Further, what many people are not aware of is that for optimal wellness there needs to be a balance of omega 6 fats to omega 3 fats. Because omega 6 fats are far more abundant in our modern diet than omega 3 fats are, most people have a skewed ratio of omega fatty acids in their body.This imbalance is believed to be contributing to various factors that can lead to chronic diseases. Source Naturals ArcticPure Omega-3 fish oil can help balance the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids for better health.

Omega Fatty Acids in Our Diet

Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids must be obtained from our diet, as we cannot make them on our own. Omega 6 fatty acids are found in many oils, meats, and processed foods are more common than omega-3 fatty acids.  Sources of omega-3’s are primarily found in plants, nuts, and fish oils, such as salmon, tuna, anchovies, mackerel, and sardines.  Unless you eat 3 to 4 ounces of cold water fish at least two times per week, you may not be getting enough omega-3’s in your diet in comparison to omega-6 fatty acids.

Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can include:¹

• Fatigue
• Poor memory
• Dry skin
• Heart problems
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Poor circulation

According to the University of Maryland, “lack of omega-6 fatty acids, is extremely rare in diets of those living in certain Western countries, particularly the United States… In fact, North American…diets tend to have too much omega-6, particularly in relation to omega-3 fatty acids.”¹

This imbalance contributes to long-term diseases, such as:¹

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Depression

Balancing Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

It is beneficial to maintain an appropriate balance between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, as these two substances work together to promote health.  Most medical experts consider an optimal omega-6/omega-3 ratio to be 2:1 or even 1:1. Americans commonly range from the 10:1 to the 50:1 ratio. This unbalanced ratio can have critical health consequences.  

Omega-3s are an essential part of the structure of every cell in the body as an integral component of the cell membrane. This cell integrity enables each cell to accomplish its function.²

A Balanced Ratio of Essential Fatty Acids are critically essential in the following key areas:

• Supports brain cell function and development
• Provides cardiovascular support
• Supports eye and retina health
• Promotes healthy mental function
• Supports the immune system

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Benefits 

There are two critical omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, that the body needs. EPA and DHA are the building blocks for hormones that control immune function, blood clotting, and cell growth.

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for the following:

• Blood pressure and cholesterol. According to a number of studies, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can lower blood pressure. Fish oil can also cut triglyceride levels by 20% to 50%.
   
• Cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to lower the overall risk of death from heart disease. Fish oil may reduce arrhythmias, and people who take omega-3 supplements after a heart attack cut their risk of having another heart attack. Eating fish once or twice a week seems to significantly lower the risk of stroke.
   
• Inflammation. Omega-3’s reduce inflammation throughout the body, including blood vessels and joints.
   
• Rheumatoid arthritis. A number of studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce stiffness and joint pain. Omega-3s also seem to boost the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.
   
• Depression. Researchers have found that cultures that eat foods with high levels of omega-3s have lower levels of depression. Fish oil also seems to boost the effects of antidepressants. Fish oil may help reduce the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder.
   
• Prenatal health. Studies show that EPA and DHA supplementation during pregnancy boost the health of pregnant women and the development of their children. DHA appears to be important for visual and neurological development in infants.  
   
• Osteoporosis. Studies suggest that foods or supplements with omega-3s can improve bone density.
   
• Asthma. Some evidence suggests that fish oil might improve lung function and reduce the amount of medication a person needs.
   
• ADHD. A few studies have found that fish oil can reduce the symptoms of ADHD in school-age children and improve their cognitive function.
   
• Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The evidence is preliminary, but some research suggests that omega-3s may help protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia. However, more research needs to be done.
   
• Other conditions. Although the quality of the evidence varies, there's research showing that omega-3s might have a role in treating or reducing the risk of many other conditions. These conditions include painful periods, diabetic kidney damage, obesity, skin conditions, some cancers, Crohn's disease, and lupus.
   

Source: WebMD Medical Reference3

Purity and Quality

Pure, concentrated fish oils are one of the most important additions modern people can make in their daily health programs. However, due to the growing concerns over heavy metal toxicity in fish these days, consuming lots of fresh fish is becoming questionable.  Therefore, one can take a high quality fish oil supplement like Source Naturals ArcticPure Omega-3 fish oil, which is a great way to include omega-3 essential fatty acids to your diet without the added toxins. 

