Dr. Stephanie Saito speaks on essential fatty acids

Here's what we recommend also re: PUFA support and EFA/DHA support:

Standard Process Linum B6
"Linum" is simply Flaxseed oil and is cold-pressed and organically grown flax which is completely different from linseed oil even though it is taken from the same source. SP's Linum B6 is cold processed flax with B6 added to the mix to assist iin the use of vitamin F or PUFAs. Flaxseed contains a high content of Lignins which can help lower the number of epidermal growth factor receptors to dissuade certain cancer growths. Studies show Linum B6 is best taken on an empty stomach and has been known to help conditions of: dry skin, constipation, hair, skin, nail and stroke support. Essential PUFAs are helpful in transporting calcium from the blood to tissues.

Another new company that is out that is producing some excellent quality product is BIOTICS. I am currently using there Flaxseed Oil and Greg is using their
BioMega-3 - This is used to support healthy inflammatory response and to relieve minor pain due to overexertion. It has been known to produce high quality, all natural (not modified by distillation processes) fish oil supplying omega-3 fatty acids. To my knowledge, Biotics has been internationally tested for and does NOT contain environmental pollutants, including dioxins, PCBs, pesticides and heavy metals. Check out their website at: www.biotics.com

Organic Food: Is It Worth The Price?

The responsibility to eat foods that supply our bodies with the proper building blocks for health makes it necessary for us to have a knowledge of which foods to eat. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine states, "Let food be your medicine, and medicine by your food", while the hugely successful Andrew Weil M.D. empowers us by saying, "Diet has the distinction of being the only major determinant of health that's completely under your control." These quotes share how large an impact food has on our well being and most importantly who is in charge of this part of our lives. Lately there has been a huge push in grocery stores around the country to carry locally grown organic fruits and vegetables. Further, in specialty stores such as Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and Henry's there has been a call from consumers to carry organic meats. The answer to the question, is spending a little extra money on these organic products worth the added cost, depends on your priorities. As a future doctor and a concerned consumer I have tried to weigh the pros and cons.

-Here are a few arguments for buying organic goods.

• Americans have become nutrient deficient due to the premature picking of fruit and vegetables in order to transport the products to their foreign markets. The last two weeks of vein ripening for fruits and vegetables is crucial because this is when 60% to 80% of the nutrients are created. If these products are picked too early, they run the risk of going to market without the majority of their advantagous properties. Organically grown produce is locally grown which means decreased transportation time which allows for picking much later. This in turn gives the produce more time to become nutritious.



• Pesticides and hormones are left out of the organically grown goods, many of which are known to be toxic to the human body, especially when consumed for long periods of time.



• Environmentally, organic produce is produced without the heavy use of pesticides which is toxic to our water and our earth.



• Grass fed, free range chicken and beef which are hormone-free carry much more of the essential fatty acids (omega-3's and 6's) in comparison to non-organic meats.



• Purchasing organic goods supports our local farmers which helps to distribute the wealth of our country rather than big businesses.

-Here are a few arguements for not buying organic goods:

• The cost of organic goods is between 10% and 20% more expensive than non-organic.



• The selection for non-organic goods is much larger than organic.



• The number of stores that sell non-organic foods far out number the ones that do carry organic goods.



• Non-organic foods commonly need less preparation time in comparison to organic foods.

As for me, I have chosen to purchase and consume organic produce and meats on a weekly basis because I feel that this is not only a better way of living for my body, but also for the environment. For information on food co-ops which will deliver organic fruit and vegetables to you or, very near you, please check out this website, http://www.greenpeople.org/csa.htm. To purchase grass fed, free-range chicken and beef please check out Trader Joes meat section.

What Are Omega-3's and Why Are They Important?

Omega-3's (also known as alpha-linolenic acid) and Omega-6's (also known as linoleic acid) are examples of essential fatty acids. In the world of nutrition the word "essential" means the substance must come from our diets. This is due to the fact that we are unable to produce this substance in great enough quantity to survive within our bodies. It is well known that Omega-3's and Omega-6's have very different properties within the body. Omega-3's have an anti-inflammatory property, where as omega-6's promote inflammation. The inflammatory process, although extremely necessary in the body, is also associated with increased sensitivity to pain and increased chance of heart disease. Due to this unique property of these essential fatty acids it is very important to include the proper ratio of Omega-6's to Omega-3's in our diets. The average american diet is estimated at having a ratio of 12 to 20 Omega-6's (Pro-inflammation) to 1 Omega-3 (anti-inflammation). The ideal ratio would be around 3:1 or at best 2:1. This aspect of our diets is completely out of balance and needs to be addressed.
In order to increase your daily intake of Omega-3's, foods such as fresh water fish(salmon), canola oil, flaxseed oil, walnuts, and fish oil are great choices. Also supplementing with fish oil on a daily basis is extremely effective at reversing this imbalance. I take a fish oil supplement each day around 2700 mg. Two companies that I recommend for getting fish oil include Innate Choice(http://www.innatechoice.com/) and Metagenics (http://www.metagenics.com/). Although there is not any evidance to support that the above companies have any better quality of fish oil, I will say that when you break open the capsules, they do not smell rancid like the ones from costco.
If you have any questions about this topic or any other health related topic please feel free to email me at drdevinshea@gmail.com. I will try to address all of your questions as blogs so that everyone else can benefit from the discussion unless you tell me otherwise. Thanks!
Yours In Health,
Devin Shea