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Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
is a collective term for diseases of the heart and arteries and includes
arteriosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, strokes, heart attacks, high blood
pressure, peripheral arterial disease, angina, emboli, heart failure, heart
enlargement, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, abnormal blood clotting
and other conditions affecting the heart and/or circulatory system.
The only common abnormal
characteristic in observation studies of patients with CVD is solid fat
encircling the normally lean heart muscle. These deposits of "bad fat" are a
result of a dietary lack of optimally balanced PUFAs (Polyunsaturated Fatty
Acids) and EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) directly affecting the generation of
heart action.
Every heartbeat controls
the amount of blood flow in and out of the heart. Freshly oxygenated blood
(from the lungs) fills the left ventricle and the unoxygenated, fatty
acid-containing blood fills the right ventricle. If the unoxygenated blood
is filled with SAFA (saturated fatty acids) and trans-fatty acids there is
lack of new electrical impulses. Once the heart realizes that its electrical
potential is being affected, it begins to reject these "bad fats". This is
immediately recognized anatomically and can be accurately measured. The
fatty acids then build up in the coronary vessels and eventually on the
entire muscle. In addition, oxygenation of blood in the lungs is affected
and the heart is forced to pump the same amount of blood throughout the body
several times to oxygenate tissues.
Hemp seed oil is used to
prevent heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels. The main role of
cholesterol is to fine-tune fluctuating cell membrane fluidity, which is
dependent on dietary fat. A diet rich in PUFAs and EFAs means that more
cholesterol will be built into cell membranes, rather than being removed
from cell membranes and entering the bloodstream. EFAs lower blood
cholesterol levels- to balance their fluidity. A diet rich in SAFAs, on the
other hand, raises blood cholesterol levels because the cholesterol is
removed from cell membranes and enters the bloodstream. Every cell produces
enough cholesterol to maintain it's own membrane fluidity, therefore it does
not need to be provided in our diet.
It is important to note
that since cholesterol consumption has remained consistent for the past 100
years it cannot be targeted as the primary cause of the dramatic increases
in CVD in the past 100 years.
Cancer
Cancer represents the
most extreme form of nutritional degeneration. It has been proven that the
only abnormal characteristic of cancerous cells, as opposed to healthy
cells, is isolated fat deposits in the cell nucleus, body or cytoplasm.
A diet rich in PUFAs and
EFAs assures a sufficient and continuous supply of oxygen to our cells and
tissues. We know that in cancer cells oxygen uptake is inhibited and cell
division often remains incomplete. We also know that lack of oxygen in
tissues lowers their metabolic rate and depresses all cell functions. Both
can result in leaky or defective cell membranes and decreased energy
production. Otto Warberg, a Nobel Prize winning researcher, discovered in
the 1920's that by depriving tissues of oxygen (35% less than normal), he
could induce cancer in tissues almost at will.
Other studies have shown
that blood samples of persons with cancer lack phospholipid-containing
linoleic acid (LA), which is essential for the proper development and
division of healthy cell membranes. The blood also lacks albumin, a
water-soluble, fatty acid-carrying lipoprotein that carries essential lipids
between intestine, liver and body cells.
Diabetes
Diabetes is the name for
a variety of disorders characterized by the body's inability to balance
insulin and glucose production and/or carbohydrate metabolism. The essential
balance between insulin and glucagon (a form of glucose) enables the body to
maintain blood sugar at optimum levels. Studies have shown dietary EFAs
given to diabetics caused an insulin-sparing effect, indicating that the
effectiveness of insulin may depend on them.
In diabetics, blood
sugar levels build up in the blood and the body produces excess insulin.
High blood sugar levels inhibit the release of Linoleic acid (LA) from
adipose cells, the storage cells in fat tissues. The LA remains stored and
unavailable to the rest of the body. Blood samples of persons with diabetes
revealed a lack of LA containing Phospholipids (PL), fatty materials needed
to develop healthy cell membranes. They also lack albumin, a fatty
acid-carrying lipoprotein that carries EFAs between intestine, liver and
body cells.
