Splash! What to Do When Your Gadget Gets Wet

By Samantha Murphy, TechNewsDaily Senior Staff Writer
LiveScience.com | LiveScience.com – Fri, Jun 24, 2011

Everyone knows that gadgets and water don't get along. But fear not, all may not be lost when your smartphone, digital camera or other tech device takes an unexpected nose dive into the pool or ocean. Resuscitation can still be done with the help of a few key tips.

Although your gut reaction may be to take the battery out of your drenched device, dry it off and try it again, the battery should remain out until it's completely dry to avoid a shortage. Then use a towel to not only dry the battery, but also the area inside the device where the battery sits.

However, resist all temptation to pick up a hair dryer or let the device sit in the sun to help along the drying process. Gadgets need to be dried with still, dry air, not with excess heat.

Drying the device shouldn't stop with just cleaning up the wet areas. Place the device into a covered bowl or container of dry, uncooked rice to soak up all of the moisture from the device. It should sit there overnight in a cool, dry place.

Uncover the container the next morning, remove the device and hope for the best.

This story was provided by TechNewsDaily, a sister site to LiveScience. Reach TechNewsDaily senior writer Samantha Murphy at smurphy@techmedianetwork.com. Follow her on Twitter @SamMurphy_TMN

Scarlet Fever Outbreak: Should We Worry?

By Lisa Collier Cool
Jun 23, 2011

Scarlet fever—the much-feared scourge of the past—is back, with an outbreak in Hong Kong that has killed two children and sickened hundreds. More than 21,000 cases have also been reported in China so far this year, nearly quadruple the rate for the same period in 2010, while infections have tripled in Macau, prompting the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to issue a warning to travelers to China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

What makes the outbreak particularly alarming is that the strain infecting the region is 60 percent resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat it, compared to 10 to 30 percent resistance in previous strains, according to a microbiologist from Hong Kong University, reports the Taipei Times. Officials expect the outbreak to continue over the summer. Just how dangerous is scarlet fever--and does the outbreak pose a threat to Americans? Here’s a closer look at this infectious disease.

Find out about the 10 worst disease outbreaks in US history.

What’s behind the reemergence of scarlet fever? Although scarlet fever is no longer as lethal as it was in the 19^th century—when it ranked as a leading cause of death in kids—the disease has never fully disappeared. Between 1999 and 2006, there were 9,400 cases of scarlet fever in the US, according to Yahoo! News. Hong Kong scientists who isolated the bacteria in a six-year-old patient found a genetic mutation that may make the new strain more contagious than usual, which could explain the dramatic rise in cases in the affected region.

What causes scarlet fever? The same bacteria that cause strep throat trigger scarlet fever: Group A streptococcus. In order to cause scarlet fever, the bacteria must produce a certain toxin. It causes a skin reaction, leading to the characteristic bright red rash that gives the disease its name.

The Group A strep bacteria that spark scarlet fever were also the culprits in the 1990 death of Jim Henson, creator of the Muppets, at age 53. Like the child in Hong Kong, he developed toxic shock syndrome, the deadly disorder that struck women who used a certain brand of tampons in the 1980s and developed staphylococcal infections. In Henson's case, the reason for his strep A infection is unknown, but his illness also included pneumonia, one of the complications of scarlet fever. The bacterial infection progressed with such frightening speed that by the time he went to the hospital, antibiotic treatment was administered too late to save his life. Health authorities believe that Group A strep is becoming more potent and strikes more often than in past, the NY Times reports.

How is it spread? The infection is transmitted through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also catch it by touching surfaces contaminated by the spray and sharing beverages, food, or eating utensils with an infected person. In rare cases, scarlet fever can be spread by contaminated food, Medscape reports. The incubation period is 12 hours to 7 days and people with the disease can infect others before the symptoms show up.

What are the symptoms? The hallmark of scarlet fever is a sunburn-like rash with tiny red bumps that makes the skin feel rough, like sandpaper. The patient’s tongue often resembles a strawberry--red and bumpy—or may have a whitish coating. Other symptoms include a fever of 101 or higher, a red, sore throat that makes swallowing painful, swollen glands, and less commonly, vomiting or belly pain. After the rash fades, skin on the fingertips and toes may peel.

Who is at risk? Although anyone can get scarlet fever, it is most likely to strike school-age children, according to the CDC. All of the reported Hong Kong cases have occurred in kids. People who have been exposed to the bacteria in the past are usually immune. Medscape reports that about 80 percent of people over the age of 10 have developed lifelong protective antibodies against the disease.

Follow these simple health tips for kids.

How serious is scarlet fever? If treated promptly, it usually clears up without any serious complications. However, if it goes untreated, the bacteria can spread to the tonsils, sinuses, skin, ears, and blood. More serious cases can lead to pneumonia, middle ear infections, rheumatic fever, kidney disease, arthritis, and toxic shock, the condition that killed one of the children in the Hong Kong outbreak.

What is the treatment? Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, rest and fluids. Although the Hong Kong strain is resistant to some of the antibiotics used to treat the disease, penicillin still works. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are a growing health threat worldwide, as more and more bacteria are mutated to be resistant to some or all of the common antibiotics, as a result of overuse of these medications.

