How To Reduce Inflammation By Increasing Your Omega Index
“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” ― Sun Tzu
The steps are at the bottom of this page.
In 2018 I learned all about essential fatty acids. Namely Omega 6 and 3. In a nutshell, we have too much omega-6 in our cells. This causes an OVER expression of inflammation in our body.
The great news is we can reverse this by simply changing the fats we eat. It’s THAT simple and the steps are at the bottom of this page. It’s a recommendation of Dr William Harris PhD, a Professor of Medicine from the University of South Dakota.
I’m not an expert, I think of myself as the bridge between where you are now and a better and stronger you. Well, that’s my goal.
Please understand, that every day our body replaces 40 to 60 BILLION cells.
There’s a very complex relationship between signalling molecules (food) & genes – Each meal we eat is either disrupting our hormones or it is nourishing our hormones.
What is in our blood are the building materials these cells are FORCED to build from.
I think of food like this: I’m either building a straw house or a sexy penthouse.
The bulk of western food is inflammatory, and inflammatory forming once eaten.
The problem is we don’t feel or notice this happening!
One scientist said it’s a matter of economics; so the signal-to-noise ratio is almost 0—meaning you either have to have a major health problem to hear the signal—or are lucky enough to hear the signal over mainstream dogma and pay attention to it before it becomes a major metabolic malfunction as it did for me.
Did you know that if you have a high ratio of omega-6-3 inflames your brain?
Yep, scientists like Lands show in studies that not only does a high ratio inflame the brain, but it makes the brain angry or anxious by default, and a brain that underperforms.
A study over 39 years demonstrated with a higher omega-6-3 ratio also accompanied some pretty poor attitudes. That makes sense, right? If our brain is inflamed and angry, our behaviour can follow.
An excerpt from this study will shock you: “Greater apparent consumption of linoleic acid (omega-6) correlated with higher rates of homicide mortality over a 20-fold range (0.51-10.2/100,000) across countries and time in an exponential growth regression model (r = 0.94, F = 567, P < 0.00001)”. 1
That is shocking and reveals how far the Government is lagging with its outdated guidelines. They’re still using 20th-century research that is scientifically flawed.
The most alarming piece of research I found was this: An offspring of omega-6, arachadoninc acid, is a potent cancer fuel. Most people, unfortunately, have a high omega-6-3 ratio resulting in a higher cancer risk. R
BOTTOM LINE: Our FOOD is contaminated with nasty stuff and WAY too much omega-6 that promotes inflammation.
Nutrition signals hormones and metabolic pathways; we can look at nutrition in three ways: energy, cellular materials and signalling molecules that switch on genes and enzymes to run metabolic pathways like the sirtuins, and androgens that provide the brain trophic support; so our BIG smart brain stays energised, focused and does its best work for you with ease in a state of flow.
Again, we’re building a straw house or AN EMPIRE! You are what you eat.
The 6:3 ratio today is so juxtaposed to where our ancient genes expect it to be and thrive at a DEEP hormonal level.
Omegas are the fats I call omega hormones. They turn into eicosanoid hormones and endocannabinoids. Formed from essential fatty acids Omega-6-3, the foods you eat.
Omega hormones are made from the fats you eat. Every very meal you eat influences their ratio. The only problem as you know, the western diet is packed FULL of omega-6 creating an unbalance towards more pain, inflammation and disease.
Cast your eyes on this:
Let’s begin…
The two leading families are Omega-6 and omega-3.
Omega-6 predominantly triggers an inflammatory response and the endocannabinoids.
Whereas omega-3 predominantly resolves and protects with resolvins, protectins, or masiens to resolve inflammation and start the healing process.
💡 Can you see how having TOO MUCH omega-6 in your cells might be a problem?
Human beings evolved to consume a diet that contained about equal amounts of omega-6-3.
Over the past 100-150 years, there has been an enormous increase in the consumption of omega-6. Why? Due to the increased intake of vegetable oils from corn, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cottonseed, and soybeans. R
Today, in Western diets, the ratio of omega-6-3 ranges from approximately 20-30:1 instead of the traditional range of 1-2:1.
That difference is HUGE! You might have a ticking time bomb in your cells. 20 to 30 times more highly inflammatory Omega-6 than is considered healthy.
