How to Build a Better Brain

In order to go back to work or school with a better brain, you need to address the health of your brain cells. Memory, mood, the ability to focus, organize, and express yourself clearly are all dependent on healthy brain function.

For the adequate intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs), the omega-3's EPA and DHA are critical. These anti-inflammatory omega-3's perform a diverse array of functions in the brain, including being part of the actual structure of your neurons. [1] But where the vast majority of omega-3 supplements on the market fall short is that they fail to take advantage of the highly synergistic benefits of a particular form of omega-6 essential fat called GLA.

 

‘...where the vast majority of omega-3 supplements on the market fall short is that they fail to take advantage of the highly synergistic benefits of a particular form of omega-6 essential fat called GLA.’

 

Much has been made of the high amount of omega-6 fats in our diets, especially when compared to our generally low intake of omega-3’s, but the important question is "which omega-6 fats are we getting?"

Research, (and decades of peoples' experiences), has shown that when GLA is consumed in supplemental amounts it is highly anti-inflammatory. [2] [3] [4] This effect is amplified when GLA is combined with EPA and DHA. [4] [5]

 

The mechanism for this heightened anti-inflammatory effect can be found in Optimum Health's product called Synergy-3, which combines significant amounts of EPA DHA, and GLA in one blend!

This full-spectrum EFA formula utilizes borage oil as its source of GLA, and EPA & DHA from fish oil in its natural triglyceride form, (i.e., the form that would be delivered from fish.)

 

 

This form of fish oil is much easier to absorb and utilize than esterified oils, which cause more GI discomfort and regurgitation (i.e.fish burps!), and are harder for the body to recognize and use. The fish oil in Synergy-3 is sourced from anchovy, herring, and mackerel, and has been molecularly distilled to remove heavy metals and other toxins. It comes in a liquid format because it is so much easier to get meaningful amounts of EFA's in this way, versus swallowing 4-12 capsules!

 

EFA's are certainly not the only aspects of cellular nutrition required for healthy brain function! The right forms of B vitamins, probiotics for a healthy gut, and especially support nutrients for healthy mitochondria, also all play highly significant roles!

 

In many studies, various combinations of GLA with EPA and DHA have been shown to be useful for a large number of health challenges, and conditions. These include rheumatoid arthritis, eczema/dermatitis, respiratory ailments, asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neuropathy, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, cancer, neurological conditions and more. [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]

Notably, GLA also provides significant benefits for both skin health and hormone balancing, which is why for so many years rich sources of GLA, such as borage and evening primrose oil, were "all the rage" as aids for menopause and PMS. And as anyone who has had problems with hormonal balance will tell you, it can dramatically affect your brain function!

Due to their effects on hormones and nerves, omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids, or deficiencies of them, can also have a large effect on eating patterns, drive for food, calorie intake, metabolism and/or tendency to gain weight. [10] There is also ample evidence indicating that EFA imbalances can directly impact the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and MS, not to mention ADHD in children and youths. [10] [11]

 

Due to their effects on hormones and nerves, omega 3 & 6 essential fatty acids, or deficiencies of them, can have a large effect on eating patterns, drive for food, calorie intake, metabolism and/or tendency to gain weight.

 

An optimal strategy for supplementing these EFA's is to ensure your intake of all three! Yet, EFA's are certainly not the only aspects of cellular nutrition required for healthy brain function!

The right forms of B vitamins, probiotics for a healthy gut, and especially support nutrients for healthy mitochondria, also all play highly significant roles!

After all, your brain has to be able to generate energy to perform properly! Ask yourself, when the power goes off in your house at night how efficient are you at carrying out tasks in the dark? Likewise, without energy, how efficiently does your brain, (or any cell type for that matter), perform? Not very well, if at all. And the problem with energy failure in your neurons is that if it is prolonged, they...

 

Until next time, be well!

John

 

References:

1. Omega-3 DHA and EPA for cognition, behavior, and mood: clinical findings and structural-functional synergies with cell membrane phospholipids Alternative Medicine Review Volume 12, Number 3 2007 https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/7172/dd4208146fe68bd13c38db8e67dabbf73a05.pdf?_ga=2.256169996.667333516.1535481283-1929080485.1535318418
2. Gamma linolenic acid: an antiinflammatory omega-6 fatty acid. Curr Pharm Biotechnol.2006 Dec;7(6):531-4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17168669
3. Protective Effect of Borage Seed Oil and Gamma Linolenic Acid on DNA: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3584109/
4. Gamma-Linolenic Acid - Monograph. Alternative Medicine Review ◆ Volume 9, Number 1 ◆ 2004 https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c782/496215cecef1f527d4787e065f20ccf1e3fe.pdf
5. The role of fish oils in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs 2003;63:845-853. Cleland LG, James MJ, Proudman SM. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12678571
6. Essential fatty acids and their metabolites could function as endogenous HMG-CoA reductase and ACE enzyme inhibitors, anti-arrhythmic, anti-hypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and cardioprotective molecules. Undurti N Das. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2576273/
7. Impact of botanical oils on polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and leukotriene generation in mild asthmatics. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3851449/
8. The impact of a medical food containing gammalinolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids on asthma management and the quality of life of adult asthma patients. Surette ME, Stull D, Lindemann J. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 Feb;24(2):559-67. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18194593
9. Multiple roles of dihomo-g-linolenic acid against proliferation diseases. Xiaoping Wang1*, Huanping Lin1 and Yan Gu2 https://lipidworld.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/1476-511X-11-25
10. Control of Fatty Acid Intake and the Role of Essential Fatty Acids in Cognitive Function and Neurological Disorders* Kiran S. Panickar and Sam J. Bhathena. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53554/
11. Essential fatty acid metabolism in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. LJ Sevens, SS Zentall, et al. Am J Clin Nutr 1995;62:761-8. http://www.drperlmutter.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/11-DHA-Boys-blood-ADHD.pdf
12. Is Depression an Inflammatory Disorder? Charles L. Raison and Andrew H.Miller https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3285451/
13. The role of inflammation in depression: from evolutionary imperative to modern treatment target Andrew H.Miller and Charles L. Raison https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5542678/
14. Is Anxious-Depression an Inflammatory State? Alvaro Camacho MD, MPH https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3782383/
15. Mitochondrial Biology and Neurological Diseases. Siddarth Arun, Lei Liu, and Gizem Donmez https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4825945/ 
16. Neuronal degeneration and mitochondrial dysfunction. Eric A. Schon and Giovanni Manfredi Clin Invest. 2003 Feb 1; 111(3): 303–312. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC151870/