Excess insulin causes
symptoms such as excess thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, tingling or
burning in the fingers and toes and other conditions known as Syndrome-X.
Syndrome-X has been known to cause Obesity, high cholesterol and
hypertension. In 1997, 48 people diagnosed with Syndrome-X were assigned to
either low-calorie, high carbohydrate diet or a diet high in EFAs. After one
year, those consuming the high carbohydrate diets had higher glucose levels
and reduced insulin sensitivity. Persons consuming the EFA diet had enhanced
insulin sensitivity, elevated High-density Lipoproteins (HDLs) and lower
Triglycerides and blood pressure.
The evidence clearly
suggests that a diet rich in optimally balanced EFAs can have significant
impact on diabetes prevention and treatment. Hemp seed oil and hemp nut
contain what is considered to be the ideal (3:1) ratio of essential omega-6
to omega-3 fatty acids.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a general
term to describe the conditions of joint inflammation and is traditionally
treated with pharmaceutical anti-inflammatories. Dietary essential fatty
acids (EFA), especially Alpha-Linolenic acid (LNA), are precursors for
Prostaglandins (PG), a biological hormone-like substance that reduces
inflammation. EFAs are also necessary to build and deposit bone materials
and produce secretions that lubricate joints.
The most common forms of
arthritis are Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA). RA attacks
the synovial membranes surrounding the lubricating fluid in joints. The body
replaces the damaged tissue with scar tissue, causing the spaces between the
joints to become narrow, to develop folds and to fuse together. OA is marked
by the degeneration of the cartilage and bone around joints.
LA and GLA are converted
to DGLA in the body and are then converted to PGE1, a potent
anti-inflammatory. The effectiveness of these omega-6 fatty acids in RA has
been validated in recent test. Clinical studies have also shown that EFAs
increase osteoblast proliferation and can be used to prevent or control bone
degeneration.
Arthritis can develop in
any joint in the body. Symptoms are bone deterioration, dryness and
stiffness of the joints and chronic pain.
For more detailed
information on the anti-inflammatory properties of EFAs please see
prostaglandin (PG).
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are a
reversible digestive condition resulting from the abnormal breakdown of
proteins. Clinical studies have shown that dietary PUFA intake plays a
beneficial role in this disease, which often strikes in the lower part of
the esophagus, in the stomach and in the small intestine.
In animal studies, blood
samples were taken from rats induced with peptic ulcer disease. A
significant difference in the Phospholipid fatty acid profile of the
diseased rats vs. healthy rats was observed. There was a higher content of
SAFAs and a lower content of AA, EPA, DHA and antioxidant enzymes. Following
dietary PUFA treatment in the diseased rats, all biochemical abnormalities
reverted to normal.
Premenstrual Syndrome
(PMS)
Excessive and unbalanced
prostaglandin (PG) synthesis has been overwhelmingly implicated as the cause
of PMS, specifically a deficiency in PG1 in the central nervous system. In
the second half of the menstrual cycle, AA is released from cell membranes
causing an increase in PG2 (specifically PGE2). This results in uterine
contractions leading to a lack of oxygen in the uterine muscles, also known
as menstrual cramps.
A major strategy for
eating optimally balanced EFAs is an attempt to raise the body's own
formation of the "good" PGs; PG1 and PG3 (actually PGE1 and PGE3). Hemp seed
oil contains the perfect balance (3:1) of the essential linoleic acid (LA)
to Alpha-Linolenic acid (LNA), assuring optimal PG production, there by
helping to balance the body's hormone levels.
For
more detailed information on the anti-inflammatory properties of EFAs please
see prostaglandin (PG) (A fatty acid partially oxidized in a very specific
and controlled environment by enzymes that are produced by the body
specifically for this purpose. PG's have hormone like functions and regulate
cell activity. There are over 30 know prostaglandins).
