Are there any diseases associated with Omega-3 deficiencies?
Studies show that Omega 3 deficiencies are associated with arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, neuronal degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and complications during pregnancy. There are also links between Omega 3 deficiency and prevention of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disorders, PMS, and skin conditions.
What are the signs of an Omega-3 deficiency?
Acne, dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, constipation, gall stones, hair loss, hyperactivity, multiple sclerosis, diarrhea, and slow growth and wound healing are all sign of an Omega-3 deficiency.
Heart Attacks
Research from the Lyon Heart Study shows that including flaxseed oil in your diet daily can dramatically decrease risk of a heart attack. Other studies show that Omega 3 deficiencies are associated with arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, neuronal degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and complications during pregnancy.
Disease
EFAs have been shown to protect against heart disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, and many others. Flaxseed oil is the richest source of the EFA Omega-3.[1]
Weight Loss
Human research shows that the main omega 3 fatty acid in flax oil, alpha linolenic acid (ALA), is the first fat depleted during weight loss, yet with low levels of this essential fat, cells cannot remain fluid, detoxify, or optimally continue to burn stored fat. Thus, ALA is critical during weight loss, and can also help sensitize insulin receptors for blood sugar balance.
Agoraphobia and Panic Attacks
It has been suggested that people who get panic attacks may suffer from a deficiency of alpha-linolenic acid, which is found in highest concentrations in flaxseed oil. In one study, 3 out of 4 patients with a history of agoraphobia for ten or more years improved within two to three months after taking flaxseed oil at a dosage of 2 to 6 tbsp. daily, in divided doses. All patients had signs of essential fatty acid deficiency, such as dry skin, dandruff, brittle nails that grow slowly and nerve disorders.[1]
Depression, Hyperactivity, and Schizophrenia
In September 1998, the National Institutes of Health held a workshop to examine preliminary findings indicating that omega-3 fatty acids may be an effective treatment for a wide range of disorders including depression, hyperactivity, and schizophrenia.[3]
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