What are the best ways to prevent scarlet fever? The CDC recommends washing your hands frequently and avoiding sharing eating utensils, linens, towels and other personal items. It’s particularly crucial for anyone with a sore throat to wash his or her hands frequently, to reduce the risk of spreading the bacteria. The germs are most easily transmitted in close quarters, putting family members at risk if there is an infected person in the household. There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever or strep throat.

10 Symptoms He Shouldn't Ignore

By Richard Laliberte and Gail Saltz, Woman's Day
Tue, Jun 07, 2011

Whenever I get sick, I have a conversation with my wife, Rachelle, that goes like this:

Her: “How are you doing?”
Me: “Fine.”
Her: “Are you sure?”

She just doesn’t trust me when I tell her nothing is wrong—a lack of faith she claims dates to an illness early in our marriage. “You wouldn’t take aspirin because you wanted to see how high your temperature could go,” she recalls. “It was the stupidest reason you ever gave me for not taking care of yourself.”

It wasn’t the last time I put off going for an exam. Recently, a blotchy growth on my hairline went unchecked until its increasing size, nudges from Rachelle and “eww”s from my teenage daughter finally compelled me to see my doctor. It turned out to be an easily treated benign lesion—but the doc made it clear to me that it could have been cancer and really should’ve been checked sooner.

Like a lot of men, I have a thing about doctors. I’m not against them— I just figure medical care is for other guys. “Men like to think they’re indestructible,” says Alan Shindel, MD, codirector of the Men’s Health Program in the department of urology at the University of California, Davis.

We’re not total idiots about health, though. For example, men are more likely than women to get screened for colorectal cancer, and we understand it’s wise to get checked for serious conditions like heart disease and prostate cancer. It’s the out-of-nowhere aches, pains and oddball growths that we tend to blow off. One survey found that a quarter of men who were sick or in pain would wait as long as possible to see a doctor, and 17 percent would wait at least a week.

I finally went to the doctor about the spot on my scalp after I did some online research to assess the odds that it was something serious—and wasn’t reassured by what I read. Men like to be rational. Giving him the facts—as scary as they may be—may turn on a logic switch that makes it difficult to defend dodging his doctor.

Experts agree that not every symptom warrants a trip to the doctor, but some seemingly minor signs shouldn’t be toyed with (in men or women). We asked physicians to tell us the most serious symptoms that often go ignored—and why they shouldn’t be.

1. Feeling Tongue-Tied
He’s thinking: I’m having a senior moment.
But it could be: A stroke. When a clot, injury, narrow blood vessel or other problem restricts blood flow to the brain, the result can be a TIA—a transient ischemic attack, which impairs brain function and can make speech difficult. It’s different from the tip-of-the-tongue reaching for an elusive word. “He might find that words can’t come out at all, or he’ll speak words that are different from the ones he intended or mumble things that don’t make sense,” says Steven Kaplan, MD, director of the Iris Cantor Men’s Health Center now under construction at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Such symptoms warrant an immediate call to the doctor or trip to the ER. Mini-strokes usually last a few minutes and symptoms typically disappear within an hour, but having a TIA means you’re at immediate risk of a more massive stroke. Men have a slightly higher risk of TIAs than women, and risks go up with age, especially after 55. Photo: Stockbyte

2. Shortness of Breath
He’s thinking: I’m really out of shape.
But it could be: An impending heart attack. Shortness of breath with exertion such as walking up a flight of stairs could be a sign that the heart muscle isn’t getting enough oxygen—a hallmark of coronary heart disease, which men age 55 and over are at an increased risk for.

“Any condition that makes breathing a struggle, including asthma and allergies, is exacerbated by exertion,” Dr. Shindel says. “But if shortness of breath seems to be getting worse each time, we worry about the heart.” Breathing that’s labored and doesn’t improve warrants a call to 911. An electrocardiogram or EKG (which measures the electrical activity of your heart), a sonogram or ultrasound of the heart, and chest X-rays can help diagnose or rule out a heart problem. Photo: Jupiterimages

3. Persistent Pain On One side of the Abdomen
He’s thinking: I probably pulled a muscle.
But it could be: A kidney stone or tumor. One-sided pain that goes away probably is a side stitch or pulled muscle and nothing to worry about. “But if a dull ache is persistent, it should be evaluated by a physician,” says Dr. Kaplan. “It could be many things, but a tumor is one of the first possibilities we consider.” An ache from a tumor won’t likely move around, and may get better if he takes an over-the-counter pain reliever—but will keep coming back. “Any abdominal pain that doesn’t resolve within three days deserves to be checked out.”

Sharp, excruciating pain that hits suddenly and doesn’t improve within an hour warrants a trip to the ER. “If it’s a kidney stone, the pain will radiate from a specific point and can be intense enough to make you vomit,” Dr. Kaplan says. “I’ve had one myself, and it’s so horrible it makes you want to die.” The problem could also be appendicitis, a perforated ulcer or a hernia, so it’s important to get checked out. Photo: Shutterstock

4. Toilet-Time Blood
He’s thinking: Must be something I ate.
But it could be: A kidney stone or bladder cancer if blood is in urine; colon cancer if blood is in stools. Bright red spots on tissue after wiping are likely from hemorrhoids. But blood in stools that have become narrower and thinner than usual (like the width of a pencil) could be a sign of cancer. Black, tarry stools might also indicate stomach bleeding from an ulcer. His doctor will likely examine the GI tract via a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy to nail down the problem.

