Mood

Study Explores Benefits of Mindfulness for Burnout Syndrome

In today’s hectic workplace, it is easy to understand how some workers get burned out on the job. While the occasional bout of fatigue or lack of motivation is generally not something to become overly concerned about, the issue of burnout syndrome is something to keep on your radar. A recent study provides insight into the benefits of mindfulness for burnout syndrome, helping to give stressed workers direction for treatment. Here is what you need to know about burnout syndrome, its symptoms and how the art of practicing mindfulness and other tips can help you to stave off this serious health issue.

What is Burnout Syndrome?

Many people throw the term “burned out” around without knowing that burnout syndrome it is a serious mental health issue that impacts workers in many professions. While there are no official clinical diagnosis parameters used to define burnout syndrome, this condition is now widely recognized as a consequential mental wellness concern that can lead to significant health issues.

Dealing with burnout is more than just feeling tired or bored with your job. The syndrome can lead to a host of short-term and long-term health conditions if you are not proactive about treating it.

Risk Factors and Signs of Burnout Syndrome

While no profession is immune from feeling the effects of burnout syndrome, there are certain career paths that are more susceptible to this problem. People who work in naturally high-stress jobs, such as doctors, firefighters and nurses, may experience a higher risk of burnout syndrome than those in less stressful positions.

Although there are a host of small symptoms that accompany burnout, people experiencing this syndrome will generally feel exhausted. This can take the form of physical or emotional exhaustion. A lack of day-to-day energy is another common thread among people suffering from burnout syndrome.

Feeling alienated from work and a general attitude of pessimism surrounding your job may be another symptom that you are at risk of developing burnout syndrome. Once you start feeling emotionally distant from a job you once loved, it is important to consider that you may be facing a serious issue that you need to address.

Lastly, people who are experiencing burnout syndrome begin to show reduced performance on the job. Eventually, this lapse in performance can spill over to your personal life, complicating the issue even further.

Benefits of Mindfulness for Burnout

So where does mindfulness come in when it comes to providing a treatment option for burnout syndrome? To understand the benefits of mindfulness for burnout syndrome, you need to understand more about what mindfulness is and how you can cultivate this state of mind.

Simply defined, “being mindful” means that you are actively in the present, paying attention to what is going on around you and being attentive to your own feelings. Rather than dwelling on the past or thinking about the future, being mindful means that you are living fully in the present.

A recent study out of the Ohio State University is helping researchers to understand how mindfulness can help to prevent and treat burnout syndrome. Participants in the study completed a Mindfulness in Motion (MIM) intervention program lasting for eight weeks. The purpose of the program was to encourage resiliency and reduce stress among healthcare workers.

After completing the program, researchers noted a noticeable decrease in perceived stress and inflammation in the participants. In addition, the participants also reported better sleep habits and a more positive level of work engagement. The results demonstrated that burnout, perceived stress and resilience were all improved up to a full year after the completion of the intervention. This revelation gives credence to the belief that intentional mindfulness can significantly improve the outlook for those at risk of developing burnout syndrome.

Additional Ways to Protect Against Burnout

While practicing mindfulness is a powerful tool in the fight against burnout syndrome, it does not need to be the only tool in your arsenal. Here are additional ways that you can reduce the odds that you become a victim of burnout syndrome.

Improve Sleep Habits

The amount and quality of sleep that you get can have a profound impact on your goal to reduce the risk of burnout syndrome. Most adults should aim to get around eight hours of sleep per night in order to function at optimal levels.

Take Supplements

The use of a targeted supplement has also been shown to reduce the odds of developing burnout syndrome. A supplement containing L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6 has been shown to be the ideal combination to support the healthy serotonin levels needed to combat burnout syndrome.

Practice Self-Care

You should never be too busy to practice self-care. Whether it be taking a long nap, spending a day at the spa or hanging out with friends, doing what makes you happy can go a long way in helping you to avoid burnout syndrome.

