New member with a question re omega 3 and omega 6

[Guest guest]

hello all I am new here,

 

I dont know the protocols for this group so I hope nobody minds if I

just plunge straight in.

 

I am a 48 yr old female living in the Uk. I have had CFS for nine

years. As a result of having an illness that the NHS can't help with,

 

 

I had a 3 year remission after using healing and homeopathy for

several years, I thought I was cured, so I overdid it and had a

relapse.

 

I was a dental chairside assistant for 10 years and have recently had

a challenge test showing high levels of mercury in my body amongst

other things. I am currently seeing a homeopathic practitioner who is

helping me to chelate gently using Plutonium and Syph., we are

starting slowly and seeing what happens.

 

My main symptoms are: Post exertional malaise (`exertion' means

normal mild activities, feels like `Flu' and can leave me

bedridden), joint and muscle pain, fevers and chills, night sweats,

no control of body temperature ( nearly constantly feeling too hot or

freezing cold) excessive sweating, numbness of hands and feet.

Balance or spatial problems, always bumping into things.

Heart racing/palpitations, breathlessness, tremors and muscle

twitches, muscle weakness, `restless legs' at night, concentration

and memory problems, word-finding difficulties, other cognitive

difficulties, viral type illnesses, sore throats, digestive

problems, allergies, sinusitis, tinnitis, sore eyes, headaches,

fatigue, chronic sleep disorder, (either can't sleep at all, most

often `wired but tired`, or when I overdo it then I crash and cant

wake up)

 

I consider myself very lucky that I dont suffer from depression,

although having a long term debilitating illness does naturally make

me fed up at times.

I still have a good sense of humour and a positive attitude.

 

I have a couple of questions regarding EPA's and flaxseed oils, I was

wondering if anyone here could help, its really hard for me to work

things out for myself as my illness causes severe cognitive

difficulties, so any clear headed point of view would be welcome.

 

I recently changed from using high dose EPA from Holland and Barrett,

where I was taking 3g a day to get the required amount of omega 3 and

other active constituents to help my CFS; to using their flaxseed

oil.

I did this because I was advised to give up fish and fish products

because of my mercury load. I am taking the same amount of this as I

was EPA, but I am not sure whether I may be taking too much or too

little. I had to remaster my old computer recently and I have lost

the original links I had containing the information I used to work

out the necessary dosage when I started.

 

I have another concern. I gave up using evening primrose oil,

sunflower oil and corn and soya oils because I read an article

stating that if you consume these oils containing omega 6 they will

change the very nature of your omega 3 oils and have a possibly toxic

effect. I now use olive oil and butter instead. I have since

discovered that my 1g flaxseed oil capsules also contain omega 6

oils, and that the EPA oils are usually screened for contaminants

anyway and now I am feeling really confused.

 

I am on benefits because I am too sick too work at present, so I cant

afford to go buying loads of expensive supplements that I cant use.

 

Can anyone advise me and help to clear up my confusion please?

 

Yvonne

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I have been using Homeopathic protocols for several years. My first thing

to do under supervision of a Homeopathic DR. was to remove mercry from my

teeth (very carefully in specified time frames). Chorella , eggs, apple

pectin and very lastly when all amalgams have been removed then cilantro

tincture at perscribed doses for a long while. These things pull mercury

out of the body.

All of this is with custom remedies for the individual, no cookie cutter

healings here!!!

I t takes several years to slowly come out from under mercury problems

safely. Much success has been acheived with sticking with the Homeopathic

way of healing good luck. More info available...Nora G ps find something

with omega 3-6-9 all in one such as UDO's Oil (online).

-

" Yvonne " <simplicity46

 

Wednesday, November 10, 2004 6:53 AM

New member with a question re omega 3

and omega 6

 

 

>

>

> hello all I am new here,

>

> I dont know the protocols for this group so I hope nobody minds if I

> just plunge straight in.

>

> I am a 48 yr old female living in the Uk. I have had CFS for nine

> years. As a result of having an illness that the NHS can't help with,

>

>

> I had a 3 year remission after using healing and homeopathy for

> several years, I thought I was cured, so I overdid it and had a

> relapse.

