YOU & YOUR HEALTH
Fish Oils
FISH OILS: A POWERFUL FUEL FOR MICROBIOME DIVERSITY AND GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH We know the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestive, immune and mental health. Michael T. Murray, ND, explains why the right balance of fish oil nutrients has a profound positive impact on microbial diversity…
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T’S no secret that an imbalanced microbiome can lead to a wide range of issues, from digestive distress like wind and bloating, to broader
systemic challenges such as obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cancer. Positively influencing the microbiome is a major health goal for many. Probiotic seeding of the microbiome and even medical faecal transplants have been used. These offer limited long term benefits as they fail to focus on influencing the intestinal terrain and the growth factors that nourish the microbiome towards health, through encouraging microbial diversity. While there are several key bacteria associated with a healthy microbiome, greater overall diversity leads to a more resilient and functional microbiome. A little-known fact is that some of the greatest influencers of microbial diversity are the longchain omega-3 fatty acids; docosahexaenoic
effects in the gut. It does this through circulating
into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs,
acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
in the blood, by incorporating into the cells that
especially butyrate, have been shown to exert
Research suggests that the ideal DHA: EPA: DPA
line the GI tract and by acting as an intermediate
multiple beneficial effects and protect against
ratio for influencing the microbiome is similar
to anti-inflammatory compounds known as
any overgrowths of unwanted bacteria, such as
to that found in wild salmon. DPA is the third
D-series resolvins and protectins.
Clostridium difficile.
‘forgotten’ omega-3 fatty acid, Docosapentaenoic
Resolvins resolve inflammation, while
Higher levels of Lactobacillus and
acid, which is found in oily fish but has only
protectins protect against inflammation starting.
Bifidobacteria species, known for their beneficial
recently been effectively extracted. DPA has
By lowering gut inflammation, these compounds
probiotic effects, are also associated with
many health benefits, including acting as a
help to promote microbial diversity. Their
higher DHA levels. Multiple studies show
reservoir of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.
discovery has helped to explain why DHA
their roles in improving metabolic diseases
supplementation produces better results than
(obesity and diabetes), cardiovascular diseases,
fatty acids are well known, their effects on the
EPA in reducing gastrointestinal inflammation and
neurological diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s
microbiome are not, even though many of their
in improving microbial imbalances or “dysbiosis”.
and multiple sclerosis) and musculoskeletal
While the many health benefits of omega-3
health benefits are actually mediated through it.
Higher levels of circulating DHA are associated
conditions (including osteoporosis and gout).
Here’s what is currently known: DHA appears
with increased levels of bacteria in the
Higher DHA levels are also linked to higher faecal
to be the key omega-3 for influencing the
Lachnospiraceae family. These are the main
concentrations of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG),
microbiome and has greater anti-inflammatory
group of bacteria that transform dietary fibre
an extremely beneficial substance produced by a
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holistic theraapist 2020
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