There's a good chance if you've been on my massage table you've heard me suggest that Omega-3's are fabulous for the nervous system. Why? "Why does she keep singing the praises of fish oil?" you ask. Well, I'll tell you.
By the by, most of this information can be found on Wikipedia under Omega-3 fatty acid.
Omega-3's (referred to researchers as n-3's) are anti-inflammatory by nature. Inflammation of the tissue is what happens when you have allergies. Your face gets puffy, your eyes get beady, and you look a little less gorgeous than you would otherwise. Inflammation of tissue is also tied to arthritis, asthma, and heart disease.
Studies have found that people with circulatory problems benefit from fish oil.
From Wikipedia:
People with certain circulatory problems, such as varicose veins, benefit from fish oil. Fish oil stimulates blood circulation, increases the breakdown of fibrin, a compound involved in clot and scar formation, and additionally has been shown to reduce blood pressure. There is strong scientific evidence that n−3 fatty acids significantly reduce blood triglyceride levels and regular intake reduces the risk of secondary and primary heart attack.
Omega-3's have also been linked with decreases in depression and anxiety, they aid in soothing mental disorders such as aggression and ADHD, and may reduce the amount of abnormal proteins in the brain linked to memory loss.
Thank the mice that were used in an experiment that shows Omega-3's have a protective effect on the nervous system. The mice were divided into two groups. The mice were either exposed to a control or a high Omega-3 diet for 10 months early on in life. Then both groups were exposed to the neurotoxin that encourages the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The mice on the Omega-3 diet had less of a decrease in dopamine when exposed to the neurotoxin. Since Parkinson's is caused by a disruption of the dopamine system, Omega-3's could help prevent Parkinson's disease.
"But what does this have to do with me and my nervous system", you ask.
You're not impressed by some fancy claims or statistics. You don't care about mice or their sacrifices. Fine, I'll tell you.
Omega-3's have been known to fortify your myelin sheaths. Myelin sheaths insulate the axons of your nervous system. The myelin sheath aids in increased electroconductivity, so you process information faster. Omega-3's aids in repairing and lubricating the nervous system. So if you feel agitated or stupid, try some Omega-3's.
Okay, there's a ton more information out there on Omega-3's, but you're tapped out. You no longer care that low amounts of n-3 fatty acids in the prefrontal cortex could be a factor of Huntington's disease or Schizophrenia. That's all well and good, but you've got stuff to do. I understand.
If you're now inspired to pick up some Omega 3's make sure they are of high quality. Ask your naturopath what brand they recommend. Or, pick some up from Bastyr. They're good about picking stuff that's rich with nutrients instead of filler.
Okay, I'm done. Thank you, Wikipedia, research scientists, and unwilling rodents. Especially the rodents; may you come back happier creatures free from the tyranny of human experiments.