>

> I was a dental chairside assistant for 10 years and have recently had

> a challenge test showing high levels of mercury in my body amongst

> other things. I am currently seeing a homeopathic practitioner who is

> helping me to chelate gently using Plutonium and Syph., we are

> starting slowly and seeing what happens.

>

> My main symptoms are: Post exertional malaise (`exertion' means

> normal mild activities, feels like `Flu' and can leave me

> bedridden), joint and muscle pain, fevers and chills, night sweats,

> no control of body temperature ( nearly constantly feeling too hot or

> freezing cold) excessive sweating, numbness of hands and feet.

> Balance or spatial problems, always bumping into things.

> Heart racing/palpitations, breathlessness, tremors and muscle

> twitches, muscle weakness, `restless legs' at night, concentration

> and memory problems, word-finding difficulties, other cognitive

> difficulties, viral type illnesses, sore throats, digestive

> problems, allergies, sinusitis, tinnitis, sore eyes, headaches,

> fatigue, chronic sleep disorder, (either can't sleep at all, most

> often `wired but tired`, or when I overdo it then I crash and cant

> wake up)

>

> I consider myself very lucky that I dont suffer from depression,

> although having a long term debilitating illness does naturally make

> me fed up at times.

> I still have a good sense of humour and a positive attitude.

>

> I have a couple of questions regarding EPA's and flaxseed oils, I was

> wondering if anyone here could help, its really hard for me to work

> things out for myself as my illness causes severe cognitive

> difficulties, so any clear headed point of view would be welcome.

>

> I recently changed from using high dose EPA from Holland and Barrett,

> where I was taking 3g a day to get the required amount of omega 3 and

> other active constituents to help my CFS; to using their flaxseed

> oil.

> I did this because I was advised to give up fish and fish products

> because of my mercury load. I am taking the same amount of this as I

> was EPA, but I am not sure whether I may be taking too much or too

> little. I had to remaster my old computer recently and I have lost

> the original links I had containing the information I used to work

> out the necessary dosage when I started.

>

> I have another concern. I gave up using evening primrose oil,

> sunflower oil and corn and soya oils because I read an article

> stating that if you consume these oils containing omega 6 they will

> change the very nature of your omega 3 oils and have a possibly toxic

> effect. I now use olive oil and butter instead. I have since

> discovered that my 1g flaxseed oil capsules also contain omega 6

> oils, and that the EPA oils are usually screened for contaminants

> anyway and now I am feeling really confused.

>

> I am on benefits because I am too sick too work at present, so I cant

> afford to go buying loads of expensive supplements that I cant use.

>

> Can anyone advise me and help to clear up my confusion please?

>

> Yvonne

>

[Guest guest]

, " Yvonne "

<simplicity46@h...> wrote:

>

> hello all I am new here,

>

> I dont know the protocols for this group so I hope nobody minds if

I just plunge straight in. I am a 48 yr old female living in the

Uk. I have had CFS for nine years. As a result of having an illness

that the NHS can't help with,

> I had a 3 year remission after using healing and homeopathy for

> several years, I thought I was cured, so I overdid it and had a

> relapse.

> I was a dental chairside assistant for 10 years and have recently

had a challenge test showing high levels of mercury in my body

amongst other things. I am currently seeing a homeopathic

practitioner who is helping me to chelate gently using Plutonium and

Syph., we are starting slowly and seeing what happens.

 

> My main symptoms are: Post exertional malaise (`exertion' means

> normal mild activities, feels like `Flu' and can leave me

> bedridden), joint and muscle pain, fevers and chills, night

sweats, no control of body temperature ( nearly constantly feeling

too hot or freezing cold) excessive sweating, numbness of hands and

feet.

 

> Balance or spatial problems, always bumping into things.