A confession. As I started researching these fats in 2018, I knew I had way too much omega-6 in my cells. I thought I would struggle to fix this, but no, it was super easy. Gaining balance is the key to lowering stress and inflammation. Because as inflammation goes up, so does cortisol. That is not helpful.
As the cutting-edge research clearly demonstrates, if you follow a standard western diet, the omega-6 family goes up and up creating an imbalance. And that costs you big!
If you don’t have omega balance, you will experience low-grade inflammation, insulin resistance and more cortisol than you can handle. The problem with inflammation is, you do not feel it. It shows up as low energy, low V8 hormones, and you think you’re just “getting older”.
In 2018, I read a book by Susan Allport called The Queen of Fats, and she mentioned that the scientists (including Lands below) who worked with omega-3 fats have different ideas as to why the government and health officials are taking so long to digest the new information.
One scientist said it’s a matter of economics. The signal-to-noise ratio is almost 0—meaning you either have to have a major health problem to hear the signal—or be lucky enough to hear the signal over mainstream dogma and pay attention to it before it becomes a major health problem.
Did you know that if you have a high ratio of omega-6-3, it inflames your brain?
Yes! Scientists like Lands have shown in studies that not only does a high ratio inflame the brain, but it makes the brain angry or anxious by default.
A study conducted over 39 years demonstrated with a higher omega-6-3 ratio also accompanied some poor attitudes. Makes sense, right? If our brain is inflamed and angry, our behaviour must follow.
An excerpt from this study will shock you: “Greater apparent consumption of linoleic acid (omega-6) correlated with higher rates of homicide mortality over a 20-fold range (0.51-10.2/100,000) across countries and time in an exponential growth regression model (r = 0.94, F = 567, P < 0.00001)”. R
Do you see the problem there? It is shocking and reveals how far the Government is lagging with its ancient science. They are still using 20th-century research that is scientifically flawed.
The most alarming piece of research I found was this: An offspring of omega-6, arachadoninc acid, is a potent cancer fuel. Most people, unfortunately, have a high omega-6-3 ratio resulting in a higher cancer risk. R
The picture below illustrates your omega problem.
This is what studies now confirm is happening to you with an out of balance omega-6-3 ratio:
Did you know that inflammation is the common link among the leading causes of death? R
“Mark! why are you telling me this?” Relax, it is just a way of further revealing the smokescreen.
But as you can see, unbalanced omegas cause low-grade inflammation. Unbalanced omegas are changing the way your genes work. Unbalanced omegas are lowering your lifespan, healthspan, and potential to succeed and create wealth and happiness.
The reason is obvious, unbalanced omegas are moving your cells towards chronic stress and low-grade inflammation.R Then poor old cholesterol tries to fix the problem and get arrested for the crime. Thankfully, the new cutting-edge science has reversed this wrongful conviction.
If you don’t know your Omega ratio, don’t panic. You can fix this. It’s a simple matter of changing from lawnmower oil to high-performance V8 oil.
Exploring the nine points above.
1 – Changed gene expression. Loss of omega-3 power:
- The omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are involved in the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin and the regulation of its metabolism to melatonin and breakdown. Meaning poor quality sleep and a lower functioning brain.
- Brain serotonin is synthesised from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase 2, which is activated by vitamin D R
- EPA increases serotonin release from presynaptic neurons by reducing the inflammatory E2 prostaglandin signalling, which can be triggered by a high omega-6-3 ratio. R
- The omega 6 arachidonic acid (AA) increases E2 prostaglandin signalling (inflammation and pain), whereas EPA and DHA resolve the inflammation as it happens.
- DHA influences serotonin receptor action by increasing cell membrane fluidity. DHA also builds more synapses, which produces more serotonin, making EPA and DHA critical to executive control. R
- If you have deficiencies in DHA, your synaptic membranes’ integrity will be impaired; at best, your neurons will not function well, and at worst, they will die. R
Did you catch all that? Can you smell the smoke?
2 – Changes gene expression.
Increased production of inflammatory eicosanoids. 20 times more omega-6 means more stress, pain, and inflammation and pissy moods. As you know, higher levels of inflammation lower the very V8 hormones that you need to show up like a boss.
