How to Improve Absorption of Essential Fatty Acids
Getting past the myths and stigmas regarding fats, and labeling them all as bad, it is now becoming clear that essential fatty acids, particularly Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, are not only good for you but crucial for many bodily functions. These essential fatty acids can be found in foods such as salmon, nuts, flaxseed oil, olive oil and other sources of what are now considered healthy fats. Essential fatty acids are critical for proper brain development and healthy skin, nails and hair. Because many of us don't get the necessary amounts of essential fatty acids from the foods we eat, pills and supplements can be taken in lieu of natural food sources. There are additional things you can do to increase your own absorption of these healthy fats. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Getting Started
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Store supplements or essential fatty acid pills somewhere cool and dark. Sunlight and heat will strip the pills of their effectiveness, and you will not be able to absorb them as well as you should. Keep pills in the refrigerator, and make sure they are not exposed to light. Too much light will make them ineffective.
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Keep on top of the expiration dates on the pills. They will not work as well as they should after these dates.
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Reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet. Because saturated fat is linked with higher bad cholesterol levels, it is referred to as the "bad" kind of fat. To increase your body's ability to absorb "good" fat, limit saturated fat in your diet. Sources of "bad" fat are animal products, sweets and overly refined foods. Look at the nutritional facts on foods you eat to help reduce "bad" fat.
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Keep fat to 30 percent or less of your diet. Take into account the amount of essential fatty acids you are getting from your supplements and diet. Then combine that with any other amounts of fat.
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Cut out other EFA (essential fatty acid) inhibitors. Along with saturated fat, try to take out any partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils. Read the ingredients label on foods to determine if these are present. Limit intake of margarine, deep-fried foods and many processed foods. Cutting back on refined sugar and alcohol will also help absorb EFAs.
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Add other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin C, magnesium, zinc and a vitamin B-complex will increase the body's ability to absorb essential fatty acids. Sometimes these elements can be found in EFA supplements, but you can also get these nutrients from foods or other vitamin tablets.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult a doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet or supplement regimen. Always check with your doctor if you are on other medications before changing your diet or adding new pills.
Make sure the manufacturer you are buying supplements from is reputable and that what you are receiving is what you had in mind. There aren't many regulations pertaining to supplements, so be extra cautious with your purchases.