> Heart racing/palpitations, breathlessness, tremors and muscle

> twitches, muscle weakness, `restless legs' at night,

concentration and memory problems, word-finding difficulties, other

cognitive difficulties, viral type illnesses, sore throats,

digestive problems, allergies, sinusitis, tinnitis, sore eyes,

headaches, fatigue, chronic sleep disorder, (either can't sleep at

all, most often `wired but tired`, or when I overdo it then I crash

and cant wake up)

> I consider myself very lucky that I dont suffer from depression,

> although having a long term debilitating illness does naturally

make me fed up at times.

 

> I still have a good sense of humour and a positive attitude.

> I have a couple of questions regarding EPA's and flaxseed oils, I

was wondering if anyone here could help, its really hard for me to

work things out for myself as my illness causes severe cognitive

> difficulties, so any clear headed point of view would be welcome.

>

> I recently changed from using high dose EPA from Holland and

Barrett, where I was taking 3g a day to get the required amount of

omega 3 and other active constituents to help my CFS; to using their

flaxseed oil.

 

> I did this because I was advised to give up fish and fish products

> because of my mercury load. I am taking the same amount of this as

I was EPA, but I am not sure whether I may be taking too much or too

> little. I had to remaster my old computer recently and I have lost

> the original links I had containing the information I used to work

> out the necessary dosage when I started.

>

> I have another concern. I gave up using evening primrose oil,

> sunflower oil and corn and soya oils because I read an article

> stating that if you consume these oils containing omega 6 they

will change the very nature of your omega 3 oils and have a

possibly toxic effect.

 

I now use olive oil and butter instead. I have since discovered that

my 1g flaxseed oil capsules also contain omega 6 oils, and that the

EPA oils are usually screened for contaminants anyway and now I am

feeling really confused.

 

> I am on benefits because I am too sick too work at present, so I

cant afford to go buying loads of expensive supplements that I cant

use.

> Can anyone advise me and help to clear up my confusion please?

> Yvonne

 

---

Two types of Omega-6: Their relationship to chronic disease

---

Dear Yvonne,

This is a topic that is so easily misunderstood (omega-6s).

There are many refined oils on the market that are excessively high

in omega 6. These types of fats occur mainly in processed foods

(boxed, canned items, etc). They also include transfats or

hydrogenated fats which are so prevalent in the american

(civilization) diet.

 

These types of 'processed' omega 6s are closely linked to the onset

of debilitating disease such as that which you are experiencing,

and we should all try to avoid them as much as possible.

 

These types of oils tend to include corn oils and soyabean oils.

Safflower and sunflower oils are controversial, although I consider

them both as unhealthy oils and according to most sources, safflower

definitely falls into the more unhealthy " omega 6 " category. Peanut

oil and refined canola oil (rapeseed oil) should also be avoided as

they have both undergone genetic engineering.

Flaxseed oils are genetically engineered as well unless the product

specifically states that it is 'organically' grown.

 

One more note regarding flaxseed products...… and that is that,

although it is typically high in omega 3s, it is a GMO. Because of

this it is not so readily available as an essential fatty acid. It

has to undergo an extensive conversion first.

 

Fish oils are more readily available and do not have to undergo

this " conversion " . Norwegian fish oil is from northern waters and

are typically free of contaminants, i.e. Spectrum Natural fish oils.

Fish oils should also contain vitamin E as a preservative.

www.spectrumnaturals.com

 

Extra virgin olive oil is high in both EFA (n-3s) and oleic acid (n-

9s) which are both considered very healing and rich in essential

fatty acids.

Butter is high in saturated fat, has no essential fatty acids, and

unless it is organic, possibly contains IGF-I, a harmful growth

hormone.

 

We require 50-100 more EFAs than n-6s in our diet if we are to

achieve an optimum state of health.

The presence of Evening primrose and other natural plant based n-6s

will not change n-3s into toxins, however the n-6s in refined oils

will tend to adversely affect state of health over the long term!

 

If we eliminate processed foods/refined oils from our diet it is

easy to achieve a good EFA ratio.

EFAs (essential fatty acids) are also present in raw nuts, seeds,

avocadoes and other unprocessed organic foods (fresh raw vegetables,

fruits etc).

 

There are two types of omega 6s, those which are harmful and those

which are beneficial, the latter of which is called GLA - Omega-6

Fatty Acid (GLA) - Most foods contain very little active GLA. Plants

from which we extract oils generally have the highest levels.

