Let me first introduce you to the importance of Omega 3’s and why we want to be taking them with having endometriosis. Then, I will share my experiments and insights on trying to find the perfect one for me.
Why do we want to consume Omega 3 supplements with endometriosis?
After having read a few of my blog posts, you hopefully know that endometriosis is essentially an inflammatory condition. An overactive inflammatory reaction is essentially responsible for so much of the pain, bloating, and funkiness that is endometriosis. So, if you want to reduce pain, then the key is to reduce inflammation. The great news is that we can manipulate the body with certain foods and supplements that naturally reduce inflammation, thereby lowering pain.
How does Omega 3 specifically address endometriosis pain?
If we imagine your body as having an internal fire going on – yes I am describing endometriosis. It isn’t a full-blown fire but just a low amber that is permanently lit. I am sure there are days when endo certainly feels like this! The dull fire is fuelled to get stronger or dulled by what you eat and you can influence that quite easily by simply choosing what you put in your mouth – plus of course a bunch of other tools to regulate inflammation.
When it comes to oils and fats in the body… they should be in a lovely ratio of roughly 4:1 between Omega 6 and Omega 3 fats. Typically this sits at around 20:1 within the typical western diet. The more Omega 6’s that are partying it up in your body, the more likely you are going to experience inflammation. Why? Because Omega 6’s trigger the prostaglandins 2, which are the guys that trigger inflammation in the body. So, it is like we are giving the Prostaglandins 2 more fuel by giving them Omega 6’s.
So, what has lots of Omega 6 in it? Think of unhealthy oxidized fats like soy and sunflower and corn oils, animal products, and even high quantities of some nuts and seeds. All are high in Omega 6.
What’s the goal here? Reduce the amount of Omega 6 and replace it with food high in Omega 3. Let’s make sure this is clear cos sometimes we think we can just add in Omega 3 but the reality is, we need to first lower Omega 6 and then incorporate Omega 3. It is kinda like a puzzle piece in the body. There is only one slot for these oils and we need to kick Omega 6 out first before we can give the slot to Omega 3.
So, instead of eating a diet high in animal products with lots of nuts and seeds, swing towards more fish (Salmon, mackerel, herring), chia seeds, and walnuts. It is a game of see-saw in the body and the more you load up on the Omega 6 foods, the more the body will experience inflammation.
How do you know if you are low on Omega 3 or your ratio is out of balance?
Think of any drying effect in your body that may be expressed quite obviously:
- Cracked nails
- Dry, lifeless hair
- Dry skin
- Dry tear ducts, mouth and vagina
However, there are a few more indicators:
- Lack of endurance
- Fatigue, lackluster energy
- Maldigestion, gas, bloating
- Forgetfulness
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis
- Inflammatory conditions (endo 😉
- Depression
- Lack of motivation
Why I am taking Omega 3 now.
Granted endometriosis isn’t my main focus anymore as I don’t really experience pain with it anymore. However, I have noticed my concentration levels and motivation levels have dwindled in the last year or so. Initially, I actually thought it was more to do with life circumstances and of course Covid but I can see that I have had quite a few of these symptoms.
My experiment to find the perfect Omega 3 supplement
I will tell you that I tried a bunch of options but mostly the standard Omega 3 fish oils. Every brand I could find – even the ones that promised a “low fish taste” but honestly, they all had that nasty fishy taste and made me feel really ill in my tummy. Then I thought I would try Krill oil but it ain’t so environmentally friendly and I kinda don’t wanna take anything away from our Whales – cos those are super cool!
The best option I have found is Algae Oil. My main criteria: No fishy burps and yet high in Omega 3 = achieved! I am also going to experiment with eating more sardines, anchovies, and mackerel – though of course I, funnily enough, don’t really like such fishy fish 😆.
Improvements I have noticed already
Granted it has only been about a week but I have already noticed some shifts in my concentration and ability to focus – good news cos you get more stuff created for you 😉.
I have also noticed that my body feels less tight and sore.
The brand I recommend:
You want to go with a brand that is focused on ensuring the oil doesn’t get heated or changed in any way. Here is one I found for you on iHerb.
What Omega 3’s have you tried? What has been your experience? Share in the comments below so I know you’re still out there 🙉.
This Post Has 2 Comments
Hi Hayanthi,
I would recommend the Algae oil which doesn’t have the same response. I recommended it in the article.
Hi Melissa,
Thank you so much for the post. Yes omega 3 plays a big role. I got high bleeding issue after I stopped fish and egg consumption. Before that I had just pain in first day of period. As soon I stopped having fish and egg I got all issues. I have started one brand but it has preservatives. When I take it I don’t feel any digestion issue after lunch. But I feel it holds acidity as after few days I felt more acidic pain in my body. I stopped for a while. Which brand is good if I go for fish oil without preservatives.