Module 6 Fatty Acids
Sources of Omega 6s
sunflower oil sesame oil safflower oil peanut oil black currant seed - GLA evening primrose - GLA Borage Oil - GLA
Omega 3 fatty acids
Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) Eicosapentaneoic Acid (EPA) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
Prostaglandins
-20-carbons in length -hormone-like substances -found in tissues and fluids -thought to be created in cell membranes -conjugated from essential fatty acids
Effects of a Fatty Acid-deficiency epidemic
-musculo-skeletal & cardiovascular issues -endocrine issues -immune disorders, skin issues, & allergies -depression & mental health disorders
Roles of Prostaglandins
-regulation of cells' communication system, including opening and closing of channels -fine-tuning of homeostasis -increasing kidney blood flow -dilating bronchial tubes -controlling inflammatory function
List 4 roles of fats in the body
-source of long-burning fuel -cell membranes -healthy liver function -absorption of vitamins A, D, E, K -absorption of proteins -protective lining of organs and joints -slows the absorption of foods -makes food taste good
Identify the three primary cofactors you need to consider when balancing prostaglandin formation
1) Digestion, especially of fats and proteins 2) Liver function (metabolizes fats) 3) Enzymes (delta-6 desaturase, amino acids, vitamin B6, minerals - zinc & magnesium)
State the 2 Big Ideas for Fatty Acids
1: Healthy Fatty Acid deficiency is epidemic. 2: Inflammation can be effectively managed with nutritional therapy, therefore reducing healing time.
Sources of Omega 9s
Extra virgin olive oil hazelnut oil almond oil avocado oil
Name the "conditionally essential" fatty acids
Gamma-linolenic Acid (GLA) (omega 6) Arachidonic Acid (AA) (saturated) Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) (omega 3) Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) (omega 3)
Omega 6 fatty acids
Linoleic Acid (LA) Gamma-Linoleic Acid (GLA) Dihomogamma Linolenic Acid (DGLA)
Name the two essential fatty acids
Linoleic acid (an Omega 6) Alpha linolenic acid (an Omega 3)
Explain the impacts of a diet low in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to the healing process
Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for producing anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Anti-inflammation is necessary for healing. Unbalanced, poor quality, or insufficient amounts of Omega 6 & 3 will impair our ability to properly create these prostaglandins.
Describe and perform the Functional Evaluation for Fatty Acid deficiency
Oral pH test (optimal range = 7.2-7.4) Postural/Non-postural muscle test
Sources of Omega 3s
fish oil - EPA & DHA flax seed oil - ALA wheat germ - ALA walnut - ALA hemp - ALA pumpkin