The following is the second of a three part series that comprises a white paper report on Nutritional Protection Against Excitotoxins. In this series we explore the importance of nutrition in protecting the body and brain from harmful toxins and free radicals. To read the complete report on Nutritional Protection, click to download. This is for reference only, all rights are reserved.
The majority of fats ingested in the American diet consist of what are known as omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. This includes the essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acids, which are high in corn, cotton, soya, safflower, and sunflower oils. There is a popular trend that has been initiated by the American Heart Association, that promotes the use of polyunsaturate oils, there is growing evidence that these oils promote the generation of “bad” and “good” eicosanoids. In fact, there is great evidence that these oils may actually promote arteriosclerosis, and therefore, coronary artery disease and strokes.
Omega 3-fatty acids are derived primarily from coldwater fish. When the diet consists of a high proportion of these oils the generation of of arachidonic acid is significantly reduced, thereby reducing the generation of “bad” eicosanoids. Experimental animal and human studies have both shown a significant reduction in blood coagulation and, hence, in the incidence of both strokes and heart attacks.
We know that cell membranes are critical in receptor function, ion exchange, enzyme function, and nutrient entry into the cell. With aging, the cell membranes lose some of their fluidity and as a result these critical functions are impaired. It has been shown that omega 3-fatts can change the composition of the cell membranes in a short period of time so that the two major components of the membrane lipids are then comprised of the two types of oils found in fish oils, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These particular oils inhibit the production of arachidonic acid from the cell membrane that triggers the production of eicosanoids, resulting in the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Many of these products are quite toxic to cells and can generate massive amounts of free radicals, leading to damage of the cell’s membranes as well as its genetic structure. As we have seen, this process plays a critical role in glutamate toxicity.
Bottom line is, is that omega 3-fats (Fish and Krill Oils) can block the production of “bad” type eicosanoids.
Other studies have shown that feeding omega 3-fatty acids to animals can significantly improve nerve conduction within the optic nerve. 2 While no one has measured it, one could safely assume that neural conduction within other parts of the nervous system would improve as well. It is important to only buy quality products free of pesticide residues and mercury. Some brands have high concentrations of omega 3- fats and should be preferred. It is recommended to always keep your capsules in the refrigerator. Omega 3-fats are unsaturated and subject to rancid destruction. Because of this, I would recommend taking at least 400iu of alpha-tocopherol per day with your capsules.
Read Part One: Nutritional Protection: Bad Eicosanoids
Stay tuned for the next part of the series, where we discuss free radicals on aging the brain in more detail. In the meantime, place your order for high quality BioVeda supplements that may help mitigate the potential damage that bad eicanosoids may be causing on your brain and body.
Krill Oil : Top Notch Antioxidant Protection — krill oil contains the unique antioxidant which may protect you from damaging free radicals. Past evidence has shown us that phospholipids are the safest and most effective carriers of DHA and EPA. Sadly though, standard fish oils and some low quality krill oil brands lack the phospholipid complex. Instead they contain omega-3 in the free-triglyceride form. This is less beneficial form. Phospholipids are the building blocks of your cell membranes; they regulate cellular transport and act like the “gate keepers of the cell.” This means that they protect the cell membrane from free radical attacks. If that’s not enough important facts, the most dominant phospholipid in krill oil is phosphatidyl choline, which is slightly composed of choline. Choline has been shown to be crucial in brain development, learning and memory. We also know that choline is important for fetal and infant brain development. Choline is the much needed neurotransmitter acetylcholne (this sends nerve signals to the brain) and trimethylglycine, a highly acclaimed liver protecter.
Fish Oil: EPA/ DHA is an essential fatty acid which stands for docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. This essential fatty acid is an Omega 3 fat, which is usually found in cold water fish. EPA/ DHA are highly unsaturated fat because they contain 6 and 5 double bond’s on their long structural chain. These polyunsaturated fats play a very important role with the function of our bodies. EPA and DHA are vital nutrients and may be taken to maintain healthy function of the following: Brain and Retina- DHA is a building block of tissue in the brain and retina of the eye. It helps with forming neural transmitters, such as phosphatidylserine, which is important for brain function. DHA is found in the retina of the eye and taking DHA may be necessary for maintaining healthy levels of DHA for normal eye function. Mega EPA/DHA is something everyone can benefit from!
Cell Manna: Complete Cellular Whole Food Support – Cell Manna is unlike any other product on the market due to its anti-aging benefits. With over 80 different ayurvedic and Korean herbs, this product’s key benefits are anti-aging, hormonal balance, and overall harmony. Cell Manna was created to provide the nutrients to the cells within the body. We call this micro nutrition which is used to feed specific cells you are targeting (ex. Liver, kidney, etc.). Taken by itself it is an overall rejuvenator for every cell within the body.
CoQ Support: CoQ10 has been available for decades, but now there is an amazing new form of Co Q10 called ubiquinol. Why is this so beneficial? CoQ10 is one of the key elements in the aging process and free radical production. These free radicals are oxygen atoms deficient in electrons that become highly reactive. This in turn causes potential damage to your tissues and DNA. If there was something you could do to limit the free radical production, then you could change the aging process. One nutrient that can help you do just that is Co Q10. The problem is your body requires the reduced form of Co Q10 (ubiquinol) to help you limit free radical production. If you’re younger than 25 years old, this isn’t an issue because your body is capable of converting Co Q10 from the oxidized to the reduced form. but, if you’re older, your body becomes more and more challenged to convert the oxidized Co Q10 to ubiquinol. Another very important reason for using a Co Q10 supplement is to help boost your body’s cellular energy production. Co Q10 helps facilitate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy “currency for all your cells. But if you’re over 25, you need the reduced form of Co Q10, ubiquinol, to efficiently do this. So even if you do your best to eat a healthy diet, your body’s ability to produce Co Q10 and convert it to ubiquinol declines over time.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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