WHY ARE OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS?

When it comes to general health there are a few essential things that are needed on a daily basis in order to maintain a healthy system. The human body can make most of the types of fats it needs from other fats or raw materials. That isn’t the case for omega-3 fatty acids (also called omega-3 fats). These are essential fats—the body can’t make them from scratch but must get them from food. Foods high in Omega-3 include fish (cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, halibut), vegetable oils, nuts (especially walnuts), flax seeds, flaxseed oil, and leafy vegetables.

   

What makes omega-3 fats special?

They are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these membranes. They provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation. They also bind to receptors in cells that regulate genetic function. Likely due to these effects, omega-3 fats have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke, may help control lupus, psoriasis, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis, and may play protective roles in cancer and other conditions.

Due to the fact that most Americans eat way too much of the omega 6-oils found in meats and most vegetable oils, they suffer a relative deficiency of omega-3 oils.   In return, this deficency can affect the conditions listed above along with many others.  

CONDITIONS BENEFITED BY FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTATION:

Allergies	Menopause	Osteoporosis	Alzheimer’s Disease
Asthma	Crohn’s Disease	Depression	Diabetes
Eczema	Psoriasis	Macular Degeneration	Arthritis
Baby Development	ADHD	Post-Partum	Migraines
Ulcerative Colitis	Cancer	High Cholesterol	AI Dx: Lupus, MS

Omega-3 fats are a key family of polyunsaturated fats. There are three main omega-3s:

• Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) come mainly from fish, so they are sometimes called marine omega-3s.
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the most common omega-3 fatty acid in most Western diets, is found in vegetable oils and nuts (especially walnuts), flax seeds and flaxseed oil, leafy vegetables, and some animal fat, especially in grass-fed animals. The human body generally uses ALA for energy, and conversion into EPA and DHA is very limited.

Supplementation of Omega 3 Fatty Acids:

One of the major advances in nutritional medicine has been the ability to produce a fish oil supplement that is highly concentrated source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and also free from damaged fats (lipid peroxides), heavy metals, environmental contaminants, and other harmful compounds.  

I always inform my patients, how important it is to use pharmaceutical-grade fish oil concentrates which are superior to earlier fish oil products as opposed to cheaper concentrates of fish oil.  TIP: AVOID buying fish oils from drug stores such as: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Target, and local grocery stores.  Consult with your Alternative Medicine Expert about high-quality fish oil supplemenation.  

RECOMMENDATION FOR GENERAL HEALTH:

Take a High-Quality Fish Oil Product to Provide 1.000 mg EPA + DHA per day

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR DOCTOR RECOMMENDED HIGH-QUALITY FISH OIL

Royal Healing Natural Health Center

Dr. Ezzy

832-913-5022

CLEANSING SPRING FOODS TO SUPPORT YOUR LIVER

Just as nature intended, your body has the ability to “spring clean” naturally on a daily basis if your diet adequately supplies for the process.  Unfortunately, modern society is a sad state that produces many over-processed livers. When we overeat processed or fried foods, and, anytime we are exposed to environmental pollutants or stress, the liver becomes overworked and overloaded. When the liver is taxed, it can’t process toxins and fat in an efficient way. There are many foods that can help cleanse the liver naturally by stimulating its natural ability to clean toxic waste from the body.

Foods that purify your system include colorful veggies and fruits that are antioxidant rich. Phytochemicals in plants absorb sunlight giving them their rich colors and vibrant flavors. When we eat these foods proper required energy is transferred to us.

ARE ANY OF THESE FOODS IN YOUR SHOPPING CART? 

I would encourage you to incorporate one or two servings of these liver cleanse foods into your weekly diet: 

1. GARLIC:

• Just a small amount of this pungent white bulb has the ability to activate liver enzymes that help your body flush out toxins. Garlic also holds high amounts of allicin and selenium, two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing.
• Raw garlic, in particular, activates liver enzymes, helping your body to destroy unwanted chemicals and toxins. 
• TIP: Mince or chop fresh garlic, let it sit on the counter for a minute or two (this activates the allicin, the enzyme that gives it its aroma), and then add it to salad dressing or a really nice olive oil for dipping vegetables or crusty bread.

2. GRAPEFRUIT:

• High in both vitamin C and antioxidants, grapefruit increases the natural cleansing processes of the liver. 
• Grapefruit actually slows down phase 1 detoxification in your liver. This may sound like it’s a bad thing, but it turns out that excessive amounts of toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, may cause hyperactivity or what’s called “induction” of this pathway. This can result in high levels of damaging free radicals being produced if phase 2 detoxification can’t keep up. Other substances that may cause hyperactivity include caffeine, alcohol, dioxin and paint and exhaust fumes. 
• If the phase 2 detoxification systems are not working adequately, these intermediates can cause substantial damage. By enjoying grapefruit, you can slow phase 1 and let phase 2 catch up, helping your liver balance out the workload.
• TIP:A small glass of freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice will help boost production of the liver detoxification enzymes that help flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

3. BEETS AND CARROTS:

• Both are extremely high in plant-flavonoids and beta-carotene; eating beets and carrots can help stimulate and improve overall liver function.
• It's acceptable to continue eating these root veggies well into spring. Beets benefit the overall health of the liver while also boosting cardiovascular endurance.

