Health magazines and websites are constantly talking about omega-3s, which makes us concerned about getting enough in our diets. For women, the RDI of omega-3s is 1.1 grams (1,100 mg) a day. Since our diets are often too high in omega-6s — foods such as corn oil, soy oil, safflower oil, and sunflower oil — many people can end up with an omega-3 deficiency. The symptoms are:
- Fatigue
- Poor memory
- Immune weakness
- Dry skin, eczema, or hair loss
- Heart problems
- Reproductive problems
- Mood swings or depression
- Poor circulation
If you're experiencing these symptoms and think it may be caused by a lack of omega-3s in your diet, talk to your doctor. Increasing your consumption of omega-3 eggs, canola oil, walnuts, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, soybeans, and cold-water fish such as mackerel and sardines will relieve these symptoms. If you don't eat enough of these foods, then you may want to take fish oil capsules. Aside from preventing omega-3 deficiency, getting enough omega-3s can also reduce inflammation, decrease joint pain, fight obesity, reduce exercise-induced asthma, and lower blood pressure.
Marc Jacobs
I know I get enough Omega-3's, but this is good information.
1I always take my fish oil pills, even though I do tend to eat a lot of nuts. I don't eat enough oily fish, so I think it's probably a good idea. I know it's been helping me with overall inflammation and it's been helping with my cholesterol levels...my HDL levels are in the 70's, so it's definitely an anti-inflammatory.
2I didn't know an omega-3 deficiency could cause so many problems. Good to know.
I happen to eat the non-meat sources everyday. Just my (daily) hummus serving alone, I add a tablespoon of canola oil. I know, that's a lot of oil, but in my overall diet, I'm still eating low-fat. Also, in the mornings, I have walnuts. I chose these fats because I heard it was good for the brain (Alzheimer's runs in my family, so I'm trying to offset that).
3good infor tropicana orange juice has omega 3 ! get on it. def. helps
4Spectra, that makes me feel better. I always feel like a little geeky since I've been the only person I've known to take fish oil capsules! I swear they make my hair better, at the very least. I'm hoping all that other good stuff is happenin' while I avoid the bad stuff (like the list above).
5I probably don't get enough omega-3, since I don't eat any of the stuff you listed up there. I don't think I have too many of those symptoms - I'm always a little tired, but who isn't? Poor memory - I've always had a sucky memory... Maybe I'll buy a bottle of fish oil and take them and see if anything changes. Can't hurt, I suppose.
6I know I don't get enough omega-3. So I need to take a fish oil pill ... any suggestions? What do I need to look for in one?
I take a daily vitamin so is that going to be a problem?
7I used to take the fish oil pills, but I've found a teaspoon of the actual oil works better for me. Carlson makes a great oil with orange flavor - so you don't get the fish burps!
8wow....i never knew there was omega 6's . I should hurry and go get some foods that contain omega 3
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