Newest Recommended Daily Intakes of Essential Fatty Acids

The recommended daily intakes of essential fatty acids vary from organization to organization. Even in a low fat diet sufficient essential fatty acids can be consumed by eating fish or taking fish oil supplements. While the USDA has not established recommended daily intakes of essential fatty acids, they have established what they refer to as "Adequate Intake" for adults and children. Here we look at different recommendations for different age groups and various conditions. Essential fatty acids are defined as those that cannot be created within the body and must be obtained from food or through supplementation. They include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicospentaenoic acid (EPA). The body can use ALA, found in vegetable and nut oils, to create DHA and EPA, but the process is inefficient. In the human diet EPA and DHA are found primarily in fish oils. The United States has not established recommended daily intakes of essential fatty acids. The amounts established as "Adequate Intakes" (AI) are believed to be enough to meet the needs of most individuals in order to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, but a lack of data prevents high confidence in these figures. In other words, different individuals may have different needs. For adult males, the AI of omega-3 fatty acids is believed to be around 1.6 grams per day. For adult women, the AI is 1.1 grams per day, but during pregnancy is increased to 1.4 grams per day and 1.3 g/day when breastfeeding. Children and infants need omega-3 fatty acids, as well. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the addition of DHA to infant formula. DHA is found in the brain in large quantities and is important for neurological development and growth. For those adults who use a low fat diet sufficient essential fatty acids can be easily obtained by eating fish 3-5 times per week or with daily fish oil supplements. Most major health organizations and nutritionists recommend that no more than 30% of a person's total caloric intake should come from fat, of any kind. So, don't fry your fish. Baking or grilling generally does not add extra unneeded fat. Regretfully most people consume trans fatty acids, which have no real function in the human body and only serve to clog the arteries and increase abdominal fat. Trans fatty acids are found in butter, shortening, lard and most processed foods. Label requirements have made it easier to plan a diet that eliminates trans fats, but includes omega-3s and other essential fatty acids. Recommended Daily Intakes of Essential Fatty Acids for Arthritis Sufferers Numerous clinical trials have shown that EPA and DHA fatty acids derived from fish oil reduce inflammation and other symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as osteoarthritis. Recommended consumption for arthritis sufferers is much greater than for the general population and many health care practitioners feel that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the risk of developing joint problems as we age. The recommended daily intake for those with arthritis is 3-5 grams per day. It is nearly impossible to get this much without taking a daily fish oil supplement, but not all supplements are the same. Cod liver oil, for example, contains too much vitamin A and D. These vitamins are toxic at high levels. And, liver oils are higher in mercury content and other contaminants than oils derived from fleshy fish. Recommended daily intakes of essential fatty acids, specifically omega-3 EPA and DHA, is higher for those who have heart disease, or those who are at a higher risk for developing heart disease. Research has shown that fish oil supplements containing these fatty acids lowers cholesterol levels, reduces high blood pressure and helps regulate heart rhythm. 3-5 grams per day is the recommendation, once again. High cholesterol levels lead to arthrosclerosis or hardening of the arteries and can eventually cause blockages leading to heart attacks or strokes. High blood pressure weakens the walls of arteries, and when left untreated can eventually lead to heart failure. Increased consumption of essential fatty acids has been recommended for several other conditions, including ADHD in children and adults.

Detox Mind and Body

Detoxification is a term thrown around a lot by various kinds of Natural Therapy practitioners and it often confuses people as to what exactly is going on. I will attempt to explain the most common types of "Detox's" done and what they are designed to achieve for you in the following article. The thing to remember here is that we are only assisting or stimulating the body in it's own natural processes here, not performing miracles! Do not think that this is a quick fix for taking things you shouldn't have! Common Detoxifications The most prevalent "detox" by far is the Liver Detox. The liver is a major player in the body's metabolisation of fats etc as well as a filtration organ helping to filter out wastes and toxins as well as playing a role in insulin levels and body heating. Poor lifestyle choices will generally lead to a sluggish liver function and it is a good idea to clean it out a bit so to speak. The herbs Milk Thistle, Dandelion Leaf and Root are most commonly used in "liver detox" preparations along with other supporting herbs. A diet of raw foods, fresh squeezed juices and low red meat intake will help to rid the liver of any toxins as well as they all create a mild diuretic effect. During liver detox you can expect to experience some head aches, possibly more frequent urination and bowel movements too. Probably most overlooked is the energetic effects of liver detox. During a liver detox, one should keep the intake of fresh water well up to help in the flushing out of toxins. A liver detox dispels excess heating from the body and can have the patient feeling a bit cranky as well. This is good as this needs to be expelled also. This is a good time to meditate and notice what these irritations are and to watch them pass by or get an insight into how to remedy them. These detoxs are prescribed for differing amounts of time according to your situation and general health and can often be done a few times per year to achieve a final outcome. Afterward the patient will generally feel more energetic and have a general feeling of wellbeing. Fasting is sometimes used for this or in conjunction with. This should only be done by experienced practitioners and is very effective when done correctly. Ongoing liver support herbs like Milk Thistle are usually taken to insure proper and healthy liver function thereafter. The next most common kind of detox is the "Digestive Detox" and it is often done in conjunction with a liver detox as they compliment each other well. This involves sometimes a period of fasting to "empty out" the digestive tract followed by a period of taking herbs such as Slippery Elm and taking fibre rich supplements as well as increased Magnesium. These all stimulate the body's natural mechanisms of waste removal. During either of these detox programs water consumption needs to be kept up to insure proper hydration is maintained and therefore the entire process is kept "flushed out". Water is the bodies great cleanser so it is need at this time and failing to acknowledge this can hinder progress and have toxins re-entering the body causing nausea and headaches. Energetically the patient can feel like letting go of some "crap" as well and this is fine, just do not aim it at anyone! Again this is a good time to get away and be alone and meditate as to what the causes are and so on. Normally a person will find themselves going to perform bowel movements more often during one of these detox's and that is ok but you need to make sure it is not excessive, that is not good. For this reason these, like any other kind of detox are best done under supervision. Once it is over, you find yourself feeling very well indeed and having more energy than before. The last kind of detox I will talk about here is the "Heavy Metal Toxicity" detox. As it's name would suggest it is about ridding the body of a build up of toxic metals and minerals in the body. This must ONLY be done under direct supervision of a Naturopath or other suitable professional as there are some very profound effects of this type of detox. They are very good and are very strenuous. Not one for your average person but if recommended by a professional. The spiritual aspect of a detoxification is one of cleansing the body and the mind of wastes and old garbage hung onto way past it's use by date! Often people will want to be alone to under go a detox. That is good as long as you are aware of what you are doing. These are prime times to introspect and observe the inner calamity and discard any old junk that is holding you back from blossoming into a full lotus. Also, there is a follow on and vice versa effect on body and mind, meaning, clean body, clean mind, clean mind, clean body! A clean, clear mind and body will greatly further your journey to enlightenment and only enhance your personal growth.