Before I begin this post, I want to thank all of you who commented on my last post. I had a couple of "bad mommy" days and I was pretty ticked at myself. I'm over it. Jeff's over it. And, thankfully, I'm pretty sure the kids are over it. (Based on the sweet "I love you, Mommy" Valentines' cards I got!)
SO- on to the really good stuff. I have had a few phone calls and e-mails from several of you who are either starting or thinking about starting Paleo. I want to tell you about a REALLY important part I am just discovering. It has to do with essential fatty acids, or EFA's. So many times we hear the word "fat" and automatically think "bad."
(A little side note here: I have never been a big vitamin taker except when my mother made me. I always thought that people who take lots of vitamins were a little weird. But, I'm reading more and learning more and it's making sense. But, please, don't take my word for it- do your own research!)
Wikipedia describes EFA's like this: Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that humans and other animals must ingest because the body requires them for good health but cannot synthesize them. The term "essential fatty acid" refers to fatty acids required for biological processes, and not those that act only as fuel.
Did you read that first sentence? Humans MUST ingest EFA's because the body requires them for good health. So, where do we get EFA's that our bodies can "synthesize", you ask? I'm sure you've heard of "Omega 3" and "Omega 6". Much of Omega 3's are found in wild caught fish. They are also found in flax and fish oil.
WHY are essential fatty acids essential? What do they really do for us? Well, consider this: The corpus callosum (the middle section of the brain that connects the right and left hemisphere) is largely made up of EFA's. If the left and right hemispheres of the brain are not properly communicating because the middle part is not healthy, a lot of bad stuff can happen. Look at this list of ailments that have been linked to low EFA's:
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoporosis
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Skin disorders
Inflammatory bowel disease
Asthma
Menstrual pain
Besides researching the benefits of EFA's for my own personal health, we have recently been studying it in regards to one of our children who suffers from learning "differences." We were never convinced that he had full on ADD and were not willing to medicate until we knew for sure. Turns out, that many of his focusing and processing issues are probably related to low essential fatty acids.
Because I know that we are not eating enough fish, our family has begun a daily fish oil regimen. I know, I know. You've heard how it tastes so nasty. You've heard you have to take a big ol' horse pill. NOT SO! Let me tell you about a wonderful product we discovered. It is called Barlean's Omega Swirl. There are several yummy flavors, but we are trying the lemon zest right now. It totally tastes like lemon pudding! And, if you are on Paleo, it can seriously be dessert it tastes so sweet!
We have already noticed subtle differences on our child who has been struggling in school. He is able to focus a little bit better and is not quite as impulsive. I am looking forward to seeing the results in a few months!
I am also anxious to see what it will do for me. I have already been in a better mood due to Paleo and not having sugar swings, but what difference will this make?? I will keep you updated.
Until then, whether or not you are doing the Paleo lifestyle, get some fish or flax oil and don't be put off by the word "fat." Not all fats are bad. In fact, as it turns out, some fats are essential.