Blood in urine may show up as a subtle pink hue, but he shouldn’t dismiss minuscule amounts or chalk it up to eating beets. “You’d have to eat a whole lot for that to happen,” says Mark Pochapin, MD, director of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. Assume any reddish color is blood: One drop can turn the bowl pink. “Even microscopic amounts are a warning,” says Martin Miner, MD, codirector of the Men’s Health Center at The Miriam Hospital and clinical associate professor at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. “If he can actually see red color, he should definitely be evaluated.” Photo: iStockphoto

5. Trouble Down Below
He’s thinking: There’s a pill for this.
But it could be: An early warning of cardiovascular disease. “The latest studies find that men in their 40s and 50s with erectile dysfunction may be two to five years away from a cardiovascular event like a heart attack,” Dr. Miner says. A recent study at the Mayo Clinic found that men who had ED in their 40s were 50 times more likely to have heart trouble down the road than men who didn’t. The artery leading to the penis is about half the diameter of the one feeding the heart, so experts think that restricted blood flow from atherosclerosis shows up early down below. An EKG or stress test can identify cardiac problems and a Doppler ultrasound (usually from a urologist) can test blood flow in penile blood vessels.

“The first sign of ED is usually trouble maintaining an erection during sex or not having normal morning erections,” Dr. Miner says. The good news is that the onset of ED, if it’s caused by cardiovascular disease, suggests your man may have a window of opportunity to treat heart disease before it becomes a serious problem. Photo: Jim Arbogast/Thinkstock

6. Daytime Fatigue
He’s thinking: I should go to sleep earlier.
But it could be: Obstructive sleep apnea. Spending more time in bed won’t help if fatigue is due to this condition, in which the airway narrows or is blocked during sleep, cutting off breathing and disrupting slumber five to 30 times an hour. “Everyone has a night here and there when he doesn’t sleep well. But if the fatigue doesn’t go away even when he can catch up on rest, sleep apnea could be putting him at risk for health problems such as heart attack, arrhythmias, stroke or even heart failure,” Dr. Shindel says. A sign he’s chronically tired: falling asleep while doing activities during waking hours. “It’s not normal to fall asleep during usual waking hours just because you’re in a dark room,” Dr. Shindel says. Sleep apnea is especially common in overweight men and heavy snorers, but can be treated with breathing devices such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), an apparatus that you wear at night to keep airways open. Losing weight and surgery to widen the airway can also help. Photo: Stockbyte

7. Constant Grumpiness
He’s thinking: I’m just under a lot of stress at work.
But it could be: Depression. Feeling cranky and low because of work hassles or difficult times is normal, but it should dissipate within a few days. With clinical depression, downbeat irritability lasts weeks at a time. “It’s different from run-of-the-mill blues and time for him to talk to his doctor if you’re saying to him, ‘You haven’t been acting like the person I think you really are for weeks’ or he’s lost interest in activities he used to enjoy or isn’t performing at work,” Dr. Shindel says.

Talk therapy and antidepressant medication are the options his doctor will likely suggest first. But if he has symptoms such as fatigue, low sex drive and loss of muscle mass, Dr. Shindel advises getting a blood test for low testosterone, which is sometimes the root cause of depression, especially in men over 40. Testosterone replacement in the form of gel, skin patches or injections can reverse the symptoms, but he should first talk to his doctor carefully about his medical history and the potential risks of testosterone therapy. Photo: Ditigal Vision

8. Frequent Urination
He’s thinking: I’m drinking too much coffee.
But it could be: Type 2 diabetes or an enlarged prostate. It might be the coffee—when he’s actually drinking it. But if he often gets up to go twice or more during the night, his body could be trying to get rid of excess blood sugar that’s built up because it can’t get into cells—the problem that defines diabetes. He should first try adjusting what or when he drinks at night to see if that leads to fewer wee-hour trips to the bathroom. “If he still urinates more than he did a month ago, he should get his blood sugar checked, especially if he also has increased thirst, another red flag for diabetes,” Dr. Miner says. Diabetes can usually be controlled with changes in diet and exercise, often combined with medication.

If he’s also feeling like he can’t empty his bladder completely and/or is having a slow or weak stream, dribbling and having trouble getting urine flow started, the problem may be a growing prostate. This small gland surrounds the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, so an increase in size can put the squeeze on urine flow—a common problem in middle-aged and older men. (In men under 50, symptoms could be due to a urinary tract infection.)

Though painless, an enlarged prostate can eventually get worse and lead to acute urinary retention, where he suddenly can’t urinate at all, which is an emergency that often leads to surgery. Treatment ranges from exercises to strengthen muscles in the pelvic floor to medications that relieve symptoms or shrink the prostate. Prostate cancer is also a possibility, especially for men over 50, and if the doctor suspects that, he’ll do a rectal exam and draw blood to check PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels; higher-than-normal results may indicate prostate enlargement, an infection or cancer. Photo: Thinkstock

9. Yellowish Skin
He’s thinking: What yellow skin?
But it could be: Liver trouble. Yellow skin, or jaundice, suggests the liver isn’t functioning right. Possible causes in adults include liver disease, gallstones, pancreatic cancer or a viral hepatitis infection, which causes swelling of the liver.