 

However, oils from these plants contain mostly linoleic acid and

small amounts of cis-linoleic acid, which must first be converted in

our bodies to the more 'active' potent gamma-linolenic acid before

they can

be further'converted' into prostaglandins.

 

This conversion – like the conversions of alpha-linolenic acid to

EPA and then DHA – may be inhibited by many factors which

include illness, aging; stress; alcohol, and diets high in saturated

fat,

trans-fatty acids (found in margarine), cholesterol and sugar.

 

GLA's are present in evening primrose oil, borage oil and black

currant juice and oil. I have used black currant juice and EPO

intermittently.

 

All three plant GLA's are used therapeutically, and are especially

effective for those with hormonal imbalances and diseases related to

estrogen dominance. For this reason, I used evening primrose

copiously when entering menopause.

It is highly effective for alleviating symptoms accompanying this

condition. I certainly do not believe that evening primrose oil,

borage and black currant can be put in the same classification as

refined soybean and corn oils.

 

GLA is widely used for women's problems (PMS, dysmenorrhea, etc).

I would not discontinue using evening primrose irregardless of what

you've been told! In my opinion, it is one of the better essential

fats.

I will send some articles to verify this if you wish. I just cannot

emphasize this enough.

 

I believe your informants are incorrect in their assessment of EPO.

It is not harmful (unless you become pregnant)…in fact it is one of

the main supplements advised for chronic fatigue ( for inflammation,

and so on and so forth). Taking note of your age, you just may be at

the onset of perimenopause. If this is the case EPO will benefit you

even more!

 

Many sources state that zinc and selenium supplements are

highly beneficial for mercury poisoning.

You may email me anytime

 

Hugs and bright blessings!

JoAnn

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

[Guest guest]

Hi again,

 

I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken the time and

trouble to answer my questions re omega 3 and omega 6 oils. its not

easy trying to help yourself when your memory and ability to hold a

train of thought is as limited as mine is at present lol!

My GP said something to me recently, to the effect of 'you can work

this out, you are intelligent', but I had to say, 'well, I used to be'

 

Special thanks to you, Jo, you have cleared up my confusion, and

explained why when I tested out all of my supplements etc it was ok

to take primrose oil and flaxseed oil as well, I was wondering what

what was going on!

 

I am already taking selenium and zinc daily thanks, at least I know I

can trust my dowsing method now for what to use and what not to use

100%, because your information has explained the only decrepency and

bears out the rest of my results, especially with the parts about

avoiding alcohol and sugar.

 

I would have liked to see a naturopath to make sure that I was

avoiding foods that I had intolerance to and taking the right

supplements, alas my financial situation makes that impossible right

now.

 

fortunately, I did a short course in Kinesiology years ago, and soon

afterwards I discovered that simple dowsing is just as good as

kinesiology for testing for food intolerances and which remedies and

supplements to use;so I have been able to save my money to spend on

seeing my homeopathic practitioner. I totally agree this is the best

path for me, I have had three happy years of remission already from

using homeopathy so I consider that to be proof.

 

I have ordered myself in some Olivio olive oil margarine, that tests

out as being ok for me to use, and as you say, butter contains

saturated fats amongst other things.

I have already bought some more flaxseed oil, but I dont think it

will be too difficult to get that changed for fish oils, I will just

have to wait until I am well enough to go into town again.

I will take note of your comments about contaminants and contact

Holland and Barrett first to make sure that their EPA is definitely

mercury free.

 

Would you just confirm for me, as I expect you know what dosage I

will need, of the active DHA and omega 3 constituents of fish oils, I

cant find the original link containing the recommended dosage for CFS

that I used to have?

 

I have one other question for you please if that is ok, for a friend

who is pregnant, and has CFS and severe depression too, bless her.

Her depression has seriously worsened since she became pregnant and I

have got the idea this may be at least partly due to the increased

need for omega 3's during pregnancy.

Its a bit of a bind to say the least, since fish and EPA's are best

avoided in pregnancy, what with EPA's being such a good treatment for

depression as well.