Scientists now show that low testosterone is a strong predictor of frailty, disability, and cardiovascular events. Lower testosterone negatively influences the muscle mass R. To hell with that!
It is important to note that when there is a problem, the cell’s alarm goes off. When it does, the cell does not decide whether omega-6 or omega-3 answers the call. Do you see the problem there? If there is 20 times more omega-6, there is 20 times more omega-6 getting involved. That is the problem.
3.1 – Production of eicosanoids.
Every cell in your body has a bilayer, the first line of protection. The bilayer uses the omegas to launch an attack and resolve the attack by producing omega-3 hormones. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), arachidonic acid (AA) and dihomo-g-linolenic acid (DGLA) are precursors to produce eicosanoids.
These omega fatty acids are all precursors for the three main classes of eicosanoids: (PGs – pain, fever, and inflammation), thromboxanes (TXs – blood clotting), and leukotrienes (LTs – inflammation, asthma, and allergies).
Comparing the two omegas: EPA vs. AA.
AA-derived TXs are a more potent aggregation of platelets (clotting) compared with the EPA-derived TXs. Also, EPA-derived LTs are 10- to 100-fold less potent recruiter of neutrophils than LTs derived from AA.
Mark, what does that mean? A healthy immune response and less likelihood of developing an autoimmune disease such as arthritis, asthma, and allergies. All of which I had.
Think of it this way, if you have 20 times more omega-6 in your cells, your brain, skin, tissues and organs will be more inflamed.
Can you imagine what a 1:1 ratio will do for you? Might it make you more V8 powered?
3.2 – Production and promotion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The production and promotion of pro-inflammatory cytokines are triggered by an insult to the cell that starts the fire (inflammation); think of it as striking a match.
The match can be lit by ALL three classes of EDs. Once the match is lit, the cell then activates nuclear factor kappa-B (NFk-B). NFk-B signals the nucleus of the cell, where gene expression is started. The gene then upregulates the expression that creates cytokines. You are wasting your energy (ATP) 20 times more than needed.
Worse still, you are not resolving inflammation. Instead, your cells cannot recover so over time, arthritis and heart disease are much more likely.
4 – Low-grade inflammation is always on.
You struggle to maintain trophic support. I was reading a book by Dr Dale Bredesen called “The End of Alzheimer’s.” In it, he said that inflammation causes a LOSS of trophic support.
Do you want your brain to be handicapped and angry? Of course not. But as you can imagine, inflammation sure handicaps your earning potential. Inflammation is also lowering V8 hormones. Giving cholesterol a bad name. Raising cortisol thus self-defeating thoughts, and negative emotion. Enough said.
5 – Decreased serotonin production (Tryptophan steal) and SERT.
There goes your happy brain. The building material tryptophan and essential amino acid and is diverted AWAY for your brain. Why is that a bad thing? Because your H&N hormones crash and burn.
Scientists call them the here and now hormones (H&Ns) —Serotonin, opioids, oxytocin, GABA, melatonin, and endocannabinoids. I think of them as the Sleep and Feel-Good System. With this system compromised by unbalanced omegas, your life gets unnecessarily harder, less joyful and happy: Here is what serotonin also does.
How does inflammation steal and lower serotonin? Essentially, after tryptophan is diverted to fight inflammation, you have less tryptophan to make brain serotonin. As a result, your sleep and happiness go to shit.
Do you see the IDO and TDO enzymes in the illustration above?
The IDO is basically “ED stress”, and the TDO can be a supplement, emotional, or mineral stress—and high cortisol. Either side of the stress pathway will disrupt your V8 hormones, energy, sleep, and earning potential.
6 – Increased cortisol production.
Some gurus say to think positively. Have you ever tried to stop negative thoughts? How often have you succeeded? Not as much as you’d like, right? There are TWO big problems with increased cortisol, why?
First, it will cause glucocorticoid resistance, meaning you will need higher cortisol levels to have the same activation. You are handicapped.
Second, you will be continually fighting those self-limiting thoughts. Remember, Professor Sapolsky said that stress fosters negative emotion.
7 – Our brain and metabolism slow down, and our heart’s performance decreases.
The omega-3 superstar, DHA, is found in the highest concentration in the brain, eyes, and heart because the cells in those organs NEED a lot of energy and SPEED. More grunt. So why DHA?