“Hepatitis A isn’t a disease people think of, but it’s a virus found in contaminated shellfish and can be passed on by people who prepare food and don’t wash their hands,” Dr. Pochapin says. In fact, hepatitis A is one of the most common infectious diseases that’s preventable with a vaccine— worth considering for anyone who hasn’t been inoculated. Symptoms like jaundice, fever, upset stomach and fatigue usually show up within two to six weeks of exposure and get better on their own with a few weeks of rest. (And the virus doesn’t stay in your body after that.) But have him check in with his doctor, who’ll most likely want to run some tests to figure out exactly what’s going on. Photo: Jupiterimages

10. A New Spot—Mole, Freckle, Red Patch— On the Skin
He’s thinking: It’ll go away.
But it could be: Skin cancer or seborrheic keratoses— warty, waxy benign lesions that become more common in middle age. Any time a new skin growth appears or an existing one changes in size, color or shape, he should see a doctor. Be especially concerned if a spot or mole gets darker, bleeds, itches or feels irritated—all of which are possible signs of skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The differences in appearance between a benign growth and skin cancer—especially melanoma, the deadliest type—can be subtle. So your physician may want to take a biopsy to make a definite ID.

I know all this from firsthand experience— and when I understood what the dangers may have been, I was glad I saw my doctor. After all, nobody’s indestructible forever. Photo: Jupiterimages

Why he doesn’t want to go to the doctor...and how to get him there

Every woman has that man in her life— her father, husband, brother, boyfriend, friend—who just won’t go to the doctor. Indeed, research shows that men are 24 percent less likely to have seen a physician in the past year than women.

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that men are more likely to be hospitalized for a preventable condition than women. What drives their avoidance? Research shows that it has a lot to do with men wanting to feel, well, manly. A study of 1,000 men found that those who have a more traditional view of masculinity—thinking that a “real” man doesn’t complain about pain, for example—were half as likely to get preventive care as those who didn’t agree with such stereotypes.

And let me tell you what else is going on: denial. Many people use it as a coping mechanism to deal with fear. So he’s probably thinking something like: “If I ignore this, it will go away” or “I don’t like needles and being prodded, so I’d rather just skip it” or “It’s either nothing or something too scary to know about, so I don’t want to go.”

So how can you help your man see the doctor? Talk to him about it. Sit down and have a chat, telling him that getting regular checkups is the best way to catch any potential illness before it becomes harder to treat and possibly life-threatening. Emphasize how important it is for him to be there—and healthy—for his family. Research shows this is the strongest motivator for men to see the doctor, probably because it appeals to their traditional sense of what their roles are. To help him address a symptom, the best dialogue I can suggest is something along the lines of: Let’s agree to tell each other when we’re feeling or seeing something that’s unusual or new for us—no matter how embarrassing—so we can help each other figure out what to do. I’m going to tell you if I have a stomach, gynecological or other issue and get it taken care of so I can stay healthy for you, and I want you to do the same for me.

Asking him to go to the doctor, and, if need be, arranging the visit shows that you’re taking his health (and symptoms) seriously, which can propel him to as well. It also helps remove the stigma he may feel about asking for help. Beforehand, help him organize his questions and concerns in writing and, if he’d like, be there with pen and paper in hand (or send him with a tape recorder) so you can both discuss the doctor’s responses later. When people are anxious, they often don’t hear or process the information they’re given in the moment. Don’t worry about being overbearing: A little nagging can go a long way in helping him protect his health. Photo: Shutterstock

Fight Wrinkles While Sitting At Your Desk

Jolene Hart , Beauty Editor

Depending on how you go about your day there are things you could be doing at your desk to fight wrinkles every single day..


We’ve all been warned about the bad habits that can accelerate visible aging. Ah hello... sunbathers ... that includes me of course! But how about focusing on the good, wrinkle-fighting habits that can help us stay young-looking in the long run?

We love these tips for fighting wrinkles at work, from Massachusetts dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel. Check out a few of our easy- to-remember favorites:

• Drink lots of pure, filtered water from your office water cooler to stave off dehydration and keep your skin moist and fresh.

• Keep a piece of fresh fruit at your desk for an antioxidant boost during the day.

• Have a bottle of moisturizer on hand to apply throughout the day when your skin feels parched.

• Don’t sit with your palm pushed onto your face. You’ll increase your chances of facial creases over time.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health: an Overview