Source Naturals ArcticPure Fish Oils are premier omega-3 oils with outstanding levels of purity and are among the highest potencies available today. They are an effective, powerful tool to support your health and vitality.

Does Source Naturals have to go to the ends of the earth for the best omega-3 fish oils? Yes, as a matter of fact they do. Their commitment to quality doesn’t stop at searching the world’s oceans for the cleanest, most abundant sources of the highest-quality fish. The quality of the omega-3 fish oils and their benefits to your body depend on the purity and freshness of the oil in all phases of its manufacturing and production.

Source Natural's bottling and encapsulation processes follow the highest standards, meeting and exceeding purity standards and pharmaceutical protocol of the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Their commitment to quality ensures that you have the finest, purest, most potent oils available.

References
 

1. University of Maryland Medical Center
    
2. Simopoulos AP, (2002). The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids. Biomed Pharmacother. 56:365-379.
    
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet / WebMD 

Radiant Skin, the Healthy Way
 

Diet and Lifestyle

You’ve heard it before:  A balanced diet does the body good.  But did you know that a nutrient poor diet can actually deplete the body, including the skin? The skin requires abundant vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients to look its best.  Diets low in nutrient dense foods and high in processed foods like sugar and fried fats can actually make your completion worse, and of course, they’re not going to make you feel very well, either.  On the other hand, eating nutrient rich foods that contain vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats and proteins will help to keep your skin radiant and supple, and have the additional bonus of making you feel great!

Nutrients that Promote the Summer Glow Include:

• Antioxidants!  Foods high in antioxidants help to protect your skin from free radical damage caused by the sun, and by damaged and/or processed foods.  Excellent sources of antioxidants include:
  • Deep purple and red colored foods like berries and other brightly colored fruits
  • Dark green foods like kale, chard, and broccoli
  • Red kidney beans
  • Green tea, Red Bush (Roobis) tea
     
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids Diets rich in omega 3 fats like those found in fish or fish oil help to keep cell membranes healthy, and also helps reduce inflammation, both internally and on the skin.  Foods high in omega 3 fats include:
  • Fatty fish like salmon, anchovies, and sardines
  • Walnuts, flax, and hemp seeds
     
• Vitamin A is an excellent antioxidant, and also promotes tissue repair and moist, supple skin.
   
• Vitamin E is also a great antioxidant source, and can be consumed internally by taking in foods and supplements.  Vitamin E may also be applied topically in the form of Vitamin E oil or an antioxidant serum.  Food sources of  vitamin E include:
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Almonds
  • Olives
  • Leafy greens
     
• Vitamin C helps promote the body’s own production of collagen, the substance responsible for giving our skin elasticity.  When collagen levels decline, skin begins to wrinkle and sag.  Further, vitamin C can help regenerate vitamin E production and improve iron absorption.  Vitamin C may also be applied topically in the form of an antioxidant serum.  Food sources for vitamin C include:
  • Papaya
  • Red Bell Peppers, Raw
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel sprouts,
  • Strawberries
  • Oranges
     
• Protein  Good quality protein promotes cell repair, and in doing so also helps fight aging.  Sources of protein include:
  • Wild caught fish
  • Hormone and antibiotic free poultry
  • Legumes
  • Nuts and seeds
     
• Vitamin D is critical to support strong immunity.  It is important to be aware of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels, especially in the summer months, when you will be wearing a strong sunscreen, which can prevent the absorption of vitamin D from the sun.  You can have your vitamin D levels tested at most clinics or doctors’ offices, and the cost is usually relatively low (often under $40).  Check with your health care provider to see what your options are.
   
• Be sure to limit or avoid refined foods like sugar, white flour, and damaged/fried fats, as these foods deplete the body and the skin of essential nutrients needed for good health and a glowing complexion.

Exercise

It’s true.  Even skin health requires regular exercise.  Getting your heart pumping 4-5x/week will promote the circulation necessary to bring vibrancy to the skin, and will also assist with detoxification and cell renewal.  Exercise also helps to reduce stress, which means you will likely be frowning less (good-bye, frown lines!) and smiling more (hello, happy face!).  

