Other places to find omega-3 include:

• Oily fish – salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring, tuna, trout
• Plant base – flaxseeds/oil, walnuts/oil, butternuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, spinach, kale, winter squash, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Chia seeds have an omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of 3:1.

Where to find healthy omega-6s:

• Flaxseeds/oil, safflower oil, avocado oil, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanut butter, tofu, and eggs. Hemp seeds have an omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of 1:3.
• Some unhealthy foods high in omega-6 fats include refined vegetable oils, processed snacks, fast foods, cakes, fatty meats, and cured meats.

More on why Omegas are important

The human body produces a variety of endocannabinoids, some of which are derived from omega-6s and some of which are derived from omega-3s. Two well-researched endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG, which come from the omega-6 fatty acid, arachidonic acid.

2-AG is the most prevalent endocannabinoid in the human body and is involved in functions such as emotion, cognition, energy balance, pain sensation, and neuroinflammation. There are high levels in the central nervous system (CNS), which controls most functions of the body and mind. It also enhances the effects of GABA neurotransmitters in the brain. The primary function of GABA is to block pain, help how the body reacts to feelings of anxiety, fear, stress, and it allows the nervous system to better process information. GABA also plays an important role in the regulation of the circulatory system.

Anandamide is Sanskrit for “bliss” and is known as our bliss molecule. This happy and uplifted feeling produced by anandamide is sometimes referred to as a “runner’s high.” It facilitates the transmission of signals between nerve cells, plays a role in the regulation of dopamine and calcium, which is crucial in nerve conduction, and influences motor function, perception of pain, memory, and more.

Do omega-3s interact with medications or other dietary supplements?

Omega-3 dietary supplements may interact with the medications you take. For example, high doses of omega-3s may cause bleeding problems when taken with warfarin (Coumadin) or other anticoagulant medicines. Talk with your healthcare provider about possible interactions between omega-3 supplements and your medications.

Final thought

Part of healing, whether it’s mental or physical, is knowing what’s going on inside your body. Many medical ailments are caused by poor and unbalanced nutrition. The Western diet is deficient in omega-3s and too high in omega-6s, leading to an unstable internal state.

The ECS is vital to our long-term health and wellbeing. Managing stress and eating a healthy balanced diet are key to achieving and maintaining optimal function.

If you experience mood disorders, chronic inflammation, pain, or other signs that your body is out of balance, addressing your nutrition and lifestyle choices should be first on the list.

A quick way to increase your omega 3 intake – simply add chia seeds and or flaxseed/oil to your diet.

Flax is best used in the form of flax meal, which is simply ground flaxseeds. It is important to use the meal because the seeds and oil do not absorb very well, and your benefits will be limited. Flax meal can be found at your local grocery store, or you can buy the seeds and grind them yourself. Their nutty flavor is appealing and adds texture, color, flavor and nutrition to the foods you eat and can easily sneak into your meals like chia seeds.

You do not have to grind up the chia seeds. They are ready as-is and can be used in the same manner as flax meal.

In the next article in the Holistic Healing series, we will be continuing to look at feeding the endocannabinoid system for optimal health and wellness.