Definition of omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (18-22 carbon atoms in chain length) with the first of double bonds beginning with the third carbon atom. They are called “polyunsaturated” because their molecules have two or more of the so-called “double bonds” between carbon atoms. Their designation as “long-chain” fatty acids has to do with the fact that they consist of at least 18 carbon atoms. The picture below illustrates the molecular structure of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3 family) as compared to linoleic acid (LA, omega-6 family). Both of them consist of 18 carbon atoms and are classified as polyunsaturated, but ALA has three double bonds, the first of which is located in the third position from the “end” of the molecule, whereas LA has just two double bonds, starting with the sixth position. These differences may seem very minor, but they are of paramount importance in terms of the physiological action of ALA and LA, making them perform totally different roles in the human body. The omega-3 family of fatty acids includes alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18 carbon atoms, 3 double bonds), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20 carbon atoms, 5 double bonds), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22 carbon atoms, 6 double bonds). ALA is the "base" omega-3 fatty acid, from which EPA and DHA are made in the body through a series of enzymatic reactions called "elongation" (the molecule becomes longer by incorporating new carbon atoms) and "desaturation" (new double bonds are created). In nature, ALA is primarily found in certain plant seeds (e.g., flax, hemp, Camelina) and their oils, and in most green leafy vegetables (especially purslane), whereas EPA and DHA mostly occur in the tissues of cold-water fish (such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel), and in some marine plants. Omega-3s are not just "good fats". They are truly essential for health and vitality After the advent of the so-called "lipid hypothesis", which linked the consumption of dietary fat with increased risk of heart disease and other health problems, fats were so heavily demonized by the official medical establishment that many people started thinking that the best answer to the "fat problem" is to stay away from it altogether. Big food processing companies were quick to realize the enormous profit potential of this trend, and soon the market became flooded with "low fat" and "fat-free" products, promising to put an end to obesity and heart disease. However, not all fats were created equal. While the consumption of some types of fat may, indeed, be a risk factor for certain health problems (synthetic trans-fats, so dearly loved by the food-processing industry, rather than natural fats, seem to be the primary culprit here), some other fats, including alpha-liniolenic acid (ALA) from the omega-3 family, are so important for health that they have been termed "essential fatty acids" (EFAs). The essential nature of these fatty acids stems from the fact that our bodies need them to perform vitally important functions, but are unable to manufacture them. Therefore, we must get them from outside sources (such as food or dietary supplements). That's why any attempt to indiscriminately reduce or eliminate all fats from one's diet inevitably leads to an EFA deficit, which may be very detrimental to health. Essential fatty acids were first discovered back in 1929 by a husband-and-wife research team George and Mildred Burr. While doing animal research, they have noticed that a lack of essential fatty acids caused the animals to develop some serious health problems, including scaling and swelling of the skin, as well as damage to internal organs. If the EFA deficit was left unattended, the animals eventually died. In 1956, Hugh Sinclair, one of the world's greatest researchers in the field of human nutrition, has suggested that an upsurge in the so-called "diseases of civilization" - namely, coronary heart disease, thrombosis, strokes, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and cancer - was caused by abnormalities in fat metabolism. According to his writings, the main reason for such abnormalities was the fact that modern-day diets are full of processed foods rich in trans-fatty acids, while being extremely poor in essential fatty acids. According to Hugh Sinclair, this EFA deficit was the main reason behind his striking observation: in spite of improvements in medicine and standard of living, the life expectancy of a 50-year-old man had not changed since the middle of the 19th century. Although Sinclair's opinions were not supported by his peers at the time, and he was even ridiculed by some of them for his bold hypothesis, later research has convincingly shown that he was, indeed, correct. In fact, he is now universally recognized and praised for insights that were far ahead of his time.		Our Special Flat Rate $5.95 Shipping Limited Time Offer Click here for details Our Special Flat Rate $5.95 Shipping Limited Time Offer Click here for details
The role of omega-3 EFA in disease prevention and treatment During the 50 years that have elapsed after Hugh Sinclair's discoveries, EFAs, including omega-3 fatty acids, have been extensively researched by scientists. This research has brought some extremely interesting and promising results in terms of the potential of omega-3 fatty acids to prevent and treat many modern diseases. It has been shown that ensuring the presence of an adequate amount of omega-3s in the diet may help to achieve the following health-promoting objectives: - Anti-clotting (thrombolytic) effect: Omega-3s help to avoid thrombosis (formation of blood clots) by preventing platelets (thrombocytes) from sticking together and forming blood clots. Blood clots, which may result in stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism (PE), are the #1 cause of death in thw Western world, but most of them are preventable by including omega-3 fatty acids and other anti-clotting foods and supplements into one's diet. - Lowering the risk of heart disease, including CHD (coronary heart disease) and atherosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven in many clinical studies to benefit heart health, particularly through their vasodilatory (widening of blood vessels) and anti-atherogenic (preventing the formation of artery-blocking atherosclerotic plaques) effects. These findings are supported by the American Heart Association guidelines. - Lowering the level of triglycerides (fats) in the blood. The effectiveness of omega-3s in lowering blood triglycerides (fats) known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease has been well established in multiple clinical studies. - Lowering high blood pressure (alleviating hypertension). Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower mild hypertension when it is due to cardiovascular disease, specifically atherosclerosis (hardening of the artery walls, formation of arterial plaques, and the resulting narrowing of the arteries). - Reduction in heart irregularities. Omega-3 EFAs have been shown to lower heartbeat rates and prevent arrhythmias (disturbances of the normal rhythm in the heart's beating), thus decreasing the chances of a sudden death from a heart attack. - Alleviation of circulatory problems. Circulatory problems such as varicose veins and Raynaud's disease benefit from omega-3 supplementation. Omega-3s stimulate blood circulation and increase the breakdown of fibrin, a compound involved in clot and scar formation. - Helping to alleviate mood disorders, such as depression. Persons with mood disorders may also benefit from omega-3 supplementation. Lack of omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to depression by researchers. - Reducing aggression. A new study of teenagers has found that the consumption of omega-3 EFAs relates to lower hostility rates in teenagers. Hostility has been shown to play a role in the development and manifestation of heart disease. - Helping patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia and dyspraxia. As is the case with depression and other mood disorders, persons who suffer from ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia (absence of ability to perform coordinated skilled movements) benefit from omega-3 supplementation. - Helping to improve memory and learning skills, and prevent Alzheimer's disease. Studies have proven that omega-3 fatty acids improve brain function and that the intake of omega-3s is linked to a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Studies also suggest that omega-3 EFAs may have a protective effect on the nervous system. - Prevention of allergies in children. Studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid intake by prospective mothers during pregnancy may protect their babies against the development of allergies. Omega-3s have been found to protect against symptoms of hay fever, sinus infections, asthma, food allergies, as well as allergic skin conditions such as hives and eczema. - Improving the condition of those who suffer from inflammatory skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. In the skin of persons with psoriasis and other inflammatory skin disorders the amount of compounds causing inflammation is many times greater than normal. Omega-3 EFAs inhibit the production of these inflammatory compounds, improving the health of skin, nails and hair. - Alleviating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory forms of arthritis, affecting, in particular, persons with psoriasis and gout. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the amount of compounds causing inflammation, and increase the formation of anti-inflammatory substances such as PGE3. - Improving the immune status. The intake of omega-3 fatty acids has been proven to be beneficial for the body's immune function. Research has also linked the intake of omega-3s to lowered risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. - Alleviating certain symptoms of PMS. Premenstrual symptoms such as pain, cramps and bloating are often alleviated by resorting to omega-3 supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids are converted into hormone-like substances (type 3 prostaglandins, or PGE3), which help to control contractions of the uterus. - Improvement of visual acuity. Research has shown that consumption of omega-3 EFAs is linked to lowered risk of age-related macular degeneration - an eye condition which is the leading cause of severe loss of vision in people over 50.
How omega-3s work: an introduction to prostaglandins It is obvious that an adequate daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids can play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of a great number of serious and widespread diseases affecting modern societies. The ability of omega-3s to achieve these health-promoting effects is primarily due to their role as the precursors of prostaglandins - localized tissue hormones that seem to be the fundamental regulating molecules in most forms of life. They do not travel in the blood like hormones, but are created in the cells to serve as catalysts for a large number of processes including the movement of calcium and other substances into and out of cells, dilation and contraction, inhibition and promotion of clotting, regulation of secretions, including digestive juices and hormones, and control of fertility, cell division and growth. This unique significance of omega-3s and prostaglandins for major life-supporting processes in the human body led Dr. Mary Enig, a leading lipid researcher and nutritional scientist of our times, and Ms. Sally Fallon, President of Weston A. Price Foundation, to making the following statement: "Research into prostaglandins holds enormous promise for the treatment of disease with various drugs that selectively inhibit or stimulate the production of specific prostaglandins. Such drugs might be likened to police officers used to direct traffic or called on to help at the scene of an accident. For most of us, however, the best way to ensure adequate prostaglandin production along with proper balance between the various series and their subsets is to follow a diet that provides precursors to eicosanoid production, and keeps the pathways free from blocks and potholes, a diet that provides fuel for our prostaglandin cars and keeps the highways clear." (Tripping Lightly down the Prostaglandin Pathways, Sally Fallon and Mary Enig, PhD, 1996). In the same article, the authors go on to explain the specific mechanisms behind the formation and major actions of EFA-derived prostaglandins and other eicosanoids (20-carbon hormone-like tissue substances which are similar to prostaglandins): "Prostaglandins are produced in the cells by the action of enzymes on essential fatty acids. There are two prostaglandin pathways, one that begins with double-unsaturated omega-6 linoleic acid and one that begins with triple-unsaturated omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. Both pathways essentially involve elongation of the 18-carbon EFA's to the 20-carbon root used in each of the three eicosanoid types, plus further desaturation.