Obesity
In many cases, being
overweight is a result of fatty degeneration or water retention. In either
case, proper dietary intake of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) can be
beneficial.
EFAs increase metabolic
rate, oxidation rate and energy production. EFAs also disperse solid fats
such as SAFAs and trans-fatty acids, turning body fat into body fluids. As a
result, more fat and glucose is burned and less fat deposition takes place
around the body. This also decreases high blood cholesterol and triglyceride
levels.
The essential Alpha-Linolenic
Acid (LNA) is the precursor for the PG3 family of prostaglandins. These
specific hormone-like substances help our kidneys get rid of excess water
held in body tissues- a condition known as edema. Less water retention
equals less excess weight.
Stress
Stress is defined as
physical, mental or emotional tension or pressure that disturbs the
homeostasis of an organism. Proper dietary intake of EFAs increase the
amount of stress that a person is able to bear because EFAs heighten the
capacity for electric tension across our cell membranes. This is known as
membrane potential.
Like a battery, life
energy flows between two poles; positive and negative. Biochemically, sulfur-rich
proteins containing many slightly positively charged sulphydryl groups are
the positive pole and PUFA and EFA-rich fats containing many slightly
negatively charged cis- double bonds are the negative pole. These two groups
of substances, the essential proteins and essential fats, are the two most
abundant substances in our cells and form the main structure and functional
components of our entire body.
More stress requires
more essential fats and/or proteins. When our body's demand for these
substances exceeds the dietary supply, our body begins to run down causing
deficiencies and degeneration.
To prevent and treat
stress related conditions, EssentialFats and proteins must be continually
replaced through foods. Hemp seed oil and hemp nut provide the essential
fats in their optimum balance. Hemp nut also provides all nine indispensable
amino acids (IAA), including the high sulfur-containing amino acids cysteine
and methionine.
EFAs are also useful in the
treatment of :
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Allergy |
Allergies
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Replenishing a deficiency of Omega-3 type fatty acids in the
diet has resulted in fewer allergic and inflammatory reactions.
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Autoimmune
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Multiple
Sclerosis
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The Swank diet includes a blend of 40-50gm per day of
essential fatty acids as well as at least 1 teaspoon of cod
liver oil per day. |
Myasthenia
Gravis
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Essential fatty acids have been shown to suppress autoimmune
attacks in general and to help protect myelin sheaths. A blend
of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may provide supportive
benefit in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. |
Crohn's
Disease
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A study by Japanese researcher Kuroki found that, compared
with control subjects, Crohn's patients had lower concentrations
of Omega-3 essential fats and higher concentrations of the
monounsaturated fatty acids Omega-7 and Omega-9. These results
indicate EFA deficiency. Among the fatty acids that correlated
with the Crohn's disease activity index, EPA and total Omega-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids showed the most significant negative
correlations. The less of these fatty acids present, the worse
the disease. [Digestive Diseases and Sciences; 1997; 42(6):
pp.1137-1141, Fatty Acid Patterns in Patients with Chronic
Intestinal Disease, Metabolism 1996; 45(1): pp.12-23] |
Lupus,
SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis)
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Hemp seed oil and/or fish oil have been shown to reduce the
severity of the disease in animal studies. One tablespoon Hemp
Seed Oil bid is recommended. |
Autoimmune
Tendency
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Supplementation with omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs)
along with the essential omega-6 fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid
(GLA) can alleviate many symptoms of autoimmune disease through
their anti-inflammatory activity. |
Sjogren's
Syndrome
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Those with Sjogren’s syndrome may have a metabolic block that
interferes with the body’s ability to make GLA from the omega-6
containing oils. [Med Hypotheses 1980;6: pp.225–32, Med
Hypotheses 1984;14: pp.233–47] Bypassing this metabolic step by
taking GLA orally may help, especially if there are other
indicators of a deficiency.