Move Your Body

There is no doubt that exercise delivers a wide array of health benefits, including the mental boost needed to reduce stress and burnout. You should aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise five days per week.

Do not let your job control your mental and emotional health. Understanding burnout syndrome and how you can avoid it is one of the best things that you can do for your overall wellness.

Omega-3 for Kids: Why You Should Boost Your Child’s Intake

May 27 by Ewcopywriting

The therapeutic properties of omega-3s can help in the treatment of many short-term ailments while also providing protection against long-term health conditions. But omega-3 fatty acids are not just beneficial for adults; research has proven that there is no shortage of health benefits of omega-3 for kids. This important fatty acid can produce a profound effect on children’s short-term and long-term health.

Here is what you need to know about omega-3 fatty acids, how they can boost your child’s health and wellness in a variety of ways and how you can ensure that your child is getting sufficient amounts of this nutrient.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

If you have spent any time researching vitamins and minerals, you have likely run across studies documenting the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. But what are omega-3s exactly? These fatty acids are vital to many health functions, most specifically fetal development, immunity strength, heart health and brain function.

Because your body does not produce these fatty acids on its own, they are considered essential. This means that you need to be proactive about getting them from food and other supplements.

There are three primary types of omega-3 fatty acids. You can find alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in plant foods, including some vegetables, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in fatty fish such as tuna and salmon. Many people also choose to obtain their EPA and DHA from supplements.

Omega-3 for Kids Benefits

Although the generous health benefits of omega-3s is well-documented, it has been more recently that the advantages of this fatty acid for the growing bodies of children has come into light. These benefits include both physical health advantages and an improvement of mental wellness. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into your child’s diet.

Protects Against Asthma

A study out of the UK shed light on how the intentional intake of more omega-3 fatty acids can offer protection against asthma. The intake of these acids provides a preventative measure in the development of asthma in children.

Boosts Brain Health

What parent does not want to boost their child’s brain function? Kids who regularly eat fatty fish or take an omega-3 supplement have been shown to score higher on intelligence quotient (IQ) tests. In addition, multiple studies have demonstrated that omega-3 supplements may decrease the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Encourages Healthy Sleep Patterns

One of the reasons that children enjoy better mental health and brain function due to the intake of omega-3s is because this fatty acid also encourages healthy sleep patterns. The studies show that regular intake of omega-3s reduces sleep disturbances, supporting healthy sleep patterns.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Supplementing with essential fatty acids has been shown to offer protection to kids with unhealthy cholesterol levels. The protection is vital because it helps to guard against the development of heart disease later down the road. The intake of this nutrient provides this protection by increasing the level of healthy omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream. The research showed that an omega-3 supplement has the potential of changing the lipid profile of a child’s bloodstream, lowering their risk of heart disease later in life.

How to Incorporate More Omega-3s into Your Child’s Diet

While you may have to work a little harder to incorporate omega-3s into your child’s diet when compared with more accessible nutrients, it is still within reach if you are diligent about this practice. The amount of omega-3s needed to see optimal benefits largely depends on the age and size of your child. Your healthcare provider will be a good resource when determining the dosage goal that is appropriate for your child.

Start with looking at ways to incorporate the omega-3s through food. The gold standard for omega-3s is cold-water fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. Other good food choices include nuts, seeds and plant oils. Walnuts, chia seeds, flax and canola oil are some of the most accessible foods for children.

Fortunately, many of today’s most kid-friendly foods are also fortified with omega-3s, making it even easier for your child to hit the recommended intake for optimal health. It is a good idea to get in the habit of reading labels to find foods that are high in this fatty acid.

Supplements also provide an extra layer of insurance for your omega-3 needs. There are a number of omega-3 supplements designed with a child’s growing body in mind, giving you the assurance that your child will not be deficient in this crucial building block for good health.