Well DHA is a speedster. DHA has the speed and agility to switch between hundreds of different shapes billion times per second (omega-6 cannot do that). DHA is the right fat for the brain, eyes, and heart where it’s most concentrated. Men have DHA in high concentration in their sperm because these speedsters need to swim strong and fast.
Burton Litman, an NIH researcher who studies DHA said that you could NOT be a fighter pilot with low DHA in your brain, your brain is just too damn slow. It’s that important. DHA the speedster of your cells (all of them).
A cool fact about DHA: A hummingbird vs an emu: the total DHA content in the phospholipid bilayer in an emu’s wing muscle is about 7%, whereas the hummingbirds content is around 70%.
DHA is the speedster, where it is most concentrated, it increases the speed.
In a book by Susan Allport called The Queen of Fats, she mentioned that the lipid scientist, Alexander Leaf, said in an interview that DHA could prevent fatal heart arrhythmia, the tendency of heart cells to develop abnormal rhythms. DHA is critical to the brain, eyes, and heart health. You need it in your cell.
Consider for a moment if your ratio was closer to 1:1. What would that mean for you? Maybe more V8 grunt, higher earning potential and a go-getter attitude.
8 and 9 – You Will Give Up More.
Problem: Membrane integrity influences receptors, enzymes, and transporters.
Why is that a problem? For one thing, your V8 receptors are slower, meaning you are less potent. Less potent? Yes, slower muscle building, slower fat loss, less courage. You are like a carpet snake instead of a pit viper. You are being ripped off.
Does membrane integrity sound like a good thing for your brain, heart and gonads?
What about a decreased membrane fluidity? Slower brain, and slower neurotransmitters leading to weaker serotonin and GABA, to name a few.
Do you give up and put things off more than you’d like? You lack dopamine in the dopamine domination circuit (DDC).
Excerpt from a study” “changes in the dopaminergic system have also been proved to depend on omega-3 intake. It is well documented that an omega-3 deficient diet results in a strongly decreased pool of dopamine in presynaptic vesicles of the frontal cortex.” R
Understand, the frontal cortex is the ONLY brain region that shuts off cold the stress response—meaning, it shuts off those self-defeating and self-limiting thoughts.
How many times in the past do believe this has talked you out of doing the harder thing, the right thing? Imagine how you will be able to dominate the world around you after you achieve omega balance.
In a book by Daniel Z. Lieberman, MD, Michael E. Long, they talk about the two dopamine circuits.
An excerpt: “Urges come from dopamine passing through the mesolimbic circuit, which we call the dopamine desire circuit. Calculation and planning—the means of dominating situations—come from the mesocortical circuit, which we call the dopamine domination circuit (Figure 3). Why call it the control circuit? Because its purpose is to manage the uncontrolled urges of desire dopamine, to take that raw energy and guide it toward profitable ends. Also, by using abstract concepts and forward-looking strategies, it allows us to gain control over the world around us, and dominate our environment.”
Sound familiar?
To hell with an overpowering desire circuit! I struggled with alcohol, and slave food—unbalanced omega’s made to worse—I gave in more.
As you can see, what you put on your plate profoundly impacts how you feel and perform. What you choose to eat affects your relationships with loved ones and your friends. It lowers your earning potential and quality of life.
The effects of unbalanced Omega hormones is now evident. It is not something you feel, it’s something most people habituate to. Western slave food will keep you alive, but it slowly and quietly robs you of V8 grunt, happiness and your lean muscular body. Most people call this “normal” ageing—it’s not. Believe that.
The great news is, that achieving omega balance is super easy and covered next. Life is too short to wake up tired, feel old and fat, and have low sexual performance.
Here’s how to check yours:
It’s easy and here is what you do:
- Click here and order a test kit online — The founder is Dr William Harris PhD, a Professor of Medicine from the University of South Dakota.
- It will arrive to you in the mail soon after ordering.
- There are instructions inside, but you simply prick your finger and place a drop of blood on the collection strip provided.
- Seal and post back to them in the envelope provided.
In under two weeks, you find out where your index is. You can then change your diet and critically your fat intake to move closer to optimal levels, a 1:1 ratio.
Thanks for reading
Mark
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