by guestcontributor on May 9, 2012
Anyone whose experienced a traumatic injury understand how difficult it can be to restore your life to its original state. The long term consequences of the said injury will always persist, not just in the physical, but also in the psychological and emotional state. A new scientific research will attempt to provide solution for those who are dealing with this particular dilemma.
According to this recent study conducted by researchers from the University of London, omega-3 fatty acids can play a vital role in preventing nerve damage that could result from this kind of injury. Nerve damage is very common following a traumatic injury but this side effect can still be prevented. By consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like flax seeds, sardines, walnuts, salmon, etc., you can minimize death of the nerve cells that is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and spinal cord.
The health benefits of consuming omega-3 fatty acids as part of your daily diet is not new. These types of fatty acids are known to speed up the growth and development of the body. In addition, omega-3 is also believed to be good for your heart.
The intake of the food sources mentioned is encouraged since the body lacks the natural ability to produce its own supply of this type of fatty acid. Many are also considering the intake of omega-3 fatty acid supplements such as Metabolife in order to get sufficient amount to obtain its benefits. Make sure to couple this with the intake of nuts, seeds, and oily fish so you can maximize its effect on your health and recuperation from injury.
Aside from assisting in the repair process, omega-3 fatty acids also prove beneficial in terms of giving your nerve cells maximum protection and prevent cell death. This is why it is recommended that you consume them regularly and not just when you suffer from injuries.
by guestcontributor on April 23, 2012
Anyone who has suffered through breast cancer and associated treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormonal blockers, etc.) knows that the side effects are difficult to live with (maybe not as difficult as the cancer itself, but it can certainly seem questionable at times). One of the worst symptoms that many cancer patients and survivors have to deal with is the crippling fatigue that results when your immune system (your whole body, really) is under attack from the inside out. Unfortunately, it may take a while to rebound even after treatments have stopped, especially since most breast cancer survivors must continue to take hormone-blocking therapies for several years after they have been deemed cured. However, a new study shows that omega 3 could provide a solution.
An article posted in the Journal of Clinical Oncology last month, “Omega-3 Fats Tied to Less Cancer-Related Fatigue” (find full article available for free on Reuters), cited a study done by the U.S. National Cancer Institute on the role that chronic inflammation plays in causing cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Although further studies need to be done to determine how extensive the link between inflammation and CRF is, there is no doubt that the two share a relationship, one that has a potential treatment.
The study involved 633 women of varying ages who were all breast cancer survivors. Of those surveyed, 42% reported suffering from fatigue up to three years after the time that they were diagnosed (although the length of treatments varied). After testing, it was determined that this group was more likely to exhibit elevated levels of a protein called CRP (C-reactive protein), which is related to inflammation. Interestingly, the group that had lower levels of this protein also had fewer complaints about consistent fatigue. And the common factor amongst those with more energy and less inflammation was the inclusion of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet with concurrently fewer sources of omega 6.
This led researchers to believe that the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 in the diet could not only lead to less inflammation, but for cancer survivors in particular, less fatigue. Even when they made adjustments to data based on the age, weight, height, and race of study participants, those who consumed more omega 3 enjoyed a lowered chance of suffering from fatigue. But says Dr. Rachel Ballard-Barbash, who worked on the study, it’s too soon to recommend that cancer survivors run out and blow their money on fish-oil supplements. Further studies need to be conducted before the scientific community can definitively say what amount might be needed and whether or not it applies to all cancers or just breast cancer (although it is suspected that this breakthrough could benefit any number of disorders linked to inflammation and resultant fatigue).
The good news is that there are plenty of other reasons to add healthy sources of omega 3 (like salmon, tuna, and flaxseed) to your diet. And if you’re a breast cancer survivor that can’t even muster the energy to schlep down to the grocery store, meet the girls for lunch, or hit up garage sales close to home on a Saturday afternoon, then you only stand to gain by consuming more healthy sources of omega 3.
