These days, there are so many different supplements you could take that some people forget about the power of one in particular.
One of the most powerful supplements and natural components found in many healthy foods is omega-3 fatty acids. These polyunsaturated fats are a major building block for our wellness and bodies, helping out so many crucial functions, from our brain function to the way our skin looks. When you’re not getting enough of them in your diet, supplementing them can be a great way to reap the benefits. We spoke with health experts about what people can expect to happen when they start consistently taking omega-3 supplements for two weeks. Read more about what they had to say below.
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You Might Experience Reduced Inflammation
These days, many people struggle with some form of inflammation or another, feeling it in one or various parts of their bodies. So many are desperately searching for a way to get rid of it, but what they might not realize is that something as simple as getting enough omega-3s on a daily basis can make a big difference.
"Omega-3s are incorporated into cell membranes throughout the body, influencing the way cells communicate and respond to stress," explains scientist and longevity expert, Dr. Mark Kovacs, PhD, FACSM, CSCS. "They help shift the body's biochemical balance from pro-inflammatory to more anti-inflammatory signaling, particularly through EPA's effect on eicosanoid and cytokine production."
If you feel like you've been dealing with extra inflammation that's affecting your everyday activities, talk to your doctor about supplementing with omega-3s as a more natural way to address the issue.
You May Experience More Mental Clarity And Less Brain Fog
There is so much going on in the world today that's stressful and overwhelming; therefore, people might not be taking the best care of themselves, or are simply having a hard time coping with it. All of this can cause brain fog, fatigue, and more. Although there isn't a 'magic pill' to fix this, health experts have noted that omega-3s can have a significant impact on your brain health and energy after two weeks.
"You might notice your joints feel less stiff in the morning, your mood is a bit more even, and your mind feels a little clearer," explains Dr. Kovacs. "Omega-3s help calm inflammation throughout the body, so you can sometimes feel that difference pretty quickly. Some of my patients also mention that their energy feels steadier during the day."
Dr. Chad Larson, a naturopathic medicine expert, also notes that those who consistently take omega-3 supplements for two weeks may experience "improvement in mental perception, concentration, and mood stabilization."
"The inflammatory mechanisms controlled by the use of omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate the joint stiffness and even subtle fatigue within a brief period," he adds. "The reason why the brain's behavior is fast is that these fats maintain cell membrane integrity and effective neurotransmitter signaling to enable improved thinking and stable mood."
As with any supplement, it's always wise to speak to your doctor about which supplements you should and shouldn't take. Given that many healthy foods like salmon and walnuts are high in omega-3s, you might get enough of them in your diet. But if you don't, ensuring you have enough in your system could help your body out, reducing pesky inflammation and boosting your brain.
