient capsules ideal for travel. Four capsules a day gives you 1500 mg of EPA and 500 mg of DHA for overall 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 labeling, and the test results are posted online for your review.

To see the test results on your product, enter the lot number on the label at 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.