Omega 3 - Emotional Balance . . . What supplements work for you?

EBT Trainer Carra Reiching-Knox from Denver is part of our nutrition team and she is a strong advocate for EBT participants taking in healthy fats. According to Carra,

"Omegas 3 are needed in to spur growth of dendrites and synapses, the neurons mechanism for sending messages through the brain. An abundant supply of omega 3 can help defeat free radicals that destroy brain cells, reduce immune responses that trigger cell damaging inflammation, change behavior of neurotransmitters, and modify the basic physical structures of the brain cells themselves.

Even though the 1-2-3 eating of EBT emphasized intake of omega 3, however, with the importance of these essential fatty acid to ones brain and overall health it may be advantageous to include a additional omega 3 supplementation to obtain an optimal intake.

Are you taking supplements other than omega-3 and a therapeutic dose of vitamins and minerals? Have you seen a difference? According to Carra:

With stress, the effects of aging and the depression associated mental problems and brain related disease on the rise there has been extensive research on supplements that can help counterbalance the effects of stress, aging on the brain as well as new research piling in about supplements that encourage optimal brain functioning and neurogenesis. Nutritional supplementation can be helpful to ensure that the brain is receiving the nutrition that it needs.

There has been conclusive evidence showing that the most supportive supplementation for the brain is a multi vitamin and mineral that supplies adequate B vitamins along with at 1-3 gram of omega 3 fatty acids and additional antioxidants of Vitamin C [1 gram] , Vitamin E [400 IU]. An additional B complex is recommended for individuals for those with high stress levels.

For intensive brain support research is emerging that additional antioxidants such as Gingko, alpha lipoic acid and Co Q10 may be beneficial along with supernutrients that may enhance brain functioning, neurogenesis and mood such as acetyl L-Carnitine, glycerphosphocholine, and phosphatidyl serine. Yet, the basics of health fats . . .olive oil, canola oil, nuts, seeds, avocado  . . .