Reducing Inflammation in autoimmune disease

A University of Texas Health Sciences Center study found that fish oil and vitamin E delayed the onset of autoimmune diseases in mice. Scientific explanation for those inclined can be found at 'The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the Attenuation of Immune-Mediated Diseases' by Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D. from The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, Washington, D.C. 

Many foods can dampen inflammation in the body: 

• Omega-3 essential fatty acids are found in fish and flaxseed. 
• Omega-6 fatty acid is found in fish, canola oil, safflower oil, flax seed, sunflower oil, seeds, nuts, cheese, whole milk and yoghurt.

Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important for everyone but especially those with autoimmune disease.

They have many powerful health benefits for your body and brain.

In fact, few nutrients have been studied as thoroughly as omega-3 fatty acids.

Here are 17 health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids that are supported by science:

• Omega-3s Can Fight Depression and Anxiety. 
• Omega-3s Can Improve Eye Health. 
• Omega-3s Can Promote Brain Health During Pregnancy and Early Life. 
• Omega-3s Can Improve Risk Factors for Heart Disease. 
• Omega-3s Can Reduce Symptoms of ADHD in Children. See the full list at Healthline and all the research that has been done.

But most important to me is No. 8: Omega-3s Can Fight Autoimmune Diseases: Omega-3s can combat some of these diseases and may be especially important during early life.

Studies show that getting enough omega-3s during your first year of life is linked to a reduced risk of many autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diabetes and multiple sclerosisTrusted Source.

Omega-3s also help treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis according to reseach doneTrusted Source.

What about omega-6?

Omega-6 fats are also beneficial. They lower harmful LDL cholesterol and boost protective HDL. They help keep blood sugar in check by improving the body's sensitivity to insulin. 

They do seem to get a bad reputation though. 

According to Harvard Health the main charge against omega-6 fats is that the body can convert the most common one, linolenic acid, into another fatty acid called arachidonic acid, and arachidonic acid is a building block for molecules that can promote inflammation, blood clotting, and the constriction of blood vessels. But the body also converts arachidonic acid into molecules that calm inflammation and fight blood clots

The Bottom Line

Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids are vital for optimal health.

There needs to be a balance of more Omega-3 foods than Omega -6. This is why oils and nuts should be eaten in moderation. 

Getting them from whole foods — such as fatty fish two times per week — is the best way to ensure omega intake.

However, if you don’t eat a lot of fatty fish, then you may want to consider taking an omega-3 supplement. For people deficient in omega-3, this is a cheap and highly effective way to improve health.