Hello Informed Reader,
We hope you are doing well and are enjoying the beginning of the Fall season with friends and family. This month we are diving into understanding your Omega 6/3 Ratio.
At the turn of the 19th century the development of a westernized diet took place in the homes of many Americans (Simopoulos, 2003). Primary food sources of lean meat, fish, green leafy veggies, fruits, nuts, berries, and honey were exchanged for genetically modified grains which are primarily made of carbs and Omega 6s (Simopoulos, 2003). The second contributor to the omega 6/3 imbalance was the increased consumption of large-scale vegetable oils (e.g. corn oil, soy oil, etc) these oils paired with feeding livestock a primary diet of grains has created a litany of problems for the western diet. The diet of western eaters has created an omega 6/3 ratio disaster that is wreaking havoc on the human body creating inflammatory diseases that could otherwise be avoided or the risk could be reduced. A balanced Omega 6/3 Ratio is now more important than ever for the health of humankind. The following excerpt is from “Omega-6/omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid Ratio: The Scientific Evidence” written by Artemis P. Simopoulos, MD. She is an expert in the field of Omega 3s and has spent her entire professional career developing a science-based understanding of the Omega 6/3 ratio and health:
“The clinical studies in patients with cardiovascular disease, arthritis, asthma, caner, and mental illness clearly indicate the need to balance the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid intake for prevention and during treatment. The scientific evidence is strong for decreasing the omega-6 and increasing the omega-3 intake to improve health throughout the life cycle. The scientific basis for development of a public policy to develop dietary recommendations for essential fatty acids including a balanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio is robust. What is needed is a scientific consensus, education of professionals and the public, the establishment of an agency on nutrition and food policy at the national level and the willingness of government to instate changes. Education of the public is essential to demand changes in the food supply” (Simopoulos, 2003, p. 14).
Perhaps rather than wait for or expect our government to change the status quo, we as individuals should be more proactive. This is why we at ALP Life Sciences are dedicated to providing education to the medical community and the public on the importance of the Omega 6/3 ratio. In addition, we desire to help you balance your ratio through the proper dosage of omega 3s through diet and supplementation. Understanding how your body absorbs omega 3s is just as important as understanding the science. Therefore, it is our recommendation that you have your Omega 6/3 levels tested by a verified lab like Cleveland Heart Lab or GrassRoots Lab. Check out our page on understanding your Omega Score here.
As always, we recommend you consume a diet rich in Omega 3s and supplement properly in order to balance your Omega 6/3 ratio and reduce your risk of Chronic inflammation.
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy,
Robert A. Barker, MD
