Before we dive right into it just a quick reminder of the 4 key areas that we need to address simultaneously in order to upgrade the nervous system and your overall health. 1. neuro structural alignment, functional movement,nutrition and mindset and in todays coaching session we’ll address one of the key nutritional requirements of the nervous system
This is a supplement that has been on the market and readily available for ages but in my opinion still very underrated and very under utilised.
I am talking about Fish oil, yep good old fashioned boring fish oil. When I say fish oil I actually mean Omega 3 fatty acids Their are two types that the body requires, these are EPA and DHA. EPA stands for eciosapentoanoic acid and DHA stands for docosahexanoic there are some othere omega 3’s but these are what the body actually uses at the cellular level. They are essential fatty acids meaning you have to consume them in your diet. They are only found in marine species.
Omega 3’s are one of the most researched supplements of all time and studies show that they have a major neuroprotective role in the nervous system. This has been shown to not only slow cognitive decline, reduce pain, improve learning and memory but may help prevent neurodegerative disorders like alzeihmers and dimetia and play a significant role in mental health disorders.
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for optimal brain and nervous system function because your brain is literally made up of omega 3’s, specifically. DHA, DHA, is a major structural component of the brain and is crucial for its growth and development. DHA affects neurogenesis, neurotransmitter, synaptic plasticity and transmission, and signal transduction in the brain. Data from human and animal studies suggest that adequate levels of DHA in neural membranes are required for maturation of cortical astrocyte, neurovascular coupling, and glucose uptake and metabolism.
Omega 3’s play an important role in the neurotransmitters released in the brain including the feel good one’s like dopamine and serotonin. Low omega 3’s in the brain can cause major changes in the levels of these important molecules leading to signifanct changes in mood, attention and learning.
So outside of being a major structural component of the nervous system omega 3’s other major function is it’s potent anti inflammatory effect.
Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties come mostly from the EPA fatty acid. This can provide serious relief for individuals suffering from chronic pain.
In one study that compared fish oil to ibuprofen for the treatment of menstrual pain the fish oil was significantly more effective at reducing pain in the group that was taking it compared to ibuprofen.
This is good news because …. People are hospitalised from NSAIDS like ibuprofen each year.
Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the in the body by directly suppressing the production of inflammatory compounds specifically prostaglandins. Regular supplementation may alleviate joint tenderness, improve mobility, and enhance overall spine and joint health. So if you are trying to rehabilitate your spine and posture you are seriously missing out on better results faster if you are not taking omega 3’s.
So that’s just some of the scientific proven benefits of what Omega 3’s can do to upgrade your nervous system and health. Other positive side effects include reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, better skin and reducing age related cognitive decline.
So how do you know if your not getting enough omega 3’s in your diet? The simple answer is your not. This is because you would have to eat fatty fish every single day and you would need to eat it raw to get the optimal levels of undamaged DHA and EPA. You see it’s not only the amount of omega 3’s that are important but the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6’s which are found in almost all western foods like cooking oil, margarines, grain fed meat, chicken and duck etc. This ratio between omega 3’s and omega 6’s is vital and outside the scope of this coaching session but for now it’s important to know it exists. Hunter gatherer tribes had a diet that was about 1:1 or 1:2 3’s to 6’s our current western diet can be as high as 1 to 50
There is a a blood test that you can do test for your omega 3 saturation and your ratio. I’ve done this multiple times and it’s a great way to track your levels.
I personally take 3-4 grams per day of a high quality practitioner brand. Fish oil easily oxidises and exposure to heat, light or being left on the shelf too long can create rancidity which will do the opposite in the body of what we’re trying to achieve.
I like to start the day with omega 3’s with my morning coffee. The caffeine helps shuttle fatty acids to the brain si it’s a great way to kick start the nervous system in the morning.
I’ll also take 2 grams after dinner to balance any excessive omega 6’s and also help with sleep.
So in summary if your not currently on a fish oil supplement daily please do consider talking to your practitioner asap.
Dr. Trent Headlam