As more evidence pours in, it becomes even more obvious that kids can benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. Health-savvy parents would be wise to consider using these fatty acids as a means to supporting optimal health and wellness for their children.

Prebiotics Help Reduce Anxiety When Taken Daily, Says New Study

May 10 by Ewcopywriting

Prebiotics are insoluble fibers that, when ingested, help to nourish the beneficial bacteria in the gut. New evidence suggests that when consumed daily, prebiotics help reduce anxiety and boost overall mental health. Find out how you can help your gut microbiome by incorporating more prebiotics into your diet.

What’s the Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics?

While certain bacteria are harmful to your health, there are also strands of bacteria that are beneficial to your health. These helpful types of bacteria thrive in the intestines, and they form a community known as the gut microbiome. The helpful bacteria that exists in the foods we eat are called probiotics. By eating a broader range of natural foods that contain probiotics, you help to increase the population of helpful bacteria in your gut. A more diverse selection of probiotics in your gut helps to manage weight, boost the immune system and regulate many other biological functions throughout the body.

However, the “‘friendly” bacteria in your gut need nutrition to thrive and grow just like any other type of living organisms, and this is where prebiotics come in. Some of the plant-based foods we eat also contain certain types of fiber and other natural compounds that the human body can’t digest, which are known as prebiotics. Fortunately, the bacteria in your gut needs these compounds to survive.

Eating foods rich in prebiotic compounds will help grow the population of probiotics in your gut by giving them the sustenance they need to grow and multiply. In this way, probiotics and prebiotics form a process that’s beneficial to gut health and other aspects of your overall health. It also means that failing to eat enough foods that are rich in prebiotics can adversely affect your health by reducing the diverse range of probiotics in your gut.

How Can Prebiotics Help Reduce Anxiety?

The relationship between prebiotics and probiotics is important to understand in terms of mental health due to the recent findings in anxiety research. Even before the latest evidence was uncovered, researchers found that probiotics affect the brain’s ability to regulate mood. Additionally, probiotics are responsible for helping to manage stress before it has an opportunity to affect physical and emotional health. While it’s more commonly known that insufficient probiotics in the diet can lead to digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, it has also been found to increase the chances of developing depression, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of mental and emotional health problems.

Newer research has focused on how prebiotics help reduce anxiety when they are included as a consistent part of one’s diet. A recent study, conducted at the UK’s University of Surrey, focused on how prebiotic-rich foods affected a group of 64 healthy women between the ages of 18 and 25.

In the study, the group of women was divided in half with 32 receiving a daily prebiotic supplement. The women in the other group were given a placebo. Emotional health status among the women was evaluated by administering questionnaires to the subjects in both groups. The surveys inquired about mood changes, feelings of anxiety and sleep difficulties. The participants were also required to provide fecal samples to help researchers determine the health of each woman’s gut microbiome.

After 28 days, researchers found that the women taking the prebiotic supplements exhibited better gut health and reduced levels of anxiety. The women in the other group exhibited no changes in gut health or emotional health.

Dr. Kathrin Cohen Kadosh, who headed up the research project, concluded that the findings provided hope for improving both gut health and emotional health. She said that adding a prebiotic supplement to one’s daily routine could strengthen gut health, while also improving mental health. There’s also hope that this discovery may lead to new treatments for emotional and cognitive health problems in the future.

How Can You Add More Prebiotics to Your Diet?

There are a two primary ways to ensure you are getting sufficient amounts of beneficial prebiotics in your daily diet.

Take a Daily Supplement

You can directly introduce more prebiotics and probiotics into your gut by taking a high-quality daily supplement. Be sure to look for a supplement that contains a healthy supply of both probiotics and prebiotics, such as Florachron. This will ensure that you’re receiving all of the nutrients your gut needs to thrive and support your overall health.

Eat More Prebiotic-Rich Foods

Essentially, look to incorporate prebiotic foods that have high amounts of natural fiber and natural carbohydrates. The body converts the fiber and carbs into butyrate, which is a short-chain fatty acid. Butyrate is used by the bacteria in the gut for nourishment.

