My doctor appointment yesterday has basically came down to the same diagnosis and medications to do the same thing: block the production of inflammation and pain in my tissues.
The main culprit is identified as the COX enzyme. The process of production of COX-1, COX-2(different purpose), and COX-3 aka COX-1a or 1b is the focus of research and the primary attack of NSAIDs and other pain relievers.
The basic production of these enzymes includes the transformation of omega-6 fatty acids to prostaglandins through lineolinic acid and then Arachidionic acid. Studies have indicated that people with diabetes have an impaired production of GLA after a high amount of lineolinic is found furthur up the chain. This would indicate a high intake of omega-6 in the complication of diabetes is causing the other complications in the inflamed condition of my head and other parts of my body.
Omega-3 fatty acids are less inflammatory than omega-6 so opting for a larger ratio of omega-3s is a good choice. Some reading has indicated the effects of omega-6 are in competition of Omega-3 acids. To solve this problem, I am increasing the the amount of omega-3 ratio to Omega-6 ration. While the western diet is said to have a ratio of 30:1, the healthy ratio is 4:1.
Sources of Omega-3 include:
Common name
grams n−3
Tuna
0.21–1.1
Tuna (canned, light)
0.17-0.24
Pollock
0.45
Salmon
1.1–1.9
Cod
0.15–0.24
Catfish
0.22–0.3
Flounder
0.48
Grouper
0.23
Halibut
0.60–1.12
Mahi mahi
0.13
Orange roughy
0.028
Red snapper[disambiguation needed]
0.29
Shark
0.83
Swordfish
0.97
Tilefish
0.90
King mackerel
0.36
Plant Sources include:
Common name
Alternative name
Linnaean name
% n−3
Perilla
shiso
Perilla frutescens
61
Chia
chia sage
Salvia hispanica
58
Flax
linseed
Linum usitatissimum
55
Lingonberry
Cowberry
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
49
Camelina
Gold-of-pleasure
Camelina sativa
36
Purslane
Portulaca
Portulaca oleracea
35
Black Raspberry
Rubus occidentalis
33
Table 2. ALA content as the percentage of n−3 in the whole food.[130][131]
Common name
Linnaean name
% n−3
Flaxseed
Linum usitatissimum
18.1
Persian Walnuts
Juglans regia
6.3
Pecan nuts
Carya illinoinensis
0.6
Hazel nuts
Corylus avellana
0.1
Feeding oils high in omega-3s rather than corn or soybean oils, high in omega-6 provides for an increase in omega-3 intake.
The plant Camelina sativa is being looked at specifically for this quality. According to archaelogical evidence, it was developed in the Celtic period and has been grown in Europe for more than 3000 years. Commonly found in flax fields, it is currently listed as an invasive weed.
It is also quite expensive, but can be purchased at $75 a gallon.
I am going with flaxseed oil. Less expensive and just as old and extensively used. It was domesticated in the fertile crescent, indicating it was used for a general increase in the human brain capacity and as a very nutritional food source.
Sources:
Wikipedia
