Hi Dr. Davis,

Adipose tissue also stores a lot of LA (proportional to long-term diet) and that will influence blood lipids.  The half-life of adipose LA is about 2 years, so changing that contribution is a long-term process.

I used the omega profile thru YFH.com.  My AA/EPA ratio was 1.39 on 7.5gm EPA+DHA (1 TBS EicoRx)daily  This dose also cured my asthma and almost eliminated my seasonal allergies.  EicoRx has GLA added, which pushes eicosanoid synthesis more toward the "Good Side".  One of the best basic fish oils is available thru the life extension foundation.  It is 60% pure (600mg EPA+DHA per 1000mg capsule) and contains sesame lignans and olive extract.  It is certified thru IFOS.  I got it on sale for under $10 for a bottle of 120!

I wonder if taking 6G of EPA+DHA/day - split as three separate dosages has any advantage over a single dose?

Dr. Davis!

I like your n=1 experiment!

Thank you for sharing your results. In all honesty, I think your Japanese blood demands more omega-3's.  That might in fact be genetic!!
  
-G

Dr. Davis!

I like your n=1 experiment!

Thank you for sharing your results. In all honesty, I think your Japanese blood demands more omega-3's.  That might in fact be genetic!!
  
-G

What about the studies that Harvard's nutrition webpage cites that omega-3 and omega-6 were both beneficial and that they are not competition with each other?

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/omega-3-fats/index.html

The studies have citation numbers of 4 and 5 but i'll link them here anyway

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17876199?dopt=Citation

"Adequate intakes of both n-6 and n-3 fatty acids are essential for good health and low rates of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, but the ratio of these fatty acids is not useful. Reductions of linoleic acid to "improve" this ratio would likely increase rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15630029?dopt=Citation

"n-3 PUFAs from both seafood and plant sources may reduce CHD risk, with little apparent influence from background n-6 PUFA intake."

I wonder if there are any other commercial labs doing Omega3/6 testing? Ideally, I'd like to get it a regular lab, through insurance, as I see enough doctors that I can get one to write a script.

Any concerns about GeneSmart also selling Omega 3 supplements? It seems like a conflict of interest to me somehow. I would look at a VAP test differently if the same company sold statins direct to the consumer, for instance.

Aw, shucks! Since dark chocolate is supposed to have good antioxidants, and nuts are supposed to have good fats, I thought that peanut or almond M&Ms would be the perfect health food.

I'm currently taking 3600 mg EPA-DHA in 5 gels of PurPride fish oil at $.04 per gel...while equiv LEF fish oil would be 3 at $.17 per.

I'm sure the LEF quality is better.

Was wondering if 5 gels (3600 mg) was too much...looks like it might not be.

Omega6s are one of the reasons I cut back on most nuts. Walnuts are the worst. The lowest amounts of omega6s are in macadamia nuts, so I still eat few of those. For this same reason I rarely eat avocados any more - they were throwing off my omega6/omega3 balance way too much, despite all the fish and supplements. Compared to most nuts and avocadoes even grain-fed beef is pretty benign from omega6 point of view.

I wonder if any progress is being made in evaluating each person as a unique system. The same levels for everyone may not be appropriate.

I don't know how many nuts you're eating a week Doc, but 8 oz. of mixed nuts has about 25 g. 18:2 n-6 (LA).  Most nuts are high in LA, except for macadamia nuts.  Walnuts are the highest, with 38 g. LA per 100 g. of nuts.  Pecans are next at 20, peanuts at 15, almonds and pistachios at about 13.5, and cashews at 8.5. Macadamias have only 1.3 g. LA per 100 g. of nuts.

Hello,

I just purchased the omega 3/omega 3/6 ration test -

what does the omega ratio test cover? The ratio in tissue? Blood? My understanding is that the ratio in tissue is what is the best identifier, but I believe it says that blood is tested?

*confused*

All the evidence suggests that dietary linoleic acid (plant-based omega 6) is perfectly healthy - it's the dietary arachidinoic acid (animal-based omega 6) that's problematic.

Omega-6 intake seems to be a tripping point. We'll discuss that in a future post.

Dr Davis,
If we order test kits from overseas, even if the kit arrives OK I'm worried about customs problems when sending back my own blood in order to get the results. Any idea how likely this is to be a problem?

Hi, Rick--

To my knowledge, there should be no problem with international orders.

I remember one of the marketing points made by krill sellers is that krill EPA/ DHA is absorbed better into the cell membrane verses regular fish oil.  It would be interesting to see if that is true.

Interesting comment about the krill, although to do a fair comparison the Omega 3 intakes would need to be equal (or in the same ballpark) for both fish and krill.

To get to 1-2 grams of Omega 3s/daily from krill, it'd probably bankrupt you.

I think krill may do a better job than fish oil as to  reducing c-reactive protein and probably does absorb better. But it's not so cost effective at large doses.

Are you a vegetarian?  I think I read somewhere you don't like meat.  Perhaps this is contributing to your omega 3 index.

