DHA and EPA for Brain Health
If you are serious about supporting your brain health as you age then, getting enough DHA and EPA from your diet is a must.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) are both Omega -3 fatty acids which occur naturally in cold water ocean fish including, salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, bluefish, black cod and trout. These represent the best dietary sources of Omega-3 fats and have been shown to be of benefit for neurological and metabolic diseases by reducing neuroinflammation and increasing blood supply.
Omega -3 fats can also be found in some raw nuts and seeds like, pumpkin and flax seeds. They come in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which needs to be converted by the body into DHA and EPA. Unfortunately, some people have difficulty with this conversion because of a variety of reasons. Blood sugar issues that come from eating too much processed foods that are high in carbs, genetics, or high amounts of Omega -6 oils from canola oil.
DHA Improves Brain Function
DHA has been shown to improve short term and long term memory, while reducing neuroinflammation. Inflammation in the brain leads to depression, fatigue, memory loss, and brain fog. Which can raise your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. DHA supplies the brain with necessary chemicals that support the neurons to ensure they remain flexible and fluid so they can communicate with one another. Enhancing vital nutrients to these neural structures help us to remain calm and alert, aid in brain development in children and inhibit neurodegeneration as we age.
Consuming a high ratio of DHA to EPA (at least 4:1) will ensure the best results for brain health support. The studies show it can help with depression, bi-polar symptoms, cognitive decline as well as poor memory and other brain based disorders.
Sufficient amounts of DHA will target neuronal involvement to quicken synaptic reactions keeping the brain more youthful and elastic.
DHA and Leaky Blood - Brain Barrier
Our brain is lined with a cellular membrane referred to as the blood - brain barrier. This very thin permeable lining is critical in protecting the brain from harmful bacteria, toxins and other pathogens that are within our blood stream that if entered the brain could damage our ability to properly process information and can speed up a whole range of mental health issues, like dementia.
Leaky brain is more common than you would think and has similar mechanisms as leaky gut or intestinal permeability. Often times people who suffer from one condition has the other. Studies again show that DHA can help to preserve the integrity of this important barrier that is being compromised from our poor diets.
The culprits are fast processed foods with additives and preservatives, chips , cereals and other foods that contain high amounts of omega -6 fats have a disastrous effects that slowly eat away our blood-brain barrier. Now more than ever it is important to build up these vulnerable linings and nourish them so they will effectively do their job of sealing off our brain from these invading bacteria and micro-organisms.
Proper Dosages of DHA
Proper dosages of DHA will all depend on how well your body absorbs them. They can be obtained directly from food or supplementation. The current recommended amount should be determined by your health professional, nutritionist or doctor.
Start today and make sure you are getting enough DHA and EPA in your diet. It’s one of the easiest ways you can help your brain to stay healthy.
-A Balanced Brain is a Healthy Brain-