4. DANDELION:

• Yes, the pesky lawn weed has medicinal properties. The root of dandelion makes a great tea that has been shown to help the liver rid the body of toxins.
• TIP: The tea is a tad bitter, so add a splash of local honey.  Roast, juice, or shred them on a salad.

5. GREEN TEA: 

• Green tea is made from un-oxidized leaves from Camellia sinensis bush and is one of the less processed types of tea (with white tea the least) and therefore contains one of the most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols.  
• This liver-loving beverage is full of plant antioxidants known as catechins, a compound known to assist liver function. 
• Recent studies have shown green tea can potentially have positive effects on everything from weight loss to liver disorders, type 2 diabetes and alzheimer's disease.
• Green tea is not only delicious, it’s also a great way to improve your overall diet. Learn more about the benefits of green tea at RoyalHealingND.com.
• TIP: Nothing says spring better than iced tea. Why not make it iced green tea? Green tea is high in catechins will cleanse the body and support liver health.  Add a bit of mint for a refreshing twist.

 6. LEAFY GREEN AND CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES: 

• One of our most powerful allies in cleansing the liver, leafy greens can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. Extremely high in plant chlorophylls, greens suck up environmental toxins from the blood stream. 
• With their distinct ability to neutralize heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides, these cleansing foods offer a powerful protective mechanism for the liver.
• Eating broccoli and cauliflower will increase the amount of glucosinolate in your system, adding to enzyme production in the liver. These natural enzymes help flush out carcinogens, and other toxins, out of our body which may significantly lower risks associated with cancer.
• Much like broccoli and cauliflower, eating cabbage helps stimulate the activation of two crucial liver detoxifying enzymes that help flush out toxins.
• TIP: Try incorporating vegetables such as bitter gourd, arugula, broccoli, dandelion greens, spinach, brussel sprouts, mustard greens, and chicory into your diet. In addition, try eating more kimchi, coleslaw, cabbage soup and sauerkraut.  This will help increase the creation and flow of bile, the substance that removes waste from the organs and blood.

7. AVOCADOS

• This nutrient-dense super-food helps the body produce glutathione.  As mentioned above, glutathione is a compound that is necessary for the liver to cleanse harmful toxins during Phase 2 Detoxification. 
• Along with asparagus, avocados are rich in glutathione. This powerful antioxidant supports the liver in getting rid of harmful materials.
• TIP: Avocados are a fun addition to a smoothie—hello, yummy creamy beverage. Add slives of avocados into green leafy salads or make an avocado dip with chips as a snack.  

8. APPLE: 

• High in pectin, apples hold the chemical constituents necessary for the body to cleanse and release toxins from the digestive tract. 
• This, in turn, makes it easier for the liver to handle the toxic load during the cleansing process.

9. OLIVE OIL: 

• Cold-pressed organic oils such as olive, hemp and flax-seed are great for the liver, when used in moderation. 
• They help the body by providing a lipid base that can suck up harmful toxins in the body. In this way, it takes some of the burden off the liver in terms of the toxic overload many of us suffer from.
• TIP: Use Olive oil is the base for your salad dressing.  Instead of using the microwave, pour olive oil over food to keep moist when warming in the oven.  

10. ALTERNATIVE GRAINS: 

• It’s not only that you need alternative grains like quinoa, millet, and buckwheat in your diet, it’s that if you’ve got wheat, flour, or other whole grains in your diet, it’s time to make changes.
• Your liver is your body’s filter for toxins, and grains that contain gluten are full of them. A study last year found that persons who experienced gluten sensitivities also had abnormal liver enzyme test results, and that’s just one of many.

11. ASPARAGUS: 

• Asparagus contains glutathione, a powerful antioxidant known for its role in supporting the body’s natural detoxification process carried out by your liver. 
• TIP: Asparagus cooks very quickly, making it an easy addition to an omelet in the morning. What's better than starting your day with a fresh green veggie? 

12. LEMONS AND LIMES:

• These citrus fruits contain very high amounts of vitamin C, which aids the body in synthesizing toxic materials into substances that can be absorbed by water.
• The volatile oils in the rind of the lemon are called limonoids. These chemicals, in addition to the juice of the lemon, support healthy digestion.
• Lemons are known to boosts your immune system while fighting free radical damage to the body.
• TIP: Drinking freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice in the morning helps stimulate the liver.  Squeeze fresh lemon/limes over vegetables, fish or chicken when cooking.  Squeeze a little in your water, or, better yet, make your own zesty salad dressing. It can be drizzled on fish, chicken, kale, broccoli, or just about any other veggie you can think of.. 

13. WALNUTS:

• Holding high amounts of the amino acid arginine, walnuts aid the liver in detoxifying ammonia. 
• Walnuts are also high in glutathione andomega-3 fatty acids, which support normal liver cleansing actions. 
• High in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a type of omega-3 fat that not only boosts brain power and also supports detoxification in the body.