Exfoliate

Exfoliating a few times per week will help remove dead skin cells and leave your dermis smooth and supple.  You can make a great all around chemical free skin exfoliator at home by mixing sea salt with extra virgin olive oil, enough to make a gritty paste. The sea salt will remove impurities and slough away dead skin cells while the olive oil deeply moisturizes the skin.  You might also try Cosmetic Skin Solution’s Resurfacing Serum, to give your skin a fresh, new look.

Enjoy Summer Fun in the Sun, Safely
 

Spending time in the sun is not only enjoyable, it is necessary.  As human beings, we depend on the sun for many things including warmth, energy, and light.  In essence, the sun sustains us.  Of course we know now that the sun, like most things in life, needs to be enjoyed in moderation.  In fact, exposure to ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) accounts for 90% of the symptoms associated with photoaging, which refers to the damage that is done to the skin from prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Most of the skin changes that occur as we get older are accelerated by sun exposure.

The sun's heat dehydrates areas of unprotected skin and depletes the skin's supply of natural lubricating oils. Therefore, overexposure to ultraviolet light can cause skin to become dry, thin, and wrinkled. Prolonged sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer and a host of other cellular skin changes caused by free radical damage.

UVA and UVB radiation can cause:
 

• Skin damage including wrinkles
• Lowered immunity against infection
• Aging skin disorders and cancer
• Collagen breakdown
• Formation of free radicals
• Interference with DNA repair

Not All Sunscreens Are Created Equal

While it’s true that long term sun exposure warrants the use of sunscreen, it is important to know that not all sunscreens are created equal.  In fact, many of the conventional sunscreens available today actually contain parabens (a xenoestrogen) that can be detrimental to your health.  Research has shown that some parabens can bind to estrogen receptors, mimicking estrogen in the body.  This can lead to a wide variety of health problems, including estrogen dominance. When choosing a sunscreen, look for an all-natural sunscreen that is paraben free, like the Broad Spectrum UV Shield we offer from Cosmetic Skin Solutions.  It is also important during the summer months when sunscreen is being applied regularly to ensure you are getting adequate vitamin D, as sunscreen can prevent adequate absorption of vitamin D.

Supplements and Body Care Products

	Cosmetic Skin Solutions Topical Anti-Oxidant Skin Serums This skin care rejuvenation line provides the highest quality scientifically-advanced and effective anti-aging ingredients. Their unique formulas can revitalize, protect, and help preserve the tone, texture, and appearance of your skin. Paraben free.
	Vitamin C + E with Ferulic Acid This highly advanced super antioxidant treatment utilizes synergistic interactions of vitamin C and E with ferulic acid to provide unmatched protection on the skin's surface, helping to prevent damage caused by free radicals, environmental pollutants, and UV radiation. Paraben free.
	Broad Spectrum UV Shield – SPF 30 (Paraben Free) Sunscreen This unique broad-spectrum physical sunscreen is an advanced formula which contains natural ingredients to protect by reflecting and scattering harmful UV rays and radiation known to cause skin damage.  Contains no harmful chemicals or parabens!
	Resurfacing Serum This superior resurfacing serum promotes an efficient desquamation cycle eliminating worn out surface cells at the epidermis, promoting a perpetual renewal process of cell-to-cell turnover which produces both intensive exfoliation and hydration. Paraben free.
	RegenaCell Daily Anti-Aging Cream contains a high concentration of vital nutrients, antioxidants, cell rejuvenators and natural moisturizers – without the use of synthetic chemicals, alcohols, or other harmful ingredients and fillers. These ingredients are of the highest quality, purity and stability, and in potencies that are rarely found in today’s skin care products.  Paraben free.
	Artic Pure Omega 3 Fish Oil provides your body with the essential omega 3 fatty acids your skin needs to stay young and healthy looking.  According to the Journal for Lipid Research, Omega 3 fatty acids help in preventing wrinkles and delay the skin aging process. Studies also show that omega 3 fats especially EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) can protect the skin from the harmful UV rays and skin cancer. EPA helps regulate oil production in your skin. Having plenty of this essential fatty acid in your body keeps your skin stay hydrated and prevents it from drying and flaking.
	Vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue.  When we are deficient in vitamin A, skin can become dry and flaky. Vitamin A helps form and maintain healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, and mucus membranes. It is also known as retinol because it produces the pigments in the retina of the eye.  Vitamin A promotes good vision, especially in low light. It may also be needed for reproduction and breast-feeding.
	Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties.  It provides antioxidants essential to reduce and prevent damage caused by free radicals, which cause oxidation and skin damage.  Antioxidants are substances that destroy free radicals — harmful compounds in the body that damage DNA (genetic material) and even cause cell death. Free radicals are believed to contribute to aging.
	Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and further promotes collagen production and skin elasticity.  Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin. Unlike most mammals and other animals, humans do not have the ability to make their own vitamin C. Therefore, we must obtain vitamin C through our diet.  Along with collagen production, vitamin C is an important structural component of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone.
	Our bodies manufacture Vitamin D-3 when the skin is exposed to UV radiation from sunlight, but the ability to do so decreases as we age. It is important to be aware of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels, especially in the summer months, when you will be wearing a strong sunscreen, which can prevent the absorption of vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D-3 also plays an important role in regulating cell growth, insulin levels, and bone formation.

