Finding the balance between Omega-6 and Omega-3

The balance of omega-6 to omega-3 oils is critical to proper prostaglandin metabolism. Prostaglandins have many functions, such as bronco dilation, inflammatory reactions and the regulation of cell propagation. The optimal ration of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is 4:1, or four times the amount of omega-6 fatty acids as omega-3 fatty acids. However, in our modern diet, we are currently consuming a ratio greater than 20:1

There are many hidden sources of omega-6 oils in our diets and the elimination of these poor quality oils from our diets while providing good quality omega-3 in the form of Pharmaceutical Grade fish oil will help to regulate the following symptoms:

o Inflammation, pain and swelling
o Blood pressure
o Heart function
o Gastrointestinal function and secretions
o Kidney function and fluid balance
o Blood clotting and platelet aggregation
o Allergic response
o Nerve transmission
o Steroid production and hormone synthesis

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Selenium is important during pregnancy

Selenium is a trace mineral which works with Vitamin E in preventing free radical damage to cell membranes

It is an antagonist to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, aluminium and cadmium

Low levels of selenium are linked to a higher risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases and other conditions associated with increased free-radical damage, including aging and cataract formation

Selenium depleted soils produce selenium deficient foods

Selenium deficiency is associated with an increased risk for cancer, heart disease and low immune function

During pregnancy and lactation, selenium requirements increase, as it is essential for proper foetal growth.

Selenium is linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which has its highest occurrence in areas where the selenium content of the soil and diet is the lowest

Selenium levels tend to be very low in low birth weight babies

Although there is no specific RDA for selenium, a daily intake of 50 – 200 micrograms is often recommended

At high-intake levels (daily intake in excess of 1,000 micrograms), selenium can produce toxicity

For children, a good dosage recommendation is 1.5micrograms per pound of body weight (2.2lbs to the kg)

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Healthy Nutrition for Dogs

How do you know if your pet is as healthy as he could be, or do you rely on dog food manufacturers to decide what he eats?

Do you know if the ingredients in his pellets are really what his body needs to keep him healthy?

Why are degenerative diseases on the increase in the dog world?

Why does your dog chew on grass when you take him for a walk?

Do your dog a big favour and give him a diet to make him truly a healthy and a happy companion.

To feed a dog the size of a large daschund, give him this diet for a couple of weeks and see the change take place in front of your eyes. The portions may seem small, but your dog will be fed real food and will not go hungry on these quantities:

• All his food must be raw
• No grains of any description i.e. rice, pasta, mielie meal, barley, bread
• No simple carbohydrates, sweets, biscuits or cakes
• Snacks and treats as mentioned below
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) only 3 times a week
• No potatoes, onions, grapes or chocolate or bones
• Feed him once or twice a day – if twice daily, then halve these portions

1 .) A handful of raw, chopped meat – any of the following:

Mutton or lamb, beef shin, liver (no more than twice a week), kidneys once a week, ox heart, pork, fresh fish if you can find it, 2 or 3 chicken necks, 3 tinned pilchards (once or twice per week), fresh bone meal from a butcher (this will give your dog all the good nutrition found in bones, without the risk of injury from sharp bones), sardines in olive oil or water, not sunflower oil, once or twice a week, eggs 3 times week, beaten up with ½ cup full cream yoghurt

2 .) A cupful finely chopped or grated vegetables. These can be juiced – remember to serve the pulp as well:

1 medium carrot, broccoli, stalk and all, spinach leaves, leafy green vegetables, kale, ½ a sweet pepper, ½ an apple, celery, parsley, sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut, green beans, courgette, tomato

3 .) 1 dessertspoon olive oil three times per week, alternating with

4 .) 1 pharmaceutical grade fish oil capsule or flowing oil three times a week

5 .) 1 Teaspoon ground flax seeds sprinkled over his food

6 .) Plenty of clean fresh water available at all times

7 .) Treats as follows:

Small pieces of cheese, cashews, walnuts, cottage cheese (not low fat)
Pumpkin and sunflower seeds
Bits of banana, pear, kiwi fruit, paw paw, mango, nectarine, peach, berries

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Essential Vitamins – Pyridoxine B6

Vitamin B6 is an extremely important B vitamin involved in the formation of body proteins and structural compounds, chemical transmitters in the nervous system, red blood cells and prostaglandins. It is also pivotal in maintaining hormonal balance and proper immune function

Deficiency Signs and Symptoms:
Depression, convulsions (especially in children), glucose intolerance, anemia, impaired nerve function, cracked lips and tongue and eczema

Conditions which respond to B6 supplementation are:
Asthma, premenstrual syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, morning sickness and kidney stones.

Antagonists to B6 are:
Hydrazine dyes (especially FD&C yellow#5), certain drugs such as isoniazid, hydralazine, dopamine and penicillamine, oral contraceptives, alcohol and excessive protein intake

Vitamin B6 is one of the most utilized and valued nutritional supplements. It is also one of the intensely studied and evaluated in over 100 different health conditions.

These are just some of them: Asthma, autism, cardiovascular disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, Chinese restaurant syndrome, diabetes complication prevention, depression, epilepsy, immune enhancement, kidney stones, nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, osteoporosis, PMS

Pyridoxine is found in reducing amounts in these foods:
Torula yeast, brewer’s yeast, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, walnuts, lentils, lima beans, buckwheat, blackeye peas, navy beans, brown rice, hazelnuts, garbanzo beans, pinto beans, bananas, avocados, fresh chestnuts, kale, rye flour, spinach, turnip greens, peppers, potatoes, prunes, raisons, Brussels sprouts, barley, sweet potatoes, cauliflower.

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EFA Deficiency

The signs and symptoms of the essential fatty acid Omega-3 deficiency may be overt or chronically nagging, while ranging from mild fatigue to fatal heart attack. Most allopathic health care professions never make the simple association between a health symptom and Omega-3 deficiency and the fundamental underlying cause of illness continues to manifest. Physicians are rarely, if ever trained in nutrition and laboratory analyses to measure EFA deficiency are not readily available or appreciated. The consequences of EFA deficiency are far more deadly today than other nutrient deficiencies and it is recommended that everyone takes an Omega-3 supplement, regardless of their condition.

A few signs and symptoms of typical Omega-3 deficiency:

o Fatigue
o Lack of endurance
o Dry skin
o Cracked nails
o Dry, listless hair
o Dry mucous membranes, tear ducts, mouth
o Gas, bloating
o Constipation
o Immune weakness
o Frequent colds and sickness
o Aching, sore joints
o Angina, chest pain
o Depression
o Lack of motivation
o Forgetfulness
o High blood pressure
o History of cardiovascular disease
o Arthritis

Watch out for postings on the importance of the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ration and Supplementation recommendations.

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