The best foods to eat for their prebiotic content are:

legumes and beans
peas
bananas
berries
asparagus
garlic, leeks and onions

Probiotics and prebiotics are not found in the same foods, making it important to develop a diet that includes a broad range of foods. For probiotics, you’ll need to eat more fermented foods, such as plain yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi and unpasteurized pickles. Any fermented food you eat should be unpasteurized since the pasteurization process kills the beneficial bacteria in the food.

While research into the gut microbiome’s affects on mental health continues, we already know that a diverse gut microbiome positively impacts cognitive functioning, mood and emotional health. By taking steps to create a more diverse population of bacteria in your gut, you can improve many different aspects of your health, including alleviating anxiety and stress.

The Insidious Link Between Anxiety and Inflammation

Mar 31 by Ewcopywriting

Inflammation is one of the responses that the immune system produces to combat a foreign threat, such as a virus or an infection. In chronic inflammation, inflammation lingers for a long period of time — months or perhaps even years — possibly becoming an ongoing condition in the individual’s body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of serious health concerns, including autoimmune disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and more. New research has discovered a link between anxiety and inflammation; although the question of whether anxiety causes inflammation or whether inflammation incites anxiety has yet to be answered, some research suggests that protecting against or reducing inflammation in the body may offer benefits for those who experience anxiety.

How Chronic Inflammation Harms Human Health

Although in general, inflammation is a healthy response to infection or injury, chronic or long-lasting inflammation can eventually become detrimental to your health.

For example, individuals with an unusually high number of markers for inflammation will also have a higher risk of developing chronic medical conditions. Health conditions like metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are more common in those who suffer from chronic inflammation. In addition to the symptoms of the particular disease an individual develops, chronic inflammation can also cause the symptoms like fatigue and body pain.

Causes and Contributing Factors

While the presence of autoimmune disease increases the likelihood that someone suffers from chronic inflammation, there are other factors to consider. If you meet any of these criteria, there’s a higher than average chance that you either suffer from chronic inflammation or will develop the condition in the future.

are age 50 or older
are overweight or obese
consume a diet rich in unhealthy fats and sugar
smoke cigarettes
have low testosterone or estrogen levels
suffer from stress or anxiety
have a sleep disorder

There are other conditions that are often present in those with chronic inflammation. These conditions include asthma, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. There’s some indication that a poor gut microbiome may also contribute to chronic inflammation. As a result, people who suffer from a chronic peptic ulcer, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may also be suffering from chronic inflammation.

Taking steps to alleviate inflammation may also help reduce the severity or frequency of symptoms for these other medical conditions. Alternatively, taking steps to boost the health of your gut microbiome may help reduce chronic inflammation.

New Research Finds a Link Between Anxiety and Inflammation

In a recent study, researchers examined a broad sample of subjects, looking for inflammation markers in their blood. They looked for the markers identified as CRP, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in each of the 853 subjects, recording the degree to which the markers were present in each subject. They also asked each of the individuals to complete a questionnaire that focused on the state of mind and level of anxiety each was experiencing.

Upon examining their findings, the research team discovered that men with higher levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-alpha also reported experiencing more severe anxiety. Similarly, women with higher levels of anxiety had more of the CRP and IL-6 markers in their blood.

Simply verifying that both inflammation and anxiety are present in the body at the same time still doesn’t prove that one causes the other. Attempting to show that there’s a stronger link between anxiety and inflammation, the researchers administered doses of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the test subjects. LPS is a compound that’s known to trigger the immune system’s inflammatory reaction. As expected, inflammation markers in the blood of each subject increased significantly, with the IL-6 marker being the highest. It was also observed that anxiety levels in the participants increased to corresponding levels.

