Our bodies are of such a complex machinery that it’s important to spiral back to various things from time to time to be sure we are getting everything we need and doing everything we can for optimal vitality.

Omega-3’s are “essential” according to the Harvard School of Public Health. The DHA, EPA, and ALA contained in Omega-3 fatty acids support mental and emotional health including depression, anxiety, and ADHD; and studies have related adequate Omega 3 levels to hormone health, joint and muscles comfort, weight regulation, and overall cellular health and inflammatory markers. New studies are being done on the relationship of Omega-3s to sleep. A study at Oxford found that lower DHA levels are related to lower melatonin levels. Melatonin is also related to immunity. I’ll write more about that in an upcoming piece about Circadian Rhythms.

Did you know that the brain is made of 70% fat? If it doesn’t get enough nourishment, it won’t work properly. This can lead to depression, anxiety, memory loss, and more. EPA and DHA are both necessary for brain function. These are the “healthy fats” you may be hearing about as a very important part of the diet. Post-mortem research on Alzheimer’s disease has shown that those who suffered the worst cases had less Omega-3 present in the brain tissue than those studied in the control group.

Omega-3 fatty acids interact with our cellular membranes – all of the trillions of them –  providing important feedback for all systems to function in top shape. Inadequate Omega-3s in the diet will actually disrupt cellular signaling which can trigger fat storage, hormone imbalance, and inflammation.

It’s always best to increase Omega-3 fatty acids or any essential nutrition with whole foods. Fatty cold water fish such as salmon, herring , mackerel, and sardines and great sources. Grass fed meat is another source. You may notice a yellowed coloring in the fat of grass fed meat, that’s actually the grass diet being converted into healthy fats. Non-meat based sources include flax oil, flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, eggs, avocado, and walnuts. Add these to any meal to increase nutritional density.

You may find it easiest to take a supplement like fish oil or cod liver oil. Look for highest quality you can find. Read the label and look for DHA and EPA in the ingredients as well as minimal ingredients for highest purification. Your health care provider may have a recommended brand or I always like to ask at the local health store as they are most familiar with the products they stock.