9 Signs You're Not Getting Enough Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for our health, playing a pivotal role in brain, heart, and eye functions, particularly vital during pregnancy and breastfeeding! Despite their importance, many of us are not consuming adequate amounts of two critical omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA.

Why You Need Omega-3s

These polyunsaturated fats are more than cognitive boosters. They protect your heart, fight infections, and as you approach middle age, they become vital in managing stress and reducing the risk of disease. Omega-3s include ALA, found in plant sources like walnuts and chia seeds, and EPA and DHA, primarily found in oily fish such as salmon and sardines.

The Varied Benefits of Omega-3s

The benefits of omega-3s are vast, ranging from fighting inflammation, which is linked to age-related diseases, to improving heart health by lowering triglycerides and blood pressure. They're also critical for brain health, protecting against cognitive decline and depression.

9 Omega-3 Deficiency Symptoms

1. Dry skin: Omega-3s are crucial for keeping your skin hydrated.
2. Skin issues: A deficiency may lead to rough, scaly skin and rashes.
3. Joint pain: Omega-3s can help alleviate joint stiffness and inflammation.
4. Fatigue: Low levels of EPA and DHA are linked to severe fatigue.
5. Insomnia: Higher omega-3 levels are associated with better sleep quality.
6. Brain fog: Memory problems may indicate low omega-3 levels.
7. Mood swings: Omega-3s facilitate smooth brain signal transmission.
8. Depression: Insufficient omega-3 intake may contribute to depression.
9. Cardiovascular problems: EPA and DHA help lower triglyceride levels and reduce heart disease risk.

Not All Omega-3s Are Created Equal

EPA and DHA are the stars among omega-3s. While your body can convert ALA to EPA and DHA, the conversion rate is low, making direct consumption of EPA and DHA crucial.

A Guide To Choosing the Right Omega-3

When selecting an omega-3 supplement, consider these six factors:

• EPA and DHA Levels: Look for supplements with substantial amounts of these essential fatty acids - more than 1000mg of EPA and DHA combined.
• Purity: Ensure the fish oil is free from pollutants like heavy metals and PCBs - request a certificate of analysis from the brand for proof of purity. If they’re genuine, they should have nothing to hide!
• Freshness: Fresh fish oil won't give you those unpleasant burps.
• Bioavailability: Choose supplements that are easily absorbed by your body.
• Sustainability: Opt for products from sustainable sources.
• Value for Money: More EPA and DHA mean better efficacy and often better value.

Remember, while omega-3 supplements can be a convenient choice, they should come from a reputable source, ensuring you get the full benefits without any contaminants. Whether you choose liquid or capsule form, the purity and concentration of omega-3s are what count for maintaining optimal health. You can check out the Life & Soul omega-3 supplement on the Synergised website here. 

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Health with the Inflammation Test

Deficiencies in omega-3 are common, with many of us not consuming enough through our diet. In the UK, for example, the average consumption of oily fish is significantly lower than the recommended amount. This gap underscores the importance of regularly monitoring our omega-3 levels, especially in relation to omega-6, to maintain a healthy balance.

The Inflammation Test is an invaluable resource in this journey towards optimal health. It goes beyond traditional health assessments, delving deep into the root causes of inflammation by evaluating a comprehensive range of fatty acids. This includes omega-3, 6, and 7 levels, alongside other important markers such as DPA, Trans Fat Index, AA/EPA Ratio, and many more. By identifying imbalances, the test offers insights into potential health issues and provides a solid foundation for taking proactive steps towards improvement.

References:

Patan MJ, et al. (2021): Differential effects of DHA- and EPA-Rich oils on sleep in healthy young adults: A randomized controlled trial. 

Derbyshire E. (2018). Brain Health across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review on the Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements. 

Larrieu T, Layé S. (2018): Food for Mood: Relevance of Nutritional Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Depression and Anxiety.

Okereke OI, Vyas CM, Mischoulon D, et al. (2021): Effect of Long-term Supplementation With Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs Placebo on Risk of Depression or Clinically Relevant Depressive Symptoms and on Change in Mood Scores: A Randomized Clinical Trial.