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Essential
Fatty Acids (EFA's) are extremely
important for women with endometriosis. There is a hormone called prostaglandin
F2 alpha that is released as the uterine lining breaks down, causing the uterus
to go into spasm and hurt. Endometrial cells also release these harmful
prostaglandins which irritate pain receptors in our bodies, making them much
more sensitive to repeated stimulation. However, if you have high amounts of
EFA's in your system, your body will produce less of the harmful prostaglandins
and instead create more of a different hormone that helps prevent cramps and
pain. The following is excerpted from "Prescription for Nutritional
Healing" by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C as this is the
best explanation I have found about Essential Fatty Acids and their importance
in total body health:
"Fatty acids are the basic building blocks of which
fats and oils are composed. Contrary to popular myth, the body does need fat. It
must be the right kind, however. The fatty acids that are necessary for health
and that cannot be made by the body are called essential fatty acids (EFA's).
They are occasionally also referred to as Vitamin F or polyunsaturates. EFA's
must be supplied through the diet.
Essential fatty acids have desirable effects
on many disorders. They improve the skin and hair, lower cholesterol and
triglyceride levels, and reduce the risk of blood clot formation. They are
beneficial for candidiasis, cardiovascular disease, eczema, and psoriasis. Found
in high concentrations in the brain, EFA's aid in the transmission of nerve
impulses and are needed for the normal development and functioning of the brain.
A deficiency of essential fatty acids can lead to an impaired ability to learn
and recall information.
Every living cell in the body needs
essential fatty acids. They are essential for rebuilding and producing new
cells. Essential fatty acids are also used by the body for the production of
prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that act as chemical messengers and
regulators of various body processes.
There are two basic categories of essential
fatty acids, designated omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-6 EFA's, which include
linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids, are found primarily in raw nuts, seeds, and
legumes, and in unsaturated vegetable oils, such as Borage oil, grape seed oil,
primrose oil, sesame oil, and soybean oil. Omega-3 EFA's, including alpha-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are found in fresh deepwater
fish, fish oil, and certain vegetable oils, among them canola oil, flaxseed oil,
and walnut oil. In order to supply essential fatty acids, these oils must be
consumed in pure liquid or supplement form and must not be subjected to heat,
either in processing or cooking. Heat destroys essential fatty acids. Worse, it
results in the creation of dangerous free radicals. If oils are hydrogenated
(processed to make the oil more solid, as is commonly done in the production of
margarine), the linoleic acid is converted into trans-fatty acids, which are not
beneficial to the body.
The daily requirement for essential fatty
acids is satisfied by an amount equivalent to 10 to 20 percent of total caloric
intake. The most essential of the essential fatty acids is linoleic acid. A
number of sources of essential fatty acids are recommended in this book, among
them fish oils, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, grape seed oil, and primrose oil.
Fish oil is a good source of omega-3
essential fatty acids. Salmon, mackerel, menhaden, herring, and sardines are
good sources of fish oil because they have a higher fat content and provide more
omega-3 factors than other fishes. For instance, 4 ounces of salmon contains up
to 3,600 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, while 4 ounces of cod (a low-fat
fish) contains only 300 milligrams.
Carlson Laboratories markets a good
Norwegian salmon oil that we recommend. Cod liver oil from Norway is the most
commonly used fish oil, and is more mild tasting than other varieties. Author
Dale Alexander claims it is excellent for arthritis. He has marketed an oil
containing 13,800 units of vitamin D per tablespoon. However, we do not
recommend that you rely on cod liver oil as a source of the essential fatty
acids. You would have to overdose on vitamins A and D to obtain the amount of
fatty acids you need. People with diabetes should not take fish oil supplements
because of the high fat content, but they should consume fish for its essential
fatty acids.
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 essential
fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. They are also a good source of the
B vitamins, protein, and zinc. They are low in saturated fats and calories, and
contain no cholesterol. The nutty taste of ground flaxseeds is pleasant, and
they can be mixed with water or any fruit or vegetable juice. They can also be
added to salads, soups, yogurt, cereals, baked goods, or fresh juices. You can
grind these tiny seeds in a coffee grinder.
If you prefer not to eat the seeds, you can
use flaxseed oil as an alternative. Like the seeds from which it is extracted,
organic cold-pressed flaxseed oil is rich in essential fatty acids. Several
studies have shown that it can reduce the pain, inflammation, and swelling of
arthritis. It also has been found to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride
levels, and to help reduce the hardening effects of cholesterol on cell
membrane.
Of the many natural sources of essential
fatty acids, grape seed oil is among the highest in linoleic acid and among the
lowest in saturated fats. It contains no trans-fatty acids, no cholesterol, and
no sodium. It has a light, nutty taste that brings out the flavor in many foods.
Unlike most other oils, it can be heated to temperatures as high as 485 degrees
Fahrenheit without producing dangerous and possibly carcinogenic free radicals.
These features make it good for use in cooking. Buy only grape seed oil that is
cold-pressed and contains no preservatives, such as Salute Sante' Grapeseed Oil
from Lifestar International.
Primrose oil (also known as evening primrose
oil) contains the highest amount of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) of any food
substance. This fatty acid is known to help prevent hardening of the arteries,
heart disease, premenstrual syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and high blood
pressure. It relieves pain and inflammation; enhances the release of sex
hormones, including estrogen and testosterone; aids in lowering cholesterol
levels; and is beneficial for cirrhosis of the liver.
Many women have found that primrose oil
supplements relieve unpleasant menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Because
it promotes the production of estrogen, women suffering from breast cancer that
is estrogen related would avoid or limit their intake of primrose oil. Black
Currant seed oil is a good substitute."
I took Black Currant oil supplements at the
beginning of my herbal journey and it helped me more than anything to get my
strength and vitality back after suffering with Endo for so many years. Black
currant seed oil has been found in recent years to contain an even higher amount
of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) than Evening Primrose oil. I know of many women
that have been helped with Endo symptoms and other related health problems by
taking either Black Currant seed oil or Evening Primrose oil. It is also helpful
to get sufficient amounts of vitamins A, C, D, and E to insure proper absorption
of essential fatty acids by the body.
It is important to remember that there are
BENEFICIAL prostaglandins along with harmful prostaglandins. EFA's help to
reduce the harmful prostaglandins, and at the same time increase the beneficial
prostaglandins. It is also important to remember that the body cannot make EFA's, so we must get them from food or supplementation.
Good luck and good health to all!
This information is not intended to prescribe or diagnose in any way. Please
consult a health care professional before using any of the herbs mentioned above.
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