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Circulation
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Vasculitis
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An essential fatty acid Omega-6/Omega-3 imbalance or
deficiency can contribute to inflammation, which is part of the
problem in vasculitis. |
Increased
Risk of Stroke
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High doses of Omega-3 oils reduce platelet aggregation and
thus reduce the abnormal clotting tendency which is seen in 75%
of strokes. |
Arrhythmias/Dysrhythmias
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Omega 3 fatty acids may reduce the incidence of arrhythmias
during a heart attack. [Japanese Circulation Journal Dec,
1994;58: pp.903-12]
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Infections
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Lyme
Disease
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The use of omega 3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation and
joint stiffness. |
Helicobacter
Pylori Infection
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Essential fatty acids have the ability to inhibit the growth
of Helicobacter pylori and suppress acid production. |
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Inflammation
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Chronic
Inflammation
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A tendency towards chronic repeated inflammations may be
resolved through prostaglandin balancing. The levels of
pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory prostaglandins are
primarily determined by the intake of essential fatty acids. A
dietary deficiency of Omega-3 type fatty acids has been
associated with a tendency toward chronic inflammation, which
regular consumption of these oils can reduce.
Omega-3 fatty acids such as Hemp Seed Oil or fish oil and the
digestive aid bromelain make a useful anti-inflammatory
combination. Their use can be considered together in trying to
resolve any chronic inflammatory condition. While oils should be
taken with food because they may cause irritation or indigestion
by themselves, bromelain is best taken separately from food. If
a person can not tolerate these oils on an empty stomach, then
these two products should be rotated; oils with a meal,
bromelain between meals. Typical doses are 1T hemp oil per day
or 3,000-5,000mg fish oil per day along with 125-500mg tid
bromelain (3,000 mcu or 2,000 GDU/gm potency). |
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Lab Values
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Elevated
Triglycerides
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In over 4,000 subjects, a high consumption of dietary
linolenic acid was associated with low plasma triglycerides. [Am
J Clin Nutr. 2003;78: pp.1098-1102] |
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Metabolic
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Headaches,
Migraine/Tension
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Omega 3 fatty acids can reduce the frequency and intensity of
migraines. Two small double blind studies (using fish oil)
demonstrated a high percentage of effectiveness. Supplementation
should continue for longer than 3 weeks, which is the time it
takes to change cell membrane composition with the new fatty
acids.
However, another study using 6gm per day over 4 months for
migraines showed no benefit over placebo. [Cephalalgia
2001;21(8): pp.818-822] |
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Musculo-Skeletal
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Rheumatoid
Arthritis
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Both Omega 6 and Omega 3 EFAs and their metabolites Gamma
Linolenic Acid (GLA) and EPA have shown effectiveness in
Rheumatoid Arthritis. One study showed that use for 12 months
produced meaningful improvement in 76% of subjects.
In a review that was completed by the medical research firm,
Metaworks, Inc. in Medford Mass, lead researcher Dr. Marya
Zilberberg reported that GLA is not only safe, but it is also an
effective natural therapy. In her review of close to 40 clinical
papers on GLA, she noted that GLA consistently reduces
inflammation and joint stiffness without any of the serious side
effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs. Zilberberg found
that GLA is particularly useful for reducing morning stiffness.
"We saw about a 60-65% reduction in morning stiffness for these
patients," said Zilberberg. "In other words if you have two
hours of morning stiffness, that goes down to about a half hour.
It is an extremely striking difference." |
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Nervous System
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Tardive
Dyskinesia
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In a pilot study of (n-3) fatty acid supplementation, the
authors observed significant improvement in both schizophrenic
symptoms and tardive dyskinesia over a 6 week period.
