What are Omega 3 Fatty Acids?

Omega 3’s are essential fats that human’s need in order to build and maintain healthy working cells for immunity, skin, brain health and regulating inflammation.(1) Omega 3’s play a role in the functioning of many different systems including brain, sleep, gut, eyesight and more

There are three main Omega 3’s:

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)

Omega 3's are called essential because we must consume Omega 3 in our diet via food or supplements, we are unable to synthesise Omega 3’s within our own body. The Brothers Green Hemp Seed Oil can be used as an Omega-3 supplement. We recommend taking 1 TBSP a day. Click here to learn more.

5 Symptoms of Omega 3 Deficiency

1. DEFICIENCY IN OMEGA 3 SYMPTOMS: FATIGUE & TROUBLE SLEEPING

Quality sleep is imperative to good health, contributing to physical and mental health, as well as supporting the immune system and cognitive function.(2) Insufficient sleep and other sleep troubles have been linked to poor health outcomes such as depression, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline.(2) Deficiency in Omega 3 Fatty Acids, particularly a deficiency in DHA has been shown to affect sleep regulation by several mechanisms; impaired functioning of the hypothalamus region that is involved with circadian rhythms, altered melatonin release, and disruption to endocannabinoid signalling. (3) Several studies indicate that a higher Omega 3 fatty acid level is related to better sleep.(2)

2. DEFICIENCY IN OMEGA 3 SYMPTOMS: POOR MEMORY, CONCENTRATION & ATTENTION

The human brain is made up of roughly 60% fat, with DHA accounting for 40%. (4,5) Omega 3 Fatty Acids are critical molecules for brain integrity and cognitive performance. Clinical studies have related omega 3 deficiency to impaired brain performance and diseases.(4) Omega 3’s are involved in maintaining brain structure, as well as synthesis and function of brain neurotransmitters.(4) Brain fog and inability to sustain focussed thinking can both be symptoms of a deficiency in Omega 3

3. DEFICIENCY IN OMEGA 3 SYMPTOMS: JOINT PAIN & STIFFNESS

Joint pain and stiffness is a common experience as we age. Other factors that may cause joint pain include weight, previous injuries, overuse and arthritis. (6) Omega-3 fatty acids increase blood flow throughout the body, which can help to reduce joint pain and swelling. If you are lacking Omega 3 in your diet, you may experience joint pain or stiffness. Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been used to treat joint pain associated with several inflammatory conditions. (7) Omega 3’s have an anti-inflammatory action by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, inhibiting the activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors and reducing the expression of inflammatory genes.(8)(9)

4. DEFICIENCY IN OMEGA 3 SYMPTOMS: DRY SKIN & INFLAMMATORY SKIN CONDITIONS

One of the first signs you may notice if you have an Omega 3 deficiency is dry, sensitive skin, or an increase in inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema or acne. This is because Omega 3’s are vital in maintaining skin barrier function. A healthy skin barrier prevents moisture loss and protects from external allergens, toxins and pathogens.(10) Omega 3 Fatty Acids improve the integrity of skin cells that maintain a healthy barrier.

This study concluded that omega 3 rich hemp seed oil reduced dryness, itchiness and the need for topical medication in people with eczema.(11) Hemp seed oil also contains Gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which has been demonstrated to prevent moisture loss and provide anti-inflammatory activity in people with dry skin or mild eczema. (12)

5. DEFICIENCY IN OMEGA 3 SYMPTOMS: STRESS, ANXIETY, LOW MOOD

There are many contributing factors involved with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, and it is always best to consult your doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Omega-3 deficiency can cause impaired action of important neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine, which are the ‘feel good’ hormones that help to regulate mood.(13) If you have been feeling uncharacteristically anxious, low, easily irritated or stressed, it may be a sign of Omega 3 deficiency.(14) Because Omega ‘s are required for neural activity, neural protection and supporting brain structure, Omega 3 supplementation has been shown to be beneficial for many mental health, brain health and mood disorders, such as depression.(15),(16)

Could you be deficient in Omega 3?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above it would not be a bad idea to incorporate more Omega 3 into your diet.You need Omega 3 fatty acids to live well. One way to address this Omega 3 deficiency in your system is to incorporate Omega 3 rich supplements and food into your daily routine. One tablespoon of The Brothers Green Nutritional Hemp Seed Oil per day is an easy remedy. Shot it straight, use it as a salad dressing or mix it into your smoothie!

Click here to find out more about targeting different areas of inflammation with The Brothers Green Hemp.

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