• TIP: You know what to do here: Toss some on a salad or just enjoy them as a snack. Make sure you chew the nuts well (until they are liquefied) before swallowing. 

  

14. TUMERIC: 

• One of the best ways to get rid of toxic overload in our bodies is by eating foods that help support the body’s natural method of eliminating metabolic wastes as well as the onslaught of chemicals we are exposed to in our air, water, soil, and food.
• Turmeric, an ancient Ayurvedic spice used in countless recipes, has so many health benefits that we talk about it regularly in Naturopathic Medicine. Among those benefits is turmeric’s ability to help the liver to detox. 
• Known as the liver’s favorite spice. Turmeric helps boost liver detox, by assisting enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens.
• TIP: Try adding some of this detoxifying goodness into your next lentil stew or veggie dish for an instant liver pick-me-up.
• One recipe for turmeric tea that “tastes like chai” follows:
  
  
  1 teaspoon fresh ginger
  2 teaspoons fresh turmeric
  Pinch of black pepper
  ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
  ¼ cup organic coconut (or alomond) milk
  1 teaspoon raw, organic honey
  Simply heat the mixture in boiling water and add milk at the end. You can leave the ginger and turmeric pieces in your tea cup or strain them out if you prefer.

Tips For Doing a Liver Cleanse

Spring is a natural time of transition. No matter where you may have drifted over the winter, don’t let that stop you. As we now head into the vibrancy of spring, start thinking about what your reset looks like. Keep a growth mindset over the next few weeks.

This is not a pass-fail event but rather an invitation to transition your diet to one that supports your best self as you step into the warmth of spring. Pick one food each week to add to your cooking routine.

Other liver cleanse foods not listed above include artichoke, kale, and brussel sprouts. Eating the foods listed above is a great way to help keep your liver functioning properly. However, for best results, I recommend performing a liver cleanse, which is supported by a WHOLE BODY CLEANSE SYSTEM. Performing a whole body cleanse at least twice a year will eliminate any foreign substances that may be trapped in your liver. 

LEARN MORE...CONTACT US TODAY 

Royal Healing Natural Health Center

Dr. Ezenwanyi Ahaghotu

832-917-5022

The Effect of Micronutrients and Your Thyroid

The thyroid gland is situated in front of the neck, just below your larynx (voice box).  

Did you know? 

The hormones produced in your thyroid gland regulate metabolism in every cell of the body.   Therefore, a deficency of thyroid hormones can affect virtually all body functions.  People with low thyroid function are diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and if the deficiency is severe it can be life-threatening (Myxedema).  

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Depression	Difficulty Losing Weight	Dry Skin
Headaches	Hyperlipidemia	Headaches
Recurrent Infections	Cold Intolerance	Thinning of Eyebrows
Lethargy/Fatigue	Memory Problems	Menstrual Problems

Are you getting the Nutrients you need? 

There is overwhelming evidence that micronutrient deficiencies are associated with the chronic disease process and the overall condition of one's health.   Around the globe the most common cause of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency.  Iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism or the development of an enlarged thyroid gland (a goiter), or both.  Zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and vitamin A function together in many body processes, including the manufacture of thyroid hormone.  A deficiency of any of these nutrients would result in production of lower levels of active thyroid hormone.  

HYPOTHYROIDISM: Nutrient Correlation Wheel

FACT: It is estimated that 12% of people will have a thyroid problem in their lifetime.  

Below are tips on three supplements that could help or harm your thyroid.

• Iodine, vitamin D and selenium can all impact thyroid health through affecting the immune system and potentially increasing or reducing chances of autoimmunity.
• The most common cause of hypothyroidism in westernized countries is an autoimmune process known as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
• Hypothyroidism is diagnosed when TSH is high and T4 is low.
• Some studies show that you can lower the antibodies associated with Hashimoto’s with selenium. However, these studies may be biased.
• Recommended dosage of selenium is 200mcg per day.
• There is much association data showing that patients with Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism have low vitamin D levels. Recently, a study showed treatment with Vitamin D decreased TPO antibodies.
• Recommended vitamin D levels between 40-50 ng/mL.
• Replete vitamin D deficiency with a dose between 2,000IU-10,000IU per day.
• Best source of vitamin D is good, safe sun exposure.
• 24-hour urinary iodine is the gold standard for iodine testing.
• The research shows the best-established environmental factor contributing to thyroid autoimmunity is excess iodine.
•  A low iodine diet has been shown to help thyroid autoimmunity. A low iodine diet is defined as less than 100mcg of iodine per day but one should always be above 20mcg per day to avoid iodine deficiency.
• Recommended daily iodine intake should be between 150mcg-1100mcg per day with a sweet spot around 450mcg.
• LEARN MORE TODAY ON TREATING MICRONUTRIENT DEFICENCY RELATED CONDITIONS 
• CONTACT DR. EZZY at 832-913-5022
• RoyalHealingND.com