Omega 3 rich foods anti-inflammatory effects come down to how they support certain bacteria in the gut.

Written By Amber Barone

It’s fairly common to hear people touting anti-inflammatory benefits of Omega 3’s but we rarely hear how this works. Turns out the predominant bacteria in your gut determines either a pro-inflammatory or anti- inflammatory state. Evidence supports Omega 3 rich foods and supplements (that have both EPA and DHA essential fatty acids) as an effective way to reduce inflammation and the down stream effects.

Omega 3 rich foods such as fatty fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon…) oysters, avocado, walnuts, flax and chia seeds all feed the good bacteria in the gut which turns on the anti-inflammatory pathways throughout your entire body.

A lack of good bacteria specifically, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria found in Omega 3’s has been linked to a whole host of complications including, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, anxiety, osteoporosis, gout, MS…and the list goes on.

Long story short, polyunsaturated fatty acids like Omega 3’s have been shown to improve the gut bacteria composition which leads to overall lower inflammation throughout the body.

It’s important to note that while Omega 3’s are clearly awesome, they work better when we learn how to support an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. Eliminating things like “trans fats” and replacing those with whole foods that are naturally rich in fiber to further support the development of both a robust microbiome and immune system. Also worth noting is that not all supplements are created equal, so do your research know the quality controls of the brand you choose and when in doubt, work with a functional medicine health coach like Amber, to steer you in the right direction.

With inflammation being at the root of so many health complications there’s no better time to learn how to support your system with whole food, diet and quality supplements in order to kick that inflammation to the curb!

References: Costantini L, Molinari R, Farinon B, Merendino N. Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on the Gut Microbiota. Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Dec 7;18(12):2645. doi: 10.3390/ijms18122645. PMID: 29215589; PMCID: PMC5751248.


Amber Barone

Amber is a Holistic RN and Functional Medicine Practitioner who supports whole body integrative health and uses primarily diet changes, whole foods, herbs along with lifestyle tools and supplements to help clients restore balance and align with their highest sense of well being.

Amber started her nursing career in the clinic setting where she built a solid understanding of disease progression and contributing factors along with pathophysiology, biochemistry, psychological and trauma aspects. From there she became a travel nurse, working in various settings including cardiac rehab, med surg, psych, long term care, ICