The role of chiropractic care is to adjust the spinal column to remove subluxations that cause the nervous system to become compressed and unhealthy. If given substantial time to heal and repair, your body can accomplish the process of repairing the damaged nerve fibers, without the aid of any additional resources. However, why prolong the healing process when there is a nutrient that can help.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids / Fish oil contains the primary nutrient that makes up the tissues of the nerves in your body, and are used to develop strong and healthy nerve fibers. It is important that everyone should take a quality fish oil supplement while receiving chiropractic care.
Research indicates Omega-3s reduce inflammation, and may in turn help reduce the risk and symptoms of a variety of disorders influenced by inflammation. These may include heart attack, stroke, several forms of cancer and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
What is fish oil?
Fish oil is a rich source of the two-essential omega-3 fatty acids known as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA supports heart health and DHA is a constituent of membranes of nerve cells in the brain and is thought to play an important role in normal brain development and function. It is found in the fatty tissues of cold water, oily fish. It is also available in supplement form for those who eat little or no fish.
Why is it necessary?
Both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, must be obtained from diet, as the body cannot make them. Modern foods provide an overabundance of omega-6 fatty acids, in the form of refined vegetable oils, but Omega-3s are relatively rare in the average diet. The result is an imbalance of these essential fats, and an increase risk of inflammation and several diseases.
Omega-3 fatty acids support nervous system healing through several mechanisms:
- Inhibit cell death
- Help reconnect damaged neurons
- Activate genes that help cope with nerve damage while turning off those that promote nerve inflammation
How to Choose a Quality Fish Oil
When choosing a supplement, look for one derived from molecularly distilled fish oils - these are naturally high in both EPA and DHA and low in contaminants. Also, choose a supplement brand that has been independently tested and guaranteed to be free of heavy metals such as mercury and lead, and other environmental toxins including polychlorinated biphenyls, also known as PCBs.
For more information on adding Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, contact Dr. Lehane at 603-635-8888.
Lehane Chiropractic also offers a line of supplements by Metagentics, including Omega-3 EPA-DHA, in the office for your convenience. This is a standardized, physician grade supplement whose fish oil is processed in Norway and safe to consume on a regular basis.
/MBKRISS
References
APA. (2009, December 6). New Study Links DHA Type of Omega-3 to Better Nervous-System Function. Retrieved from Amrican Pyschological Association: http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2009/12/dha...
Chiropractic Help. (n.d.). Fish Oil. Retrieved from Chiropractic Help: http://www.chiropractic-help.com/fish-oil.html
Freuman, T. D. (2014, February 4). How to Choose a Fish Oil Supplement. Retrieved from US News: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run...
Lehane Chiropractic. (n.d.). What is a Subluxation. Retrieved from Lehane Chiropractic: http://www.lehanechiropractic.com/what-is-a-sublux...
NCCIH. (2016, July 12). Omega-3 Supplements: In Depth. Retrieved from National Center for Complementary and Intergative Health: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/omega3/introduction.h...
Siegert, E., Paul, F., Rothe, M., & Weylandt, K. (2017, January 24). The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on central nervous system remyelination in fat-1 mice. Retrieved from BMC Neuroscience: https://bmcneurosci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....
Swanson, D., Block, R., & Mousa, S. (n.d.). Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits Throughout Life. Retrieved from Advances in Nutrition: A International Review Journal: http://advances.nutrition.org/content/3/1/1.full
Tallmadge, K. (2013, July 26). Understanding the power of Omega-3s. Retrieved from Live Science: http://www.livescience.com/38477-omega3-superstars...