[Prostaglandins Leukot Essential Fatty Acids. 1996 Aug;55(1-2):
pp.71-5] |
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Organ Health
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COPD
(Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
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A high intake of Omega-3 fatty acids may protect cigarette
smokers against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may interfere with the
inflammatory mediators triggered by cigarette smoking. Even
small increments of omega-3 fatty acids may have a cumulative
beneficial effect. [Dietary N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in
Smoking-Related Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, The New
England Journal of Medicine, July 28, 1994;331(4): pp.228-233]. |
Enlarged
Prostate
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The administration of an essential fatty acid (EFA) complex
containing linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids has
resulted in significant improvement for many patients. All 19
subjects in an uncontrolled study showed diminution of residual
urine, with 12 of the 19 having no residual urine by the end of
several weeks of treatment. These effects appear to be due to
the correction of an underlying EFA deficiency, since these
patients prostatic and seminal lipid levels and ratios are often
abnormal. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), appears to be a powerful 5
alpha-reductase inhibitor. |
Kidney
Failure
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There have been a variety of trials of Omega-3 fatty acid
supplementation in patients with a variety of renal disorders.
These trials suggest that such therapy may be of use in the
treatment of IgA nephropathy and chronic renal failure. Dietary
polyunsaturated fatty acid manipulation results in an
anti-inflammatory. [Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Renal
Disease, Proceedings of the Society For Experimental Biology and
Medicine, 1996;213: pp.13-23.] |
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Risks
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Increased
Risk of Breast Cancer
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French researchers examined the fat composition of almost 250
patients with invasive, non-metastatic breast carcinoma and
compared the content to 88 patients with benign breast disease.
Women who had the most omega-3 and least omega-6 had a 70%
reduction in breast cancer. In other words, the lower the omega
6:3 ratio the lower the risk of breast cancer. [Anticancer
Research 2002 March/April;22(2A): pp.537-43]
Also, lignans are particularly abundant in raw ground hemp seed
and are also found in whole grains and legumes. Diets that are
rich in these foods seem to be a factor in preventing the
development of breast cancer in women. |
Increased
Risk of Coronary Disease / Heart Attack
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Many studies have shown that higher omega-3 fatty acid
intake, through fish consumption or through supplementation, can
cut the rate of sudden cardiac death by nearly one-half, in both
apparently healthy patients and those who have suffered a
previous heart attack.
To better understand this protective effect, Danish researchers
examined the dietary patterns and individual fatty acid status
of nearly 300 patients with ischemic heart disease, comparing
them with specific parameters of cardiac function. They found
that the patients who ate more fish had higher levels of omega-3
polyunsaturated fats in their blood cell membranes and in their
fat cells. A higher level of two specific fatty acids,
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) -
especially within the cell membrane - was associated with higher
heart rate variability in the patients. An increased heart rate
variability indicates healthier pulse regulation, and appears to
significantly reduce the risk of arrhythmia and cardiac death.
Anti-inflammatory agents such as the omega-3 oils are especially
useful when inflammation is present. [Circulation 2001;104(19):
pp.2269-2272]
Too little Omega-3 and too much Omega-6 oil may be a
contributing factor in the development of heart disease. It is a
fact that MI deaths have increased in direct proportion to the
increase in polyunsaturated fats (the omega 6 type, linoleic
acid) in our diet. |
Increased
Risk of Prostate Cancer
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Prostate cancer patients who added about 3 heaping
tablespoons of Hemp Seed Oil daily to their diet had more
slowly-dividing tumor cells and a greater rate of tumor cell
death than men who did not follow this diet, after about 5
weeks. The investigators found no significant difference in
levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). [Urology July 2001;
p.58]
Because prostate cancer is slow growing, generally present for
years before detection, the use of Hemp Seed Oils would be wise
long before the presence of prostate cancer is established.
A new study suggests that it may be better to use fish oil than
the ALA found in hemp or other oils. This study of about 47,000
men has found the ALA omega-3 fatty acids stimulate the growth
of prostate tumors in men. Of the men monitored over 14 years,
some 3,000 struggled with prostate cancer and about one in seven
were suffering from the advanced stages of the disease.