Can you tell me the reason why EPA is not recommended in pregnancy if

it is not the possible mercury content, and have you got any ideas

that could help her, as she is advised not to take antidepressants in

pregnancy either.

 

All the Best

yvonne

 

 

 

 

, " JoAnn Guest "

<angelprincessjo> wrote:

>

>

> , " Yvonne "

> <simplicity46@h...> wrote:

> >

> > hello all I am new here,

> >

> > I dont know the protocols for this group so I hope nobody minds

if

> I just plunge straight in. I am a 48 yr old female living in the

> Uk. I have had CFS for nine years. As a result of having an illness

> that the NHS can't help with,

> > I had a 3 year remission after using healing and homeopathy for

> > several years, I thought I was cured, so I overdid it and had a

> > relapse.

> > I was a dental chairside assistant for 10 years and have recently

> had a challenge test showing high levels of mercury in my body

> amongst other things. I am currently seeing a homeopathic

> practitioner who is helping me to chelate gently using Plutonium

and

> Syph., we are starting slowly and seeing what happens.

>

> > My main symptoms are: Post exertional malaise (`exertion' means

> > normal mild activities, feels like `Flu' and can leave me

> > bedridden), joint and muscle pain, fevers and chills, night

> sweats, no control of body temperature ( nearly constantly feeling

> too hot or freezing cold) excessive sweating, numbness of hands and

> feet.

>

> > Balance or spatial problems, always bumping into things.

> > Heart racing/palpitations, breathlessness, tremors and muscle

> > twitches, muscle weakness, `restless legs' at night,

> concentration and memory problems, word-finding difficulties, other

> cognitive difficulties, viral type illnesses, sore throats,

> digestive problems, allergies, sinusitis, tinnitis, sore eyes,

> headaches, fatigue, chronic sleep disorder, (either can't sleep at

> all, most often `wired but tired`, or when I overdo it then I crash

> and cant wake up)

> > I consider myself very lucky that I dont suffer from depression,

> > although having a long term debilitating illness does naturally

> make me fed up at times.

>

> > I still have a good sense of humour and a positive attitude.

> > I have a couple of questions regarding EPA's and flaxseed oils, I

> was wondering if anyone here could help, its really hard for me to

> work things out for myself as my illness causes severe cognitive

> > difficulties, so any clear headed point of view would be welcome.

> >

> > I recently changed from using high dose EPA from Holland and

> Barrett, where I was taking 3g a day to get the required amount of

> omega 3 and other active constituents to help my CFS; to using

their

> flaxseed oil.

>

> > I did this because I was advised to give up fish and fish

products

> > because of my mercury load. I am taking the same amount of this

as

> I was EPA, but I am not sure whether I may be taking too much or

too

> > little. I had to remaster my old computer recently and I have

lost

> > the original links I had containing the information I used to

work

> > out the necessary dosage when I started.

> >

> > I have another concern. I gave up using evening primrose oil,

> > sunflower oil and corn and soya oils because I read an article

> > stating that if you consume these oils containing omega 6 they

> will change the very nature of your omega 3 oils and have a

> possibly toxic effect.

>

> I now use olive oil and butter instead. I have since discovered

that

> my 1g flaxseed oil capsules also contain omega 6 oils, and that the

> EPA oils are usually screened for contaminants anyway and now I am

> feeling really confused.

>

> > I am on benefits because I am too sick too work at present, so I

> cant afford to go buying loads of expensive supplements that I cant

> use.

> > Can anyone advise me and help to clear up my confusion please?

> > Yvonne

>

> --

-

> Two types of Omega-6: Their relationship to chronic disease

> --

-

> Dear Yvonne,

> This is a topic that is so easily misunderstood (omega-6s).

> There are many refined oils on the market that are excessively high

> in omega 6. These types of fats occur mainly in processed foods

> (boxed, canned items, etc). They also include transfats or

> hydrogenated fats which are so prevalent in the american

> (civilization) diet.

>

> These types of 'processed' omega 6s are closely linked to the onset

> of debilitating disease such as that which you are experiencing,

> and we should all try to avoid them as much as possible.

>

> These types of oils tend to include corn oils and soyabean oils.

> Safflower and sunflower oils are controversial, although I consider

> them both as unhealthy oils and according to most sources,

safflower

> definitely falls into the more unhealthy " omega 6 " category. Peanut

> oil and refined canola oil (rapeseed oil) should also be avoided as

> they have both undergone genetic engineering.

> Flaxseed oils are genetically engineered as well unless the product

> specifically states that it is 'organically' grown.

>

> One more note regarding flaxseed products...… and that is that,

> although it is typically high in omega 3s, it is a GMO. Because of

> this it is not so readily available as an essential fatty acid. It

> has to undergo an extensive conversion first.

>

> Fish oils are more readily available and do not have to undergo

> this " conversion " . Norwegian fish oil is from northern waters and

> are typically free of contaminants, i.e. Spectrum Natural fish

oils.

> Fish oils should also contain vitamin E as a preservative.

> www.spectrumnaturals.com

>

> Extra virgin olive oil is high in both EFA (n-3s) and oleic acid (n-

> 9s) which are both considered very healing and rich in essential

> fatty acids.

> Butter is high in saturated fat, has no essential fatty acids, and

> unless it is organic, possibly contains IGF-I, a harmful growth

> hormone.

>

> We require 50-100 more EFAs than n-6s in our diet if we are to

> achieve an optimum state of health.

> The presence of Evening primrose and other natural plant based n-

6s

> will not change n-3s into toxins, however the n-6s in refined oils

> will tend to adversely affect state of health over the long term!

>

> If we eliminate processed foods/refined oils from our diet it is

> easy to achieve a good EFA ratio.

> EFAs (essential fatty acids) are also present in raw nuts, seeds,

> avocadoes and other unprocessed organic foods (fresh raw

vegetables,

> fruits etc).

>

> There are two types of omega 6s, those which are harmful and those

> which are beneficial, the latter of which is called GLA - Omega-6

> Fatty Acid (GLA) - Most foods contain very little active GLA.

Plants

> from which we extract oils generally have the highest levels.

>

> However, oils from these plants contain mostly linoleic acid and

> small amounts of cis-linoleic acid, which must first be converted

in

> our bodies to the more 'active' potent gamma-linolenic acid before

> they can

> be further'converted' into prostaglandins.

>

> This conversion – like the conversions of alpha-linolenic acid to

> EPA and then DHA – may be inhibited by many factors which

> include illness, aging; stress; alcohol, and diets high in

saturated

> fat,

> trans-fatty acids (found in margarine), cholesterol and sugar.

>

> GLA's are present in evening primrose oil, borage oil and black

> currant juice and oil. I have used black currant juice and EPO

> intermittently.

>

> All three plant GLA's are used therapeutically, and are especially

> effective for those with hormonal imbalances and diseases related

to

> estrogen dominance. For this reason, I used evening primrose

> copiously when entering menopause.

> It is highly effective for alleviating symptoms accompanying this

> condition. I certainly do not believe that evening primrose oil,

> borage and black currant can be put in the same classification as

> refined soybean and corn oils.

>

> GLA is widely used for women's problems (PMS, dysmenorrhea, etc).

> I would not discontinue using evening primrose irregardless of what

> you've been told! In my opinion, it is one of the better essential

> fats.

> I will send some articles to verify this if you wish. I just cannot

> emphasize this enough.

>

> I believe your informants are incorrect in their assessment of EPO.

> It is not harmful (unless you become pregnant)…in fact it is one of

> the main supplements advised for chronic fatigue ( for

inflammation,

> and so on and so forth). Taking note of your age, you just may be

at

> the onset of perimenopause. If this is the case EPO will benefit

you

> even more!

>

> Many sources state that zinc and selenium supplements are

> highly beneficial for mercury poisoning.

> You may email me anytime

>

> Hugs and bright blessings!

> JoAnn

> _________________

>

> JoAnn Guest

> mrsjoguest@s...

> DietaryTipsForHBP

> www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes