Skip to content

Uncategorized

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) - Essential to Brain Health

Published on January 17, 2017 by Dr. Myra Reed

 

Decades of study and countless books have gone into exploring Omega-3 and the role it plays in our physical and mental health. Here are Seven Essential Facts about this ESSENTIAL substance.

1. Omega-3 is called “essential” because it’s necessary for our health, but we cannot make it on our own.

2. One essential Omega-3 fatty acid is a substance called α-linolenic acid (ALA). Our body uses ALA to make two other essential fatty acids: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). However, we don’t make enough to meet daily needs for optimal health.

3. Omega-3 is critical for preventing symptoms of chronic illness, such as inflammation, fatigue, joint and muscle pain and poor elimination of toxins.

4. The brain thrives on Omega-3. Without enough, we can experience learning problems, memory issues, brain fog and other neurological symptoms. Proper levels help protect us from Alzheimer’s Disease.

5. Food is a great source of Omega-3. Consider salmon, tuna, halibut, krill, flaxseed, walnuts and chia seeds.

6. It’s difficult to get sufficient amounts from food alone. Most Americans consume a daily average of 130 mg EPA + DHA – way below the recommended 1000-2000 mg. Consider adding a supplement to your diet.

7. Acquiring Omega-3 must be done in a focused fashion, with attention paid to the balance between Omega-3 and Omega-6 (a group of fatty acids linked to increased inflammation). An imbalance can adversely impact well being and brain health.

Consult Dr. Myra Reed to assess your intake and explore ways to protect your health and cognitive function with Omega-3. Dr. Myra carries one of the best forms of supplemental Omega-3 at her office.


July 24, 2017

Astragalus (Astragalus spp.) / Viracid

The amazing and powerful immune-boosting herb, Astragalus root has been used for centuries to strengthen the blood and spleen and over time, help maintain the strength of the immune system, building resistance to illness and disease. While clinical research on Astragalus is in the early stages, researchers are currently examining how it may help prevent ...

May 23, 2017

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

A European culinary favorite, Stinging Nettle’s spinach-like greens are remarkably nutritious. One cup of Nettle is abundant in calcium, iron and zinc, and contains ample amounts of magnesium, copper, selenium and potassium plus vitamins A and C. A well-established remedy in Western herbal medicine, Stinging Nettle provides relief for a wide range of health concerns. ...

May 16, 2017

Trace Minerals: Essential to a Healthy Body

From the hair on your head to the bones that support you and the blood that runs through you, your body relies on minerals for optimal health. Minerals are broken into two categories: macrominerals and trace minerals. Since the body cannot make minerals, we must get them from food or water. Many foods and vitamin ...

May 8, 2017

H2O: Elixir of Health and Vitality

Water. We can’t live without it. Literally. It comprises about 70% of adult body weight and even more for infants and children. Essential to every cell in the body, water helps to . . . maintain normal temperature through sweating and respiration regulate thirst and appetite transport nutrients in the bloodstream remove waste and toxins ...

April 27, 2017

Improve Your Health With Collard Greens

A traditional Southern embellishment to soups, stews, and entrées, collard greens provide an impressive array of key vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, K, C, the B-vitamin folate, iron, calcium, and manganese. These nutrients play an important role in protecting our cells from damage and supporting the body’s natural processes for controlling inflammation. Collard greens ...

April 24, 2017

Magnesium: A Multi-faceted Nutrient

Recognized for its role in bone structure and proper function of nerves and muscles, Magnesium has a multi-faceted role in disease prevention and health promotion. It is necessary for almost every chemical reaction that takes place in the body! Here are just a few things magnesium can do for you: Calm your body by helping ...

close