Dr. Reza is often asked by patients if they would benefit from fish oil. According to the University of Maryland, fish oil is an abundant source of docoshexamnoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. These two acids are commonly referred to as Omega 3’s. These Omega 3’s cannot be synthesized in your body which means that you must consume them either through diet or supplements. Dr. Reza says that they are responsible for helping maintain normal cellular function. In other words, they promote the production of certain beneficial molecules (prostaglandins) that support the body’s healing response.
What is the best way to add in Omega 3’s?
Omega 3 fatty acids are divided into two categories: marine based (fish) or plant based (flaxseed). Most people think that these categories are interchangeable but that is simply not the case. Fish oil contains the marine based EPA and DHA whereas flaxseed must convert alpha-linoleic acid (ala) to EPA and DHA. The conversion for flaxseed is very low; only 5% of ALA converts to EPA and just 1% converts to DHA. That’s why Dr. Reza encourages any client looking to add Omega 3’s to their diet to introduce fish oil into their supplement routine. Fish oil is the most effective and efficient way to get the necessary fatty acids to support your body’s immune system.
How do Omega 3’s help me?
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2010 conducted a study that found “Omega 3 fatty acids stimulate muscle protein synthesis in older adults and may be useful for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia (muscle wasting).”
Dr. Reza further reports that in another article, it was discovered that Omega 3’s helped with muscle contraction and muscle recovery. In 2010, the British Journal of Nutrition discovered greater tension in muscles along with faster recovery rates of those on a Omega 3 rich diet as to those that were not.
Dr. Reza Recommends Fish Oil
It goes without saying that Omega 3 acids are extremely beneficial to any diet, let alone an athletes. Come by, meet Dr. Reza and find out how he can help you down a new path to health and wellness.