Obtaining that summer skin doesn’t have to be a detriment to your health.  On the contrary!  When you are good to your body, it shows (and glows!), so jump on in.  Remember: Healthy skin starts from within!  Make that your mantra this summer, and you’ll skin will glow all season long.  

Read Our Article

Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Balancing the Good Fats

Essential Fatty Acid Basics

Omega 3 fatty acids are considered “essential” because they cannot be manufactured within the body.  Therefore, they must be obtained from food sources, such as fish, plant, and nut oils.  We need them for our bodies to work normally. Because essential fatty acids (ALA, DHA, EPA) are not made in the body or are inefficiently converted from ALA to EPA and DHA, we need to get them from food.

Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency includes:

• Extreme tiredness
• Poor memory
• Dry skin
• Heart problems
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Poor circulation

Omega-3s have a number of reported health benefits. They can help reduce inflammation throughout the body — in the blood vessels, the joints, and elsewhere. Omega-3 supplements (EPA/DHA) also seem to thin the blood and aid cell function.

There are several types of omega-3 fatty acids. However, the two most crucial ones EPA and DHA — are primarily found in certain fish. Plants like flax contain ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that is partially converted into DHA and EPA in the body.  Experts say that DHA and EPA — from fish and fish oil — have better established health benefits than ALA. DHA and EPA are found togetheronly in fatty fish and algae; while flaxseed and plant sources of omega-3s provide ALA — a precursor to EPA and DHA, and a source of energy.

Additionally, EPA and DHA are the building blocks for hormones that control immune function, blood clotting, and cell growth.  Furthermore, extensive research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids help reduce risk factors associated with chronic diseases, such as arthritis and heart disease.

Source:  WebMD

Omega 3’s and Cardiovascular Health

Evidence is steadily accumulating indicating that omega 3 fatty acids found in fish help decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.  In fact, the Nurses' health study and the Physician's health study are two large, long-term observational studies that have been published regarding dietary intake omega-3-fatty acids and the risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac death:

Nurses’ Health Study -  This study began in 1976.   More than 80,000 female nurses completed life style and diet questionnaires.  Then, they were monitored for 16 years for the development of coronary heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acid consumption was calculated from the questionnaires. The results of the study showed that compared to women who rarely ate fish (less than one fish meal per month), women who ate fish once a week had a 29% lower risk of developing coronary heart disease. Those who ate fish five times a week had a 34% reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease and a 45% reduction in the risk of death from heart disease (usually sudden cardiac death). 1

Physicians Health Study – The Physician's health study began in 1982 when more than 20,000 healthy male physicians were followed for 11 years. Life style, coronary risk factors and diet data were collected at entry, and life style and diet data were collected via questionnaires at 12 months and 18 months. The results of the study showed that men who consumed one or more fish meals per week had a 50% lower risk of developing sudden cardiac death than men who rarely ate fish (less than one fish meal per month). 2

According to WebMD, “Omega-3 fatty acids appear to lower the overall risk of death from heart disease.  Fish oil may reduce arrhythmias, and people who take omega-3 supplements after a heart attack cut their risk of having another heart attack.  Eating fish once or twice a week seems to significantly lower the risk of stroke.”

