Omega 6:3 Fatty Acid Testing
Chronic inflammation is associated with multiple metabolic and auto-immune conditions and accelerates ageing known as inflammaging.
The effect of chronic inflammation on the skin can include:
– Acne
– Eczema
– Rosacea in addition to ageing changes
The effects of chronic inflammation on the body are multiple and can include symptoms ranging from brain fog and aches and pains to poor cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Modern diets and Omega 6:3
Our modern diets are full of nutritionally deficient food that helps drive that chronic inflammation – high sugar, low in fibre, high in omega 6 and low in omega 3 fats. You may well have addressed your sugar intake and fibre intake, but have you actively reduced your omega 6 intake and increased your omega 3 intake?
We can now test omega 3 and 6 levels and ratios, and we now know that with our modern diets achieving the optimal levels of our ancestors is trickier to achieve than we would like! In fact, 97% of us have a suboptimal ratio due to our modern diets. This includes those that are eating healthily and taking daily fish oils!
As with all things, not all fish oils and omega 3 supplementation are equal. If you decide to go down the route of supplementation, you need to take a good quality omega 3 supplement with the right quantities of omega 3 for your weight and preferably accompanied by anti-oxidant polyphenols to increase its bioavailability.
My personal journey with Omega 6:3
Following reading more about omega 6 and omega 3 I decided to test myself. I ate a healthy diet including two portions of fish a week, walnuts, chia and flax seeds and I took an omega 3 supplement alongside my multivitamin.
However, following testing, I discovered my own omega 3 levels were too low and omega 6 was too high. My omega 6:3 ratio was 14:1 when the optimal level is 3:1. I was way off target for controlling the level of chronic inflammation in my body and decided to learn more.
Because of my own journey, reading and learning alongside other wellness doctors I have introduced omega 6:3 testing to help my patients achieve their optimal levels and optimal skin and overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I organise testing?
Testing is done with an at home blood spot balance test that is delivered to your home address. Full instructions come with your balance test kit and are also available online. Tests are also available to purchase in clinic.
Don’t forget to take note of your unique test code and to register your test request online before sending it back to the lab.
How do I get the results?
Once your results have been processed by an independent lab based in Oslo you will receive an email. This takes between 10-20 days. You will then be able to access the results from the link in the email using the code that came with your test.
You will receive a detailed break report including information regarding your:
– Omega 6:3 ratio/balance
– Protection value
– Omega 3 Index
– Mental strength
– Cell membrane fluidity
– Arachidonic Acid (AA) index
Within your detailed report you will receive an explanation on what each measurement means with regards to your health.
How do I interpret the results?
The detailed report you receive contains information regarding how to interpret your result and what to do moving forward including dietary advice and recommendations regarding supplements. If you are unsure of anything you can book a consultation with Dr Bye (either online or in person) to discuss your results and next steps.
Book a ConsultationCan I speak to Dr Bye about my results?
If you are unsure of how to interpret your result and/or want guidance on what best to do next regarding your nutrition and/or supplementation, please make an online or in person appointment with Dr Bye to discuss your results.
Book a ConsultationWhy isn’t taking any fish oil or an omega 3 supplement enough?
Not all fish oils and omega 3 supplements contain high enough dosing of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) to produce a result. The levels are often too low and in addition they are often not in their most bioavailable form. It is important to take a supplement of high enough dosing preferably with an antioxidant such as polyphenols to increase its bioavailability.
Which omega-3 supplements do you recommend?
Dr Bye recommends an omega-3 supplement with antioxidant polyphenols and Vitamin D included in the supplement. The most commonly used supplement in clinic is Zinzino balance oil. This comes in a range of flavours to suit your taste.
How do I know if following dietary changes and/or supplements my levels are optimal?
The only way to know is by re-testing. You should retest after 120 days of consistent changes to your diet and/or supplementation to check that your changes are working for you.