This research confirms the belief that inflammation may be a cause of anxiety and that by controlling chronic inflammation, anxiety may also be reduced. It also suggests that inflammation may increase the risk for diseases other than heart disease, diabetes and anxiety. In taking steps to reduce inflammation by introducing anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients into your diet, you may be able to lower your risk for anxiety and a broad range of other chronic conditions.

How Can You Reduce Inflammation Risk?

In general, processed foods should be avoided and replaced with more natural or plant-based foods. This is because processed foods contain high levels of refined carbs that lead to insulin resistance when consumed frequently or in high quantities. The result is an increase in the production of inflammatory cytokines in your body. Additionally, processed foods have high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids, which are also an inflammatory agents when consumed out-of-proportion with the balancing omega-3 fatty acids.

Specifically, the following inflammatory foods should be avoided:

refined carbs (white bread, baked goods, etc.)
fried foods
soda and other drinks that include high amounts of added sugar
burgers, hot dogs and other types of processed meats
margarine, lard and shortener

While all plant-based foods make better eating options, these particular foods provide specific anti-inflammatory benefits:

tomatoes
olive oil
kale, spinach and other leafy greens
nuts, including walnuts and almonds
salmon, tuna, sardines and other types of oily fish
fruits, including strawberries, cherries, blueberries and oranges

Even before research linked chronic inflammation with a state of anxiety, it was known that diet affects emotional health. People who eat more processed foods experience more depressive episodes and struggle with stress more frequently. They also feel anxiety more acutely.

On the opposite side of the same token, eating a Mediterranean diet, or a diet comprised largely of plant-based foods, has been shown to lead to better emotional and cognitive health. People who stick to a more natural diet feel generally happier and more energetic. They also experience lower levels of stress, which is also known to trigger feelings of anxiety. A number of natural nutrients may also help protect against inflammation. Supplementing your diet with a high-quality natural formula that provides these nutrients could also help in the battle against inflammation.

This latest research gives us a better understanding of how our diet influences emotional health, particularly feelings of anxiety.

Benefits of Fish Oil for Men Include Better Heart Health, Sexual Health and More

Mar 27 by Ewcopywriting

With its high omega-3 fatty acid content, there is no shortage of the amazing benefits of fish oil for men, including immense advantages for both physical and mental health concerns. Here is what you need to know about how to get adequate amounts of this this nutritional gold and how it can help you to be healthier.

What is Fish Oil

Fish oil is full of valuable omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; while these essential fatty acids are used throughout the body, you are not able to produce them on your own. Because the human body can’t produce omega-3s, it’s important to be intentional about getting these nutritional powerhouses from various dietary sources or supplements.

The three most common types of omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Although EPA and DHA are found in abundance in fish oil, ALA is derived from seeds and oils such as flaxseed, hemp, chia and common vegetable oils.

Good Sources of Fish Oil

The best dietary source of fish oil is fatty fish like sardines, salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), it is advised to make fish a part of your diet at least twice per week. Unless you are intentional about eating a great amount of fatty fish each week, there is a good chance that you are not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids to see the immense benefits.

Other good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are certain plant oils, including canola, soybean and flaxseed. Chia seeds and walnuts are good sources if you need a quick and portable source. You may also find these omega-3s in fortified foods, including certain types of yogurt and eggs. Be sure to carefully read the labels if you are looking for foods that have been fortified with these fatty acids.

As with most of your nutritional needs, you can also look into supplements that provide fish oil as a viable way to provide extra insurance. If looking into supplements, keep in mind that studies have shown that taking a fish oil supplement with a meal that contains fat may work to boost the rate of absorption. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a fish oil supplement is unlikely to cause major negative side effects.

Benefits of Fish Oil for Men

Now that you know where to find these essential fatty acids, you need to know why it is so important for you to make this effort. Here are some of the primary benefits of fish oil for men.

Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for males in the United States. This statistic makes it worth the time to discover ways that you can help to mitigate this risk. Taking in adequate amounts of fish oil may reduce triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Additionally, the heart-healthy omega-3s may also lower levels of bad cholesterol in the body.