Researchers found men who were suffering from advanced prostate
cancer had higher quantities of ALA from non-animal as well as
meat and dairy sources.
Scientists also found EPA and DHA could reduce the risk of total
and advanced prostate cancer too. [American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition July 2004 80(1); pp.204-216] |
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Skin-Hair-Nails
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Dry
skin
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Dry skin is often related to a deficiency of essential fatty
acids. |
Eczema
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In published studies, a mixture EFAs from safflower,
sunflower and hemp oil provided benefit. This is a condition
where delta-6-desaturase is often impaired. It may be wiser to
start with oil that contains GLA and, if improvement occurs,
switch to a cheaper oil. GLA can be used in doses up to 1gm (of
actual GLA) per day in more serious cases. Add vitamin E at the
same time any EFAs are used.
Primarily in children, the first step is a limitation of n-6
fats that are converted to inflammatory arachidonic acid
lipoxygenase mediators. N-6 fats are common in nearly all
polyunsaturated vegetable oil products (with the exclusion of
olive and canola oils, which are relatively high in n-9 and n-3
fats respectively). Bakery products are particularly
troublesome, as high percentages of the n -6 fats have been
converted to trans isomers that further exacerbate the
dermatitis.
The second step would be to increase n-3 fats such as EPA and
DHA that are common in fish oils. Cod liver oil is profoundly
effective here as it has significant quantities of vitamin D and
vitamin A that frequently provide synergistic therapeutic
effects. Typical daily therapeutic quantities of n-3 fats are
300 mg per 4 kg of body weight. Supplementation with ALA (i.e.
hemp) is frequently not sufficient to generate significant
quantities of EPA and DHA.
Also consider limiting most grains and fruit juices as they are
rapidly converted to simple carbohydrates that increase insulin
levels which can disturb EFA metabolism. [BMJ (electronic
edition) 28 June 2002] |
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Tumors, Malignant
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Prostate
Cancer
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Prostate cancer patients who added about 3 heaping
tablespoons of ground Hemp Seed Oil daily to their diet had more
slowly-dividing tumor cells and a greater rate of tumor cell
death than men who did not follow this diet, after about 5
weeks. The investigators found no significant difference in
levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA). [Urology July
2001; p.58]
A new study suggests that it may be better to use fish oil than
the ALA found in hemp or other oils. This study of about 47,000
men has found the ALA omega-3 fatty acids stimulate the growth
of prostate tumors in men. Of the men monitored over 14 years,
some 3,000 struggled with prostate cancer and about one in seven
were suffering from the advanced stages of the disease.
Researchers found men who were suffering from advanced prostate
cancer had higher quantities of ALA from non-animal as well as
meat and dairy sources.
Scientists also found EPA and DHA could reduce the risk of total
and advanced prostate cancer too. [American Journal of
Clinical Nutrition July 2004 80(1); pp.204-216] |
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Uro-Genital
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Pregnancy-Related
Issues Possible
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Adequate and balanced essential fatty acid intake is
important for the optimal neurologic development of the baby.
Fish oil, containing essential fatty acids, is usually free of
mercury as a result of proper processing. |
Dysmenorrhea,
Painful Menstruation
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Long-term improvement may be gained by promoting the build up
of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins with Omega-3 fatty acids or
fish oil. Six grams of fish oil per day (or about 1,000mg of
eicosapentanoic acid, 700mg of docosahexaenoic acid) can be
taken every day for 2 or 3 cycles and then reduced, or taken for
a total of 14 days starting 10 days before your period. |
Postmenopausal
Status / Issues
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Researchers have found postmenopausal women who supplement
their diets with Hemp Seed Oil, as opposed to soy, have a
greater chance of reducing their risk of osteoporosis and
hormone-sensitive cancers. [American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition February, 2004;79(2): pp.318-325] |
Menorrhagia
(Heavy Periods)
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Omega 3 EFAs may reduce bleeding in adolescent girls and
improve other menstrual symptoms generally in women. |
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