The lows and highs of Essential Fatty Acids 6 Time for a Bath

The Lows and Highs of Essential Fatty Acids

By Charlotte Meschede - Nutritionist

As nutritionists and other medical professionals interested in nutrition, we glibly refer to essential fatty acids without realizing that many people have no understanding of what these nutrients are, where we find them, and most importantly of all, why they are called essential!

Essential fatty acids are called ‘essential’ because the human body cannot manufacture them from other compounds and are required for health. There are two families of EFAs, omega-3 and omega-6. From conception through to maturity the essential omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) make unique and irreplaceable contributions to overall brain and nervous system functioning. The other essential omega 3 fatty acid is called alpha- linolenic acid (ALA) and occurs naturally in the oils of some nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flax, chia and sunflower seeds, whereas EPA and DHA occur naturally in fatty fish and other seafood as well as algae1. Therefore, ALA is a plant-based fatty acid, whilst EPA and DHA are predominantly found in fish (especially fatty fish such as sardines and mackerel) as well as in the food that these fish eat, which is algae and plankton.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids make compounds called eicosanoids, which are important hormones that control the immune system, the nervous system and are a precursor to the formation and functioning of many other hormones in the body. However, it is important to note that omega-3 fatty acids function very differently from omega-6 fatty acids and, in fact, they may produce opposite effects which is why it is important to balance the ratio between the two. Eicosanoids from omega-3 fatty acids tend to promote heart health, whilst eicosanoids from the omega-6 fatty acids are more involved in the immune system, inflammation and blood pressure2. ALA serves as a precursor for EPA and DHA, so even vegetarians can obtain these EFAs in their food.

When is it most important to make sure that you consume enough EFAs?

As I have mentioned above, EFAs are important right from conception to old age. However, there are a number of vulnerable stages in which adequate intake of EFAs is crucial in order to prevent deficiencies resulting in abnormalities. • Whilst EFA deficiency is rare in adults who consume a varied diet, and especially one including all the healthy fats such as those found in avocados, nuts and seed oils and of course fatty fish. However, since many people eat an abundance of processed foods, excluding these healthy fats, a deficiency may develop. In these cases, supplementation could be beneficial. • People who suffer from a very dry skin AND are following a strict fatfree or low-fat diet may also benefit from adding these crucial fatty acids into the diet. • In old age, both men and women are vulnerable to cognitive decline. I have found in my practice that those people who take EFA supplements and/or eat fatty fish 3-4 times a week, tend to age less severely. It is my belief that the inflammation fighting effect of EFAs contributes greatly to an improvement in cognitive and mental wellbeing.

How does AIMega rate when it comes to EFA supplementation?

It is now clear, not only from my own experience and research, but from consensus amongst nutritionists worldwide, that eating enough EFAs is crucial for optimal health. However, many people do not have access to fish or do not like eating fish and therefore supplementation may be the only solution. AIMega provides a balanced ratio of 2:1 of omega-3 to omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) from organic seed oils. A suggested dose of 2 -3 capsules twice daily is recommended. I always suggest taking oil supplements with food as I think they are assimilated and absorbed more efficiently.

I urge everyone not to wait until a problem develops, but rather educate yourself on how to prevent problems before they occur. Please take your EFAs seriously!

References 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pmc/articles/

PMC4190204/#:~:text=The%20 term%20essential%20fatty%20 acids,6%20(%CF%89%2D6). 2. https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/essential-fattyacids#what-are-they

Time for a Bath

These days, who couldn’t use more tempting tub time, especially with the added benefits of a CWR experience: relaxation from stressful times in magnesium-laden bathwater.

Whenever you have the time to indulge, slipping into a hot bath is a calming submersion for your body. Pouring some Mag-nificence CWR bath additive into the already soothing water takes the experience to a deeper level by introducing magnesium to the mix.

Magnesium and Stress

Magnesium is a mineral that is required for a multitude of chemical reactions that keep the body functioning.1 Unfortunately, most people do not get enough magnesium in their diets due to the farming methods that deplete magnesium in soil and the widespread consumption of processed food.2 Magnesium deficiency is associated with a number of issues that affect health, including stress levels.

Magnesium reduces stress, whereas stress drains your body’s magnesium levels. It becomes a vicious circle when you are under a lot of stress, making a soothing CWR bath saturated with 4,800 mg per 60 ml of elemental magnesium all the more appealing.

The CWR Effect

CWR gives you the most beneficial form of this mineral, magnesium chloride, delivered in one of the most effective methods of absorption: through the skin.

Magnesium chloride happens to be the most common form of magnesium in seawater. People feel so good after spending time in ocean waters. Having a CWR bath is like soaking in the sea, absorbing beneficial magnesium as you relax. It’s a great combination of elements: downtime, warmth and magnesium. Mag-nificence!

References: 1 bit.ly/Mag_Stress 2 bit.ly/SanjayGuptaMagnesium

CWR can also be applied directly to the skin. Add some to a spray bottle for a convenient way to travel with Mag-nificence!