Omega 3’s and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, characterized by inflammation of the synovial lining of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis may also affect other organs of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs and heart.

Omega 3’s have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body, thereby, offering relief to those who suffer from inflammatory joint conditions. 

The majority of clinical studies that have investigated the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions have focused primarily on rheumatoid arthritis. These studies have concluded that omega-3 fatty acid supplements help reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis.  Additionally, laboratory studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids may benefit people with other inflammatory disorders, such as osteoarthritis. 3, 4

The Physician's Desk Reference for Nutritional Supplements suggests that a “daily ingestion of at least 3 grams of EPA and DHA mixtures of a period of 12 weeks or longer has been found to reduce the number of tender joints and amount of morning stiffness in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis.  Those with rheumatoid arthritis consuming these supplements have been report to lower or discontinue use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs.”

Further Reading

Diet, atherosclerosis, and fish oil.

N-3 fatty acids from fish oil. Effects on plasma lipoproteins and hypertriglyceridemic patients.

Low levels of cellular omega-3 increase the risk of ventricular fibrillation during the acute ischaemic phase of a myocardial infarction.

Omega-3 fatty acids in rheumatoid arthritis: an overview.

A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain.

Validation of a meta-analysis: the effects of fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis.

References

1.  JAMA vol 287. No.14, p 1815. "Fish and omega-3-fatty acid intake and risk of coronary heart disease in women".

2.  JAMA 1998, vol 279, p23. The title of the article is "Fish consumption and risk of sudden cardiac death".

3.  MacLean CH, Mojica WA, Morton SC, et al. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on lipids and glycemic control in type II diabetes and the metabolic syndrome and on inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, renal disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and osteoporosis. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Summ). 2004(89):1-4. 

4. Goldberg RJ, Katz J. A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain. 2007;129(1-2):210-223.

Read more about the benefits of Omega 3’s in our article: Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Balancing the Good Fats

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3s enable the body to function in all its amazing intricacy and multi-leveled beauty.  Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, halibut, sardines, albacore, trout, herring, walnut, flaxseed oil, and canola oil. Other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids include shrimp, clams, light chunk tuna, catfish, cod, and spinach. 

Omega-3s are an essential part of the structure of ever cell in the body as an integral component of the cell membrane. This cell integrity enables each cell to accomplish its function.

Essential Fatty Acids are critically essential in the following key areas:

• Supports brain cell function and development
• Provides cardiovascular support
• Supports eye and retina health
• Promotes healthy mental function
• Supports the immune system

DHA and EPA

DHA and EPA are two of the omega-3 fatty acids that have the greatest importance to human health.  These omega fatty acids are synthesized from ocean phytoplankton, which are the first links in the food chain of fishes. 

DHA is key to a healthy mood and retinal health. It is recommended for maternal nutrition, as it is essential for the growth and functional development of the fetal and infant brain and visual system.

EPA assists in thinning our blood and dilating blood vessels. It is the fatty acid most associated with a healthy
cardiovascular system, and it helps regulate physiological processes including blood pressure and blood clotting.

Both EPA and DHA help to inhibit low density lipoprotein (“bad” LDL cholesterol) synthesis in the liver, thereby supporting healthy
circulation. Additionally, arterial elasticity is increased with both EPA and DHA supplementation.

 The Importance of Quality and Purity

When it comes to purchasing a fish oil product, it is very important to make sure you choose a pure one. If your oil smells rancid—the “fishy” smell many people complain of—you are not receiving fresh, pure fish oil, and you are robbing your body of nutrients. Fish oil is prone to spoilage and oxidation by exposure to oxygen. Extraordinary measures must be taken to keep oxidation of the oils at the barest minimum.

Source Naturals offers you the benefits of healthy fish oils from fishes caught in the Arctic Ocean, the North Sea, the North Atlantic, and other clean bodies of water. The oils are then processed with unique distillation methods to extract and further purify them.  The Arctic Pure fish oil products are among the purest oils available, with superior product stability.