Hi.  I just recently saw something on WebMD that said Fish Oil has been shown to worsen your risk of heart disease.  What do you think about that?

I previously posted that I was taking 3600 mg O3s...when it is actually 1500 mgs...
will be increasing to around 2900 mgs.

Do have a question as far as the interaction of a pomegranate extract which I take...where this is also supposed to help clear plaque...any such thing as too much arterial clearing?

These companies that sell supplements and omega 3 index tests dont do the analysis.  
The lab that created the Index, OmegaQuant, does the lab work and is blinded to patient information.

I cut back on bread somewhat before coming to TYP, without a specific intent to lose weight.  I was happy to drop 9 lbs over four months just the same, but thought I was done when I reached 165lbs, my weight as a high school senior (I am 54 years old now, and no one thought I was overweight at 174 lbs. - I am 5'10", so BMI was at the top of the normal range at 174 lbs)

In Jan. 2009 I joined TYP, further cut my wheat intake to one modest helping a day and reduced sugar and fructose to maybe 10g or 15g a day (that is not the most rigorous TYP diet, to be sure; this is really only moderate compliance).  More weight dropped off (again, I had no real intention or desire to lose weight).  

Now I am 156 lbs, which probably was where I was as a high school sophomore.  I feel great, and have been playing better lacrosse and soccer than I have in years.

One clue -- my triglycerides never were too high, 70 or 80 over the years (LDL, well that is another matter).  Even on my good but not great TYP diet, trigs dropped like a stone, 29 the last time tested.  I think trigs are a great measure of wheat and sugar sensitivity.  If they are above 100, by all means restrict wheat and sugar and see if they don't get to a much healthier 60.  Even if not over 100, watch the trigs number go down and watch the lbs go down too.

My son lost six pounds over the summer cutting down vastly on wheat and sugar but eating everything else like a horse.  Neither of us has any interest in denying ourselves whatever quantity of food we want.  He was not trying to lose weight either.

Family members are not used to seeing me on the thin side, so I have gotten some comments asking if I am anorexic etc.  No, but I do get full with less food nowadays.

Thanks, Bark.

I agree on the triglyceride issue: It is a very sensitive gauge of carbohydrate, specificaly wheat, exposure.

I had a high weight of 245 - now I'm at an ideal weight of 185 and maintaining it with out cravings.

I used the AHA recommended low fat diet earlier with limited success and many health problems (back problems - gastic problems). Felt miserable all the time and failed to lose and keep the weight off. I thought I would never run again. I now sprint uphill for a block twice a day.

What a difference..

Thanks, Karl.

Pictures of your experience?

Although I started studying about my thyroid issue much earlier and did lose some weight, but ever since I started following Dr. Davis’s blog, it has given me confidence that I was on the right track. I did have my thyroid and iodine figured it out from other sources but Dr. Davis helped me to understand the issues with not only the thyroid but vitamin D3, fructose, fish oil, niacin, wheat etc. I have lost 43lb in last 14 months. It seems to me that there are certain percentages of weight connected with different issues. For example, after I gave up alcohol and sugar, I lost about 14lbs from total weight of 243lbs, weight came down to about 229lb. then it stopped at 229lb, even though I was in the gym almost 5 to 6 days a week with full workout. After I changed my thyroid medication to natural thyroid hormones (took synthetic t4 for over 10 years) the weight dropped down further 13lbs or so in matter of few days, shape of the face changed from moon shape/double chin to ordinary long face. Then it kind of stopped at around 213-216lbs. after giving up wheat, reducing carbs, increasing protein intake (whey protein, chicken etc. no soya, no fructose) the weight came down another 14lbs. now it is around 200-202lbs and I am over 6.2 tall with heavy set of bones. I feel better than I have ever in my life. More stamina, more clarity/no fog, more confidence and 99% of the time relaxed and being able to see the situation from multiple angels. I use to be able to drink a liter or more jack denial without a problem in one evening but now can’t stand half a can of beer (I miss JD). Drinking alcohol makes me sick. I sleep well and if I wake up in the middle of the night, I have no problem going back to sleep. No more out of breath stair climbing at all. One other thing, I was use to be the most attractive meal to the mosquitoes but not anymore, this year I haven’t been bitten once. I take my dog to the park everyday and I do not use any mosquito repellent, what a relief. I don’t know if it is because of thyroid, iodine, wheat or something else. Skin texture has changed dramatically; I do not use full soap or shampoo, 20% borax, 10 percent of my soap or shampoo for scent and rest water, mixed in a 500ml bottle, no more dandruff, dry skin, pimples for me. Dr. Davis I am thank full to people like you who have the ability to see beyond what you have been taught and have the guts to say the way it is. Most of us work to make living on daily basis but some make their living while spreading their knowledge to save lives. Dr Davis you are one of those few people. Please keeps it going.

Kris--

Wow! Great story.

I'd like to feature your story as a Heart Scan Blog post to help others understand the various steps involved in losing weight effectively.