Sexual Health

So why is taking in the recommended amount of fish oil particularly beneficial to men? A 2020 study suggested that taking a fish oil supplement led to a higher volume of semen for men. Men who took a fish oil supplement also boasted a better profile for the hormone that regulates the production of sperm. Together, these results suggest that fish oil supplements may be beneficial in both fertility and sexual function.

Eye Health

A recent study showed that adequate amounts of fish oil could treat inflammatory eye diseases while also reducing the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In addition, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends getting a sufficient amount of fish oil in the diet in order to reduce the symptoms of dry eye.

Mental Health

A growing body of research indicates that people who struggle with depression may exhibit inadequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, studies have demonstrated a link between low levels of fatty acids and cognitive decline. Other studies have shown that EPA and DHA may be helpful in fending off dementia, Parkinson’s disease and certain types of post-traumatic stress disorders.

Other Benefits of Fish Oil for Men

The benefits of fish oil for men do not stop with the above categories. Men who are intentional about getting the recommended daily amount of fish oil can also feel good about lowering the risk of developing prostate cancer, seizures related to epilepsy, stroke and more.

Over all, it is clear that it is a good idea for men to make the intake of fish oil one of the cornerstones of a healthy eating plan. With so many specific benefits to men, you owe it to yourself to make this commitment to obtaining a sufficient amount of fish oil from your daily diet. The specific benefits of fish oil for men make it worth the time to consider how it may be possible to improve your health and wellness via this avenue.

The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Why They’re Crucial to Your Health

Jan 27 by Ewcopywriting

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most elusive nutrients in the typical American diet, and one that many people miss out on getting enough of. Unlike omega-6, omega-3 is not found in many commonly consumed foods, so most people have to be intentional about getting adequate amounts of this beneficial fatty acid. Gaining a clear understanding of the importance of omega-3 fatty acid for adults and children alike can have a profound effect on your overall health. Here is what you need to know about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and why you should be purposeful about consuming them regularly.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat, a type of fat that the body is unable to make on its own. Because the body cannot produce omega-3, it is designated as “essential,” meaning that it must be obtained via the diet.

There are various unique types of omega-3 fatty acids, distinguished by their structure and size. The three most common types of omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Where to Find Omega-3 Fatty Acids

So if your body does not naturally produce these essential fatty acids, where can you find them? The best source of omega-3s are oily fish. Good choices include salmon, trout, mackerel, sea bass and sardines. You can also get minimal amounts of ALA by eating flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts and various plant oils. If you know that you are not likely to consume these food products, you would be wise to look into getting your omega-3 fatty acids through a high-quality dietary supplement.

The Difference Between Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

It is important that you do not confuse omega-3 fatty acids with their omega-6 counterparts. While both types of fatty acids deliver benefits to the body, there needs to be a proper balance between the two in order to reap optimal benefits. Similar to omega-3s, omega-6s are considered to be essential fatty acids.

Omega-6 fatty acids are found primarily in seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables, grains and vegetable oils. These fatty acids help to promote bone health, keep your metabolic system in check, encourage healthy skin and hair growth and much more.

Most Americans tend to consume an unhealthy ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids. While the optimal ratio would be somewhere between 1:1 and 4:1, ratios between 15:1 and 17:1 are more realistic when following a typical Western diet. This is primarily because Americans tend to consume large amounts of cooking oils and grains that contain omega-6 as opposed to eating more foods that boast a high amount of omega-3s.

Too much omega-6 intake is harmful, leading to excess amounts of inflammation in the body. The good news is that you can counteract this abundance of omega-6 by being mindful about consuming more anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There is no shortage of benefits to getting an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Here are a few of the key benefits to consider.

Anti-inflammatory Agent

Sufficient amounts of omega-3s will act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Heart Health

In addition to boosting overall heart health, omega-3s work to regulate the body’s blood clotting function.

