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