OK, I'm sold.  I have been reading your Blog, Dr. Davis, for about 6 months.  My mother had a heart attack at age 59 last year.  She is concerned about me, and for good reason.  I am 39 years old, 5'2' and 215 pounds. I have tried EVERYTHING, and 6 months ago was sold on the lap band.  Then I found your blog.  My cholesterol was 258, and my "new" doctor put me on 10 mg of simvastatin.  My former doctor gave me a lecture.  After 3 months of very little change with the cholesterol, she wanted to up the dosage.  I asked for a chance to try Niacin and fish oil.  3 months later, my overall number was down to 217.  The nurse told me it was a "slight" change...darn, I think 41 points on my cholesterol in 3 months was GREAT!  I go back in October.  My thyroid was "borderline" for years, but I was never given anything to help--only lectures.  "LOSE WEIGHT"..."You're obese"...One doctor told me I was a "prime candidate" for gastric bypass.  I nearly fell off my chair.  If I don't learn how to change my diet, I will be in the same situation post lap band or gastric bypass.  I won't do that to myself.
So, YES, I am sold.  I am going to go wheat (and sugar) free.  I have been doing some food research and some creative shopping.  I will keep you posted!!  Wish me luck!
Thank you for a wonderful, compelling blog, Dr. Davis.

Hi, Tonya--

Please be sure to let us know how it goes in a few weeks.

A question about weight loss and niacin, which has been recommended to me for my high LDL. I notice, Dr Davis, in one of your posts you said that niacin works by blocking release of fatty acids from the fat cells. I've also read that it can somewhat elevate blood sugar--all of which sounds like an insulin response.  Could niacin hinder weight loss?  I've never heard this but the mode of action suggests that it could.

Thanks so much for your excellent blog; I never fill a prescription without checking here first.

Hi, Bonnie--

Theoretically it could. However, this doesn't seem to play out in real life, for reasons I don't understand.

I've witnessed substantial weight while on niacin, so if there's an effect, it must be quite trivial.

I am still quite fat, but have given up on bread and sugars and white flour and the "usual suspects", and the weight is starting to come off, even without being too disciplined to do all the rest of the steps.  I'll get there too, but just had to take those first steps, WHICH ARE WORKING.  

Clothes are looser, energy levels starting to increase dramatically, but more important to me, and something I am not sure if anyone mentioned...my sore legs and knees are starting to feel better.  I'm in my 50's, and know I need to lose for all kinds of reasons, but there is real chronic pain in obesity.  

I know why my joints hurt.  It's not a medical mystery.  But even with my initial slow and steady loss, there is dramatic improvement in my joint symptoms.

I had similar results as Kris with much the same side effects. Dropped processed carbs and fructose 2 years ago, lost 15kg then stalled. Dropped all grains and processed omega6 fats 1 year ago and added saturated fats + D3 + niacin back in and lost another 9kg.
A few other side effects :
- dry lips: I used to use a lot of chap stick for dry and even occasional blisters  on the lips, not any more.
- cold sores: I used to get them every few months, it has been more then a year now since I had them
- body odour: I used to had to wash every few days, not any more, I just rinse (finish with cold water) and brush myself dry.
- Tanning: I used to burn easily and would therefore avoid the sun, now I tan like when I was a kid.
- bleeding gums : gone
- plaque on the back of the tongue : nice and pink now.


And yes, I cannot "handle" my alcohol any more, a few beers and I'll have a terrible hangover.

I have posted my story before, but I will post it again. I went gluten free 6 years ago and went from 145 to 135. I am 5'4". Last year I gave up all grains and greatly reduced my all carbohydrates and another 15 lbs disappeared. I have remained at 120 by staying low carb. Before I went grain free my blood sugar was spiking over 200. Now I can keep my blood sugar under 120 after eating by sticking with the grain free low carb life. My lipid profile has improved greatly without medication since getting off the AHA sanctioned high sugar diet. My hsCRP has dropped from over 13 to 2.19.  

Ten years ago I had cardiac bypass after multiple failed stents. I was only 54 when all this started. As I look back I believe some of the contributing causes to my heart disease were low vitamin D, hypothyroidism, gluten intolerance, insulin resistance. I am still trying to get my thyroid issues optimized. There are often many layers to figure out on our journeys to better health.

Hi Dr., I have been a quiet reader of your blog for a while......I have been experiencing a lots of health problems for what the GPs don't respond seriously at all. SO i am also convinced I am just making up all these....but the probs don't stop like this......now I am experiencing weight issues, over eating, loss of energy, closed ears or I would say it's heavy ears, pain in the nape as if I am stressed.......but i do agree I am a huge wheat eater.......I don't see any route to go to.....though I have got my hearing test in Feb first week....but it seems they will not find any probs as I am convinced it's all in my head.....but the weighing machine is not lying, I get stressed and have no energy but all of a sudden usually i get energetic after sunset, say after about 7 or 8 pm.........need ur advice on this plzz