On the omega-6 pathway, the Series 1 prostaglandins are produced from a 20-carbon, triple unsaturated fatty acid called dihomo-y-linolenic acid (DGLA) that is found in liver and other organ meats. The Series 2 prostaglandins are produced from a 20-carbon quadruple unsaturated fatty acid called arachidonic acid (AA) found in butter, animal fats, especially pork, organ meats, eggs and seaweed.On the omega-3 pathway, the Series 3 prostaglandins are produced from a 20-carbon quintuple unsaturated fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)...". For a detailed diagram describing the omega-3 and omega-6 prostaglandin pathways, please click here. A fundamental shift in the omega-6/omega-3 ratio created a major prostaglandin imbalance, giving rise to "diseases of modern civilization" "Early research focused on the interplay between the Series 1 and Series 2 prostaglandins. In the most simple terms, the Series 2 prostaglandins seem to be involved in swelling, inflammation, clotting and dilation, while those of the Series 1 group have the opposite effect. This has led some writers, notably Barry Sears in his popular book The Zone, to call the Series 2 family the "bad" eicosanoids and to warn readers against eating liver and butter, sources of arachidonic acid, the Series 2 precursor. Sears also asserts that perfect balance of the various prostaglandin series can be achieved by following a diet in which protein, carbohydrate and fat are maintained in certain strict proportions. This is a highly simplistic view of the complex interactions on the prostaglandin pathway, one which does not take into account individual requirements for macro and micro nutrients, nor of imbalances that may be caused by nutritional deficiencies, environmental stress or genetic defects. Like all systems in the body, the many eicosanoids work together in an array of loops and feedback mechanisms of infinite complexity... The Series 2 prostaglandins do indeed play a role in swelling and inflammation at sites of injury. This is not at all a "bad" effect, but an important protective mechanism - the body's way of immobilizing the affected site to prevent further injury and facilitate healing. Series 2 prostaglandins also seem to play a role in inducing birth, in regulating temperature, in lowering blood pressure, and in the regulation of platelet aggregation and clotting. Later investigators have focused on the balance between Series 2 and Series 3 prostaglandins. The Series 2 group is involved in intense actions, often in response to some emergency such as injury or stress; the Series 3 group has a modulating effect. Series 2 eicosanoids might be likened to the "fast lane" in that they are often associated "with an explosive, but transient burst of synthesis. . . if the rate of synthesis is too slow, there will be insufficient active eicosanoids to occupy receptors. If the rate is synthesis is too fast, excess active eicosanoids can cause pathophysiology." The Series 3 prostaglandins are formed at a slower rate and work to attenuate excessive Series 2 production. Their response is "less vigorous". The omega-3 pathway might therefore be likened to the "slow lane." Adequate production of the Series 3 prostaglandins seems to protect against heart attack and stroke as well as certain inflammatory diseases like arthritis, lupus and asthma." (Op. Cit.) The table below illustrates the opposing effects of different-series prostaglandins on human physiology:
Series 3 Prostaglandins (omega-3) Series 2 Prostaglandins (omega-6) Decreased platelet aggregation (blood clotting) Increased platelet aggregation (blood clotting) Vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) Vasoconstriction (narrowing of vessels) Anti-inflammatory effect Pro-inflammatory effect Immune system enhancement Immune system suppression Increased oxygen flow Decreased oxygen flow Decreased cell proliferation Increased cell proliferation Decreased pain Increased pain Widening of respiratory passages Narrowing of respiratory passages Increased endurance Lowered endurance
It may, indeed, seem from this table that the effects of series 3 prostaglandins derived from omega-3 fatty acids (PGE3) are mostly “positive”, making them “good prostaglandins”, whereas series 2 prostaglandins derived from omega-6s (PGE2) are “bad prostaglandins”. However, as was explained above, this view is too simplistic. The fact is that both groups of prostaglandins perform vitally important functions and supplement each other through complex and multi-faceted interactions. There is only one crucial condition that must be fulfilled if the entire system is to work well and promote health, rather than disease. This condition is BALANCE. For the prostaglandin pathways to run smoothly, the intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids must be well-balanced, as was the case during 99% of human history – before the global switch to industrial agriculture and processed foods. For many centuries, the ratio between omega-6s and omega-3s was within the 1:1 to 4:1 range believed by most scientists to be acceptable for optimal metabolism of fats and proportionate production of different prostaglandins. Therefore, for the complex system of essential fat metabolism to function properly, the maximum allowable daily intake of omega-6 fatty acids should be no more than four times greater than the corresponding omega-3 intake. If the intake of omega-6 fats exceeds this maximum allowable level, the body starts producing too many series 2 (omega-6) prostaglandins, and too few series 3 (omega-3) prostaglandins, causing the delicate system of metabolic “checks and balances” to malfunction. Hugh Sinclair was right: the advent of processed foods abundant in “bad fats” (trans-fatty acids and excessive omega-6 linoleic acid) and deficient in “good fats” (omega-3 fatty acids) caused a fundamental abnormality in fat metabolism. The omega-6/omega-3 ratio went completely out of control. In fact, the current average omega-6/omega-3 ratio in the American diet is not 2:1 or even 4:1, but a whopping 20:1 (!). This means that the effects of omega-6-derived prostaglandins, which are beneficial under certain circumstances but can be harmful if the system goes out of balance, begin to overwhelm the body and cause serious health problems. Their thrombogenic (blood-clotting), pro-inflammatory action, when not attenuated by thrombolytic (blood-thinning and anti-clotting), anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 prostaglandins, leads to the formation of potentially dangerous blood clots and throws the body into the state of chronic inflammation, giving rise to a whole array of clot- and inflammation-related chronic diseases, including thrombosis, arthritis, diabetes, and asthma. The tendency of PGE2 to narrow the blood vessels and promote blood platelet aggregation is conducive to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). In addition, their ability to stimulate cell proliferation may play a role in the development of malignant tumors. How much omega-3 EFAs do we need and what are the best sources of omega-3s? Apparently, by adding a certain amount of omega-3 EFAs to the diet it is possible to restore the vitally important prostaglandin balance, avoiding or reversing the negative health consequences of the omega-6 overload. The are two questions that must be answered here: 1) what should be our daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids; and 2) what are the best sources of dietary omega-3s. Scientists have not yet