Thyroid Function

By regulating thyroid function, you will also enjoy a better metabolic response.

Mood Booster

Consuming just a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids can produce a meaningful positive effect on your mood. Not only will omega-3 naturally boost your emotional and mental health, but it can also improve sleep quality.

Bone Health

By positively affecting the calcium balance throughout your body as well as membrane function, adequate amounts of omega-3s will promote bone health.

Immune System Function

Taking in the right amount of omega-3 has also been shown to promote solid immune system function and gut health.

Signs You May be Deficient in Omega-3s

There are a number of signs that you can watch out for to determine if you may not be getting enough omega-3s in your diet. Many individuals diagnosed with depression determine that they are low in omega-3 intake. Some people first notice the deficiency when the health of their skin begins to deteriorate. Skin that unexplainably becomes dry or irritated could be a sign of an omega-3 deficiency.

In the same way omega-3 intake can promote healthy and hydrated skin, it also helps to keep your hair looking its best. Hair that suddenly appears dry or brittle may be the result of not getting enough omega-3 in your diet. This fatty acid also plays an important role in maintaining good eye health. One last telling symptom of an omega-3 deficiency is recurring joint pain or stiffness in the body.

While there is no specific test to measure the levels of omega-3s in your body, your health care provider can look for clues in other lab results to try to determine if you need to increase your intake of this crucial fatty acid. Aside from including more omega-3 rich foods in your diet, taking a high-quality dietary supplement like Resverchron can help you get an adequate amount of omega-3’s, along with other important vitamins and minerals.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Recipes

Now that you know what omega-3 fatty acid is, why it is important and the signs that you may be deficient, you can take control over this part of your health and take the necessary steps to boost your intake of this essential fatty acid. Below are a few simple and delicious recipes to get you started.

Poached Salmon Salad

Ingredients

Salmon:
1/4 c. dry white wine
1/4 c. water
2 (6 – 8 oz. filets) wild-caught salmon
2 tbsp. butter, softened
1 – 2 tsp. parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Salad:
1 1/2 c. lettuce of choice, chopped into bite-size pieces
1/4 small red onion, chopped
1 avocado, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Put white wine and water in a large, non-stick skillet. Heat over medium-high heat for about five minutes.
Add salmon filets, dotting with softened butter. Season with parsley, salt and pepper.
Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Poach salmon at medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until flesh is opaque.
Combine lettuce, red onion, avocado, red wine vinegar, olive oil and parsley in a large bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. Place poached salmon filets on top of the salad and enjoy!

Omega-3 Smoothie

This delicious and simple-to-make smoothie provides a number of omega-3-rich ingredients. Enjoy daily for a healthy boost of the omega-3 fatty acids your body craves!

Ingredients

8 oz. non-dairy milk of choice (coconut, flax or almond milk work well)
1 banana, peeled
1 c. spinach
1 tbsp. peanut butter or almond butter
1 tbsp. walnuts, chopped
1 tbsp. flax seeds, ground
1/2 tbsp. chia seeds

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender.
Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

No-Bake Omega-3 Energy Balls

These yummy and nutritious no-bake energy balls can be enjoyed as a snack or healthy dessert by adults and kids alike.

Ingredients

1 c. walnuts or almonds, chopped
1/2 c. green pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/2 c. rolled oats
1/2 – 3/4 c. raw honey
5 tbsp. cocoa powder
3 tbsp. peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
2 tbsp. flax seeds
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1/4 tsp. Himalayan sea salt

Directions

Add nuts, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds to food processor. Pulse until finely ground.
In a medium bowl, combine nut/seed mixture with rolled oats, cocoa powder and sea salt. Mix well.
Add honey, nut butter and coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
Form mixture into tablespoon-size balls.
Place on cookie sheet or plate and put in refrigerator for 10 – 15 minutes, or until firm.