While research is still ongoing into effects of these fatty acids on heart, research to date has shown that they:

·decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death ·decrease triglyceride levels ·decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque ·lower blood pressure (slightly) Additionally, Omega 3 has been reported effective as an anti-inflammatory. And according to an article by Judith Horstman for Arthritis Today, “There’s strong evidence that fish oil supplements with omega-3 fatty acids can ease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, help prevent Raynaud’s syndrome spasms and possibly relieve some lupus symptoms.

There is some limited evidence that reduction in Omega 3 in average western diet can be a contributing factor to rise in:

·asthma ·chronic fatigue syndrome ·cystic fibrosis ·osteoporosis ·prostate cancer

Omega 3 Supplements

Any good doctor or nutritionist will tell you that best way to get any nutrient is to go right to source and eat it through foods they originate. In case of Omega 3 this would most likely be in form of fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil and soybean oil. That said, this is not always possible given average westerner’s diet and lifestyle. Additionally, for those suffering from sever depression or using Omega 3 to combat an existing condition, amount contained in foods we eat may not provide enough of this fatty acid. If this is case then it is important to know what you are looking for.

The supplement should be high in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). EPA, along with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are two active ingredients in Omega 3. EPA is considered to be therapeutic element. It is thus important to purchase a supplement higher in EPA than DHA.

Additional Notes

Due to recent developments and study of Omega 3 and all of its potential health benefits, majority of studies and information on it are preliminary and based on smaller test groups. Additional research is underway and should provide additional insight into how it works and exactly what its role is in brain’s functioning and development.

Currently additional studies are ongoing into roll of Omega 3 in brain and nerve regeneration, depression, heart disease, arthritis, cancer, neck and back pain, stress and an assortment of other mental and physical conditions.

- Write it down. Sometimes it can help to write down our thoughts and feelings on paper. It gets them out there and out of our head and when put into black and white it can take some of emotion out or put them into perspective.

- Do something positive. Don’t indulge yourself for too long but give yourself something to look forward to. Arrange to go to a concert, film, theatre, a weekend away. Keep yourself moving forward. Set yourself little tasks everyday.

- Volunteer. There’s nothing more uplifting that doing something for someone else. Take yourself out of your head for a few hours and feel benefit of helping others.

- PMA – Positive Mental Attitude. What can you learn from this experience? Instead of focusing on negative, what’s a positive outcome for your situation?

- Relaxation – learn to relax. Whether it’s doing something like yoga, meditation or just simple breathing techniques - take a few minutes each day to quiet your mind. (Drop me an email if you’d like some ideas on relaxation techniques.)

- Take Action. Yes, that ‘A’ word again. What one thing can you do to change where you’re at? Go and do it!

What’s your coping mechanism? How do you deal with stress? If you’d like to learn more or need support recognising and dealing with stress then contact me directly.

I work with individuals and small business owners to help them organise their time more effectively and create a better work life balance - enabling them to spend more time doing what they want and less time doing what they don't.