developed a universal answer with regard to how much omega-3 EFAs are needed daily. Perhaps the most detailed and authoritative recommendations in this regard were made by the participants of the Workshop on the Essentiality of and Recommended Dietary Intakes for Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids, held in Bethesda, Maryland, under the auspices of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL). The Workshop participants consisted of investigators of the role of essential fatty acids in nutrition, cardiovascular disease, and mental health. It was truly international in nature bringing together scientists from academia, government, international organizations, and industry from Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States. The Workshop participants came to the following conclusion: “After much discussion consensus was reached on the importance of reducing the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) even as the omega-3 PUFAs are increased in the diet of adults and newborns for optimal brain and cardiovascular health and function. This is necessary to reduce adverse effects of excesses of arachidonic acid (AA) and its eicosanoid products. Such excesses can occur when too much linoleic acid (LA) and AA are present in the diet and an adequate supply of dietary omega-3 fatty acids is not available. The adverse effects of too much arachidonic acid and its eicosanoids can be avoided by two interdependent dietary changes. First, the amount of plant oils rich in LA, the parent compound of the omega-6 class, which is converted to AA, needs to be reduced. Second, simultaneously the omega-3 PUFAs need to be increased in the diet. LA can be converted to arachidonic acid and the enzyme, delta-6 desaturase, necessary to desaturate it, is the same one necessary to desaturate alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the parent compound of the omega-3 class; each competes with the other for this desaturase. The presence of ALA in the diet can inhibit the conversion of the large amounts of LA in the diets of Western industrialized countries which contain too much dietary plant oils rich in omega-6 PUFAs (e.g. corn, safflower, and soybean oils). The increase of ALA, together with EPA and DHA, and reduction of vegetable oils with high LA content, are necessary to achieve a healthier diet in these countries.” (Artemis P. Simopoulos, MD, The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, Washington, DC, U.S.A.; Alexander Leaf, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, U.S.A.; Norman Salem, Jr. PhD, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, U.S.A. Final Statement by the Participants of the Workshop on the Essentiality of and Recommended Dietary Intakes for Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Bethesda, MD 1999)
With regard to the recommended dosages of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, the Workshop agreed upon the following guidelines: 1) for linoleic acid (LA), an adequate intake (AI)* was set at 4.44 grams per day, with an upper limit of 6.67 grams per day (2% and 3% of daily caloric intake, respectively, based on a 2000-calorie diet); 2) for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an adequate intake (AI)* was set at 2.22 grams per day (1% of daily caloric intake), with no upper limit. Therefore, based on the recommendations of the Workshop, we need at least 2.22 grams of ALA per day. This translates into approximately one teaspoon (5 ml) of flax oil or its more stable and better-tasting counterpart - Camelina (wild flax) oil - daily. However, it is important to realize that it is very difficult not to exceed the upper limit for LA consumption (6.67 grams daily) unless you make a consistent effort to replace processed foods with natural, healthier alternatives present in traditional diets. For example, just one serving of corn, soybean or almost any other "supermarket" vegetable oil supplies 7-8 grams of LA, exceeding the upper daily limit on LA consumption. Moreover, the major problem with processed foods is that highly processed (refined, deodorized, or hydrogenated) omega-6 vegetable oils are one of their “cornerstone” ingredients, sharing this dubious honor with refined sugar and white flour. As a result, by eating processed foods we consume sizable amounts of omega-6 linoleic acid without even paying attention to it. For example, such processed foods as cakes, cookies, crackers, pies, and bread, as well as potato chips, corn chips, popcorn, and other popular snacks (as well as many other “supermarket foods” – there are too many of them to mention here), are usually loaded with omega-6 fats, often in their most dangerous hydrogenated (trans-fat) form. If the consumption of such foods is not curtailed, the daily upper limit for omega-6 fatty acid intake may easily be exceeded many times over. Moreover, the rate of enzymatic conversion of alpha-linolenic acid into longer-chain precursors of prostaglandins is not uniform, and may be negatively affected by such widespread factors as aging, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, consumption of trans-fatty acids and alcohol, low thyroid function, smoking, and stress. For instance, achieving a maximum rate of ALA-to-EPA conversion requires an adequate daily intake of vitamins C, B6, B3, zinc and magnesium, preferably from natural sources, which are not always available. With this in mind, in order to ensure an extra degree of protection against disease-causing abnormalities in fat metabolism, it may be advisable to increase omega-3 supplementation to a level higher than 2.22 grams of ALA daily, especially considering that, as opposed to the case with omega-6s, the experts did not impose an upper limit on omega-3 EFA consumption. Therefore, many nutritionists recommend a daily dose of one tablespoon (15 ml) of an ALA-rich oil (such as flax or Camelina oil), supplying about 6 to 8 grams of ALA. This amount of daily omega-3 supplementation will compensate for a probable excess of omega-6s in the diet, as well as for a possibility of an impaired ALA-to-EPA conversion. For a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of different available sources of omega-3 fatty acids, please visit this page. If you need more information or have questions, please contact our holistic nutritionists at consult@siberiantigernaturals.com. * If sufficient scientific evidence is not available to calculate an Estimated Average Requirement, a reference intake called an Adequate Intake (AI) is used instead of a Recommended Dietary Allowance. The AI is a value based on experimentally derived intake levels or approximations of observed mean nutrient intakes by a group (or groups) of healthy people. The AI is expected to meet or exceed the amount needed to maintain a defined nutritional state or criterion of adequacy in essentially all members of a specific healthy population.