Source of Fatty Acids Essential for Body

Essential fatty acids (for example, the kind of fats found in fish) are surprisingly commonly deficient.

Among other things, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are responsible for the health of our skin, hair and nails. When deficient in these fats the health of our skin/hair/nails suffers, acting as a general indicator for our levels of these critical fatty acids.

The following table outlines the typical signs/symptoms seen in essential fatty acid deficiency. The significance of these deficiencies goes far beyond the presence of these obvious deficiency symptoms and relates to a large variety of medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, inflammatory/auto-immune conditions, mental health conditions, etc.

Whether you are trying to overcome a particular health issue or are simply trying to preserve your health, then your balance of fatty acids deserves some attention.

Signs/Symptoms of Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency

• Dry skin (e.g., feet/face/general)
• Scaly or flaky skin (e.g., legs)
• Cracking/peeling fingertips & skin (e.g., heels)
• Lackluster skin
• Small bumps on back of upper arms
• Patchy dullness &/or color variation of skin
• Mixed oily and dry skin ('combination' skin)
• Irregular quilted appearance of skin (e.g., legs)
• Thick or cracked calluses
• Dandruff or cradle cap
• Dry, lackluster, brittle or unruly hair
• Soft, fraying, splitting or brittle fingernails
• Dull nails - lack of surface shine
• Slow growing fingernails
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth/throat
• Inadequate vaginal lubrication
• Menstrual cramps
• Premenstrual breast pain/tenderness
• Excessive ear wax
• Excessive thirst
• Allergic (e.g., eczema/asthma/hay fever/hives)
• Crave fats/fatty foods
• Stiff or painful joints