The Power of Omega 3 Fatty Acids

By Phillip Percival

As part of a low starch low sugar diet, the advantages to health of Omega 3 fatty acids are understated. Because our modern western diet is so low in fats and high in sugars people tend to get too little omega 3 (three). With the vegetable oil industry selling the benefits of grain-based polyunsaturated oils most people may be eating too much omega 6; a fat often associated with cancer, heart disease and inflammation. Omega 3 from fish oil in that case is known to be a natural mitigator.

Of course there are other dietary factors associated with inflammation leading to joint or tendon pain not, the least of which is excessive consumption of foods containing lectins. For example, vegetables of the nightshade (solanaceae) family of plants (including tomatoes, egg-plant or aubergines and potatoes) contain lectins which, when eaten, may exacerbate IBS and eventually lead to auto-immune based joint tenderness in some people. Moderation of or abstinence from these vegetables may be helpful. Alternatively consumption of fats (like butter) with such foods can mitigate symptoms.

By dropping starches, fruit juice, sodas and sugars from the diet and replacing excessive carbohydrates with green leafy vegetables (spinach, green beans, broad beans, asparagus etc...) losing body fat can be expedited. Filling up on vegetables is a great way to feel full while reducing calories. Consumption of whole (sourdough) breads in moderation may be ok as long as low glycemic jams, honeys and sugary spreads are avoided.

After doing everything right, overcoming 50 years of vegetarian or sugar and grain industry propaganda, dropping sugar and starch and eating more animal fat (butter, cream, the rind on that juicy free-range steak) some people may still find they have tender knees, shoulders, necks, backs and elbows. In that case omega 3’s from fish may be the answer.

Sure, eating fish products today can be hard to justify given the content of mercury, particulate plastics and even radioactive isotopes routinely measured in sources of sea-food from various parts of the world. Thanks to super-trawlers, industrial waste, industrial accidents, oil spills, melt-downs, nuclear testing and climate change humanity may have irrevocably poisoned the Earth’s oceans. Consequently, when buying fish-oil tablets it is important to make sure they have been tested for mercury and contaminants. It bothers us at LEN that there is no such thing as (ocean based) organic fish, or fish oil tablets. It is a stark reminder of the enormous damage humanity is doing to the environment. Unfortunately, the benefits of taking omega-3 from fish oil probably outweigh the risk associated with the consumption of fish oil products.

Eating whole fish is an alternative to fish oil pills. In that case, it is helpful to remember that small fish are lower on the food chain and therefore less exposed to the poisons of the sea. In other words the smaller the fish the better (generally). Think sardines as opposed to shark.

If you are buying fish oil tablets, read the dosage recommendations on the label, if you have tendon or joint pain then the largest recommended dose may be necessary. It is probably best to take them with meals (containing fat) as this will help with absorption. See a health-care professional as necessary to discuss the benefits of Omega 3 in your situation.