Tag Archives: DHA

Supplements for the Eyes

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Taking antioxidants and zinc may slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration, a very specific eye condition that affects the macula of the eye and leads to central vision loss. Research studies confirm that people with macular degeneration may benefit from the following combination:

500 milligrams of vitamin C
400 international units (I.U.) of vitamin E
80 milligrams of zinc as zinc oxide
Two milligrams of copper (added to prevent zinc-related copper deficiency)
Lutein
Zeaxanthin
Omega-3s plus DHA

The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) revealed that antioxidants and zinc are responsible for macular health. Although beta-carotene is essential for night vision, studies show that it is really lutein and zeaxanthin (powerful eye antioxidants) that decrease the risk of macular degeneration.

The most common form of macular degeneration is the dry type, accounting for 90% of all cases; the eye’s cells break down and yellow deposits (called drusen) form. As the condition gets worse, a blur in the center line of vision may occur that doctors refer to as geographic atrophy.

Study participants who reported the highest omega-3 intake were at least twice as likely to maintain their vision. They were less likely to go on to develop central geographic atrophy, the cause of central vision loss. With macular degeneration, the peripheral (side) vision still works but there is a loss of the vision directly in front of the person.

The omega-3 fatty acid EPA is a known precursor to DHA, the major omega-3 fatty acid of the eye. This means that EPA has to be converted into DHA, “the major dietary and structural long-chain omega-3 fatty acid” of the eye’s retina.

Taking DHA supplements is good for the macula of the eye, an area of the retina that consists of “millions of light-sensing cells that provide sharp, detailed central vision.” DHA is well known for its ability to halt or alter the processes that lead to age-related macular degeneration.

The high doses of vitamins used in the ARED Study require taking vitamin supplements, as this level of intake is not provided in the diet. Since the typical American diet also lacks long-chain omega-3 in the form of EPA and DHA, the same is true of omega-3. You need to supplement.

Res-Q Recommended Supplements for Eye Support:

Res-Q Calamarine is a Res-Q omega-3 supplement that provides a direct source of DHA to boost brain and eye health. For optimal eye health, take two capsules per day. There are 1,000 milligrams of DHA in two capsules; it would take anywhere from four to 12 fish-oil capsules to provide that amount of DHA. Res-Q Calamarine is therefore not only a superior omega-3 supplement, but also an exceptional savings.

Nature’s Shield Advanced Eye Support contains lutein and zeaxanthin for optimal macular health. This dietary supplement also contains the proper amounts of vitamins C, E and B plus the mineral zinc, critical eye support ingredients that were used in the ARED Study. Nature’s Shield Advanced Eye Support is intended to help maintain healthy vision.

References:
National Eye Institute
American Academy of Ophthalmology
National Institute of Health
“The Relationship of Dietary ω-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake With Incident Age-Related Macular Degeneration AREDS Report No. 23”

The Perfect Omega Ratio

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Fats play an important role in our health, especially the good ones! The three basic types of fats are monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and saturated. The omega-3 and omega-6 fats are polyunsaturated.

The omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) is plentiful in both nature and diet but this is not the case with omega-3. Walnuts, flaxseed and spinach are a poor source of heart-healthy omega-3 because these foods don’t provide any of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, also known as EPA and DHA.

The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, a unit of the University of Southern Mississippi‘s College of Science and Technology, refers to this dietary fat balance as having “resulted in an overwhelming surplus of omega-6 fatty acids and a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids.” They estimate the balance of polyunsaturated fats in the Western diet as having at least 20 times more omega-6 then it should. This dietary imbalance is thought to contribute to heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other inflammatory diseases.

Fast food, including such processed foods like cakes, crackers, pies and all deep-fried foods, are one reason why there is too much omega-6 in the diet. Omega-6 oils (vegetable, corn, soybean, sesame, safflower, sunflower and cottonseed oils) provide the texture and taste that Americans enjoy. However, the typical American diet is causing a dietary fat imbalance.

Omega-3 is needed by every cell in the body! As the number of double bonds increases, so does fluidity, so highly unsaturated, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy, flexible cells.

Only certain types of fish provide a significant source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. The healthiest fish are extremely expensive, which limits how often they are consumed. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found predominantly in marine life: fish, calamari, seafood and algae. EPA and DHA reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

The Fats Handbook explains it best: “The omega-3-produced eicosanoids elicit anti-inflammatory responses while omega-6 eicosanoids elicit inflammatory responses. When the diet contains high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids, cell membranes have high concentrations of omega-6, and the highly potent eicosanoids that are produced by the omega-6 precursor, arachidonic acid, are released.”

You need to supplement the diet with fish oil to help restore the dietary balance of fats to the optimal ratio. Fish oils contain the long-chain omega-3 EPA and DHA, but not all fish oils are equal!

Some fish oils are not concentrated. Don’t be fooled by the word concentrate like “fish-oil concentrate.” Look for EPA and DHA on the label. Also, it is important to make sure it is only a pure, omega-3 supplement; we get enough omega-6 in the diet!

Res-Q 1250 is a great brand! It is a highly concentrated EPA/DHA supplement that promotes optimal cardiovascular health and helps to reduce inflammation. It is something that everyone needs. Since Res-Q 1250 is at least twice as potent as most fish oils, it represents an exceptional savings.

To contact us by telephone, call 1-800-262-5483.

References:

Types of Dietary Fats and Oils
Fats HandBook

More Health Tips for Alzheimers

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Last week, we reviewed the basics of Alzheimer’s disease prevention: exercise, eating right, staying active and taking supplements. Additionally, managing diabetes can help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some more health tips:

Learn Stress Management

It is important to find ways to cope with stress. Take a course on stress management or read a book. Learning deep-breathing exercises can help you relax and fight the damaging effects of stress on the brain. As seen on the Dr. Oz show, one technique called 7-7-7: Breath in for seven seconds, hold for seven seconds and then exhale for seven seconds.

Getting all worked up or experiencing the fight-or-flight reaction to stressful life events can release damaging brain chemicals. According to Alzheimer’s prevention research, “Cortisol, in excess, damages the cells in the memory center of your brain. It stops glucose from entering your brain cells. It blocks your neurotransmitter function and causes brain cells to become injured”

Socialize and Stay Active

Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease involves getting out of the house, socializing or engaging with the community: “Compelling research suggests seniors who spend most of their time in their immediate home environment are almost twice as likely to develop AD compared to those who travel more.”

Get Quality Sleep

Sleep problems are linked with Alzheimer’s disease; those with existing Alzheimer’s disease often have sleep disturbances. It isn’t so much the amount of time spent in bed, but lack of sleep quality such as less dream time. Additionally, a study shows that those who woke up five or more times an hour are more likely to have amyloid plaques, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease.

Take DHA Supplements

DHA supplements help promote brain and eye health. DHA is the major fatty acid of the brain cells and the retina area of the eye. Research links low DHA levels with Alzheimer’s disease. Those with the lower levels of DHA were twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, low levels of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, may mean that you are 67% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease in the next ten years.

Last but not least, don’t forget to challenge your brain. Finding hobbies and activities helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease: “Some examples of fantastic, brain-building mental exercises include reading, writing, playing board games and doing crossword puzzles.”

Res-Q Supplements

Res-Q Calamarine is a high-DHA formula that supports brain function. The Res-Q omega-3 supplement has 60 high-potency capsules per bottle and is intended to supplement the diet. Take one or two capsules everyday to promote good health and wellness.

References:

5-Step Alzheimer’s Prevention Plan
The 4 Pillars of Alzheimer’s Prevention
Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention
Bad Sleep Linked to Alzheimer’s 
Low serum docosahexaenoic acid is a significant risk factor for alzheimer’s dementia

 

Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease

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Among the elderly, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia and is named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who discovered specific changes in the brain tissue accompanied by memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death and usually occurs among those 65+.

Regular Exercise

Physical exercise is not just for the body. Moving around actually improves brain function; regular exercise may improve memory and thinking. According to a research study that tracked movement: “If a person had a low overall physical activity, they had a faster rate of cognitive decline. People with low activity were more likely to develop [Alzheimer’s disease]. Compared to those with high rates of activity, the risk of developing AD was two times higher.”

Proper Nutrition

Alzheimer’s research reveals that a specific type of healthy fat known as omega-3 is beneficial for the brain: “One of the key strategies of an Alzheimer’s prevention program involves healthy brain nutrition. A diet rich in antioxidant fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fats from fish and nuts, and whole grains will strengthen brain cells and protect the body from diabetes, which studies now show doubles the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.”

Include vegetables, fruits and nuts in the diet, and limit how often you eat red meat. In the Columbia University study, “more than 2000 people age 65 and older found a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease in the volunteers who ate a greater amount of nuts, fish, tomatoes, poultry, vegetables and fruits, and a lesser amount of high-fat dairy products, red meat and butter.”

Supplement the Diet

In addition to eating healthy, there are some great dietary supplements. Featured in Dr. Oz’s video, taking 600 milligrams of DHA, a specific type of omega-3, can help memory and support the aging brain.

Low levels of vitamin D are associated with cognitive impairment. Since such deficiencies are easy to acquire, taking a vitamin D supplement is a good idea. This can help ensure that vitamin D levels are met and help improve brain health.

Also essential for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, antioxidants like those found in fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and cranberries have been shown in studies to improve cognitive function. Additionally, antioxidants help protect the lipids found in brain cells that are important for cell function.

Watch Your Blood Sugar 

Since elevated blood sugar increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, if you are diabetic, try to avoid foods that spike the blood sugar. It is better to have small, frequent meals rather than large ones. “Eating at regular intervals helps to maintain consistent blood-sugar levels. Also avoid refined carbohydrates high in sugar and white flour, which rapidly spike glucose levels and inflame your brain.”

Additionally, simple activities like switching hands to brush your hair can help improve your brain health. Find ways to challenge your brain or become more active! 

Res-Q’s Omega-3 Supplements

Res-Q 1250+ provides the omega-3 fatty acids DHA & EPA, and vitamin D. Res-Q 1250+ supports brain health and is intended to supplement the diet. It contains more DHA per capsule than most fish-oil supplements. DHA helps support brain and eye health; vitamin D is important for brain and bone health.

References:

Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet
Alzheimer’s Risk Factors and Prevention
Preventing Alzheimer disease with exercise
Foods and Spices to Bolster Brain Health