Our body needs omega-3 fats to function properly. However, there is a study which shows that a lot of women lack omega-3s. There are certain symptoms such as dry skin, poor sleep, irritations, and higher risk of a heart disease.
People should often include omega-3 fatty acids in their diet so they can avoid being deficient. You can find it in fish such as tuna and salmon, and also in nuts and seeds.
10 Signs And Symptoms Of OMEGA-3 Deficiency
1. Obesity
This fatty acid is very important for the cell metabolism because it
increases the cell interest. Those who lack this vitamin can have slower
metabolism which causes people to gain weight.
2. Insomnia
One study proves that people who had more omega-3 fatty acids in their
system had a better sleep. However, if you are taking omega-3
supplements, it is better to take them in the morning than in the
evening because they can keep you awake if you take them before going to
sleep.
3. Weak immunity
When you lack omega-3s you are more likely to have a weaker immunity,
which causes more infections, colds, and other health problems. You can
boost your immunity by taking more omega-3 fats.
4. Changes To Appearance
When the body lacks omega-3 fatty acids you can experience some negative
effects on your skin such as itchy, dry, and flaky skin, as well as
rashes, and discoloured patches. You can also notice some oily patches
on the skin and bumps.
So, the most common sign of omega-3 deficiency would be dry skin. Children can be more affected if they have a poor diet. When people lack omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, they can notice that they are prone to infections and the wounds heal slowly.
5. Learning Disabilities
As we know that 60% of our brain is comprised of omega-3 fats, it
doesn’t come as a surprise that we need it. When the body lacks this
fatty acids, the brain can become slower. Also, scientists link the
higher omega-3 intake and the low probabilities of getting learning
disabilities such as ADD.
6. Depression
It is proven that omega-3s can affect our mental health as well. The
hormone of happiness is called serotonin, and it needs omega-3 to act as
a neurotransmitter.
7. Heart Problems
Omega-3 deficiency can also cause heart problems. According to experts
it is recommended that people include more monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated fats in their diet to prevent any heart diseases.
Omega-3 fats can lower the high blood pressure and cholesterol, and slow
down the development of blood clots and plaque, which can clog the
arteries. This can lower the chances of getting a heart attack, strokes,
and abnormal heart rhythms.
8. Inflammatory Diseases
The best thing about foods rich in omega-3 fats is that they can relieve
the morning stiffness and the inflammation in joints. They are also
great in reducing the pain and swelling, and act as natural
anti-inflammatories.
9. Eczema
Eczema occurs as a rash which is linked with omega-3 deficiency. There
is a research which shows that this condition can be improved by 20% by
taking omega-3 supplements.
10. Fatigue
Being fatigued can be a result of many things, but one of them is
omega-3 deficiency. Include more fatty acids in your diet so you can
increase your energy.
Top 10 OMEGA 3 Foods List
- Chia Seeds – 2 tbsp: 2.5g
- Flaxseed – 2 Tbsp: 3.2g
- Grass-fed Dairy – 8 oz: .25g
- Grass-fed beef – 4 oz: 1.1g
- Mackerel – 4 oz: 1.25g
- Natto – 4 oz: 0.52g
- Salmon – 4 oz: 1.45g
- Sardines – 4 oz: 1.34 g
- Tuna – 4 oz: 0.33g
- Walnuts – ¼ cup: 2.3g
All in all, the body requires a regular dose of these fatty acids.
