The market for dietary supplements is growing all the time and you’ll have noticed that an omega supplement is one that’s readily available. So – has your healthcare provider advised you to take one? And more importantly, why might you need one?
In this article, we’ll assume your provider has recommended you take an omega supplement (such as Omega Plus, which we offer at Evexias Denver) and that you’d like to know more about it. So let’s walk through omega-3 and vitamin D (the ingredients in Omega Plus), and also look at some natural ways you can increase your intake. Finally, we’ll indicate some benefits you will experience if your provider has advised it, so you can rest assured.
What is Omega-3? A Quick 101
Omega-3 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that play an important role in a number of functions in your body. Did you know they’re vital for brain health, heart health, joint health, and overall mental wellbeing?
Firstly, they help keep inflammation levels down, which is important for protecting you against chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
And secondly, they help lower stress levels by reducing cortisol production in the body.
For those who like detail: There are three types of omega fatty acids:
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which are found in fish
- ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which can be found in plants
They’re considered “good fats” because of their beneficial effects on our health, and research has linked them, as we indicated, to improved brain function, heart health, and blood pressure management – especially when combined with vitamin D3!
Where Can I Find Omega-3 Naturally?
You should try to consume at least 250-500mg of EPA and DHA per day. You could do that by eating fish twice a week. If you don’t eat fish and prefer a plant-based diet, you need to consume 1,600mg (for males) and 1,100 mg (for females) of ALA.
Check out these foods that are high in EPA and DHA or ALA:
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- Cod liver oil
- Herring
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Caviar
- Oysters
- Flaxseed
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Soybeans
You can also get Omega-3 from eggs, meat, and dairy products from grass-fed animals, hemp seeds, spinach, and Brussels sprouts – albeit in smaller quantities.
So let’s move on to vitamin D3.
You may recall that we were often advised to take vitamin D for optimal immunity during the Covid-19 pandemic. It helps regulate the immune system. But why is vitamin D important at any time?
What is Vitamin D3 and Why is it Important?
Vitamin D3 is a form of vitamin D called cholecalciferol. It’s another essential nutrient that you need every day from our diets. It has a regulatory effect throughout your body. For example, it helps with bone growth as well as other functions throughout your body, such as calcium and phosphate regulation to keep your bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.
You may get enough vitamin D through sunlight exposure (after all, it’s known as the “sunshine” vitamin!). On the other hand, you may need to take supplements or eat foods rich in this nutrient to get enough into your diet.
The good news is that foods containing omega-3 fatty acids often contain vitamin D as well, such as oily fish and eggs. But you can also supplement vitamin D intake by eating red meat and liver in moderate quantities.
On the topic of vitamin D dietary supplements, the recommended intake is 10 micrograms/day and not more than 100 micrograms/day. It’s worth noting that, while you can overdose on vitamin D through supplements, it can’t happen by exposure to sunlight. So don’t forget to enjoy the sun!
We’ve now had a closer look at the two ingredients of Omega Plus. Which leaves us with your question: Why might your health provider have recommended you to take this supplement?
Why Do I Need to Take Omega Plus Supplement?
Sometimes, even if you have the perfect diet and healthy lifestyle, your omega-3 and vitamin D levels might not be optimal and your immune system’s defense might be low. This is where Omega Plus can help you. Reasons might include:
1 Your doctor has advised it to help with hormone or cholesterol optimization.
2 Your omega-3 is too low and your omega-6 too high (omega-6 is also an essential fat found in vegetable oils and meat). When we consume more omega-6 than omega-3, the risk of inflammation increases, and thus the risk of arthritis and heart disease. This is where an omega-3 supplement can help restore the balance.
The Omega Plus dietary supplement therefore combines omega-3 with vitamin D to provide the nutrients your provider wants you to have in one convenient pill – so you can easily get exactly what your body needs.
Omega Plus offers you benefits such as:
- improvement to your eyes, joints, and skin,
- better sleep,
- improved cognitive skills,
- reduction in mood swings,
- improved bone health,
- lower levels of inflammation, and
- improved metabolism.
There’s certainly no need to worry that Omega Plus might harm you! Especially if your provider recommends it.
However, if you’re just thinking about a supplement, it’s important to always consult your healthcare provider when you have concerns. Buying supplements in the general market place is risky. It can lead to possible problems with interaction between different supplements – or between a supplement and any other medication you take. Stay on the safe side!
Take Charge of Your Health!
Are you concerned about your health, and specifically your intake of omega-3 and vitamin D? Call us and book an appointment with one of our specialized healthcare professionals and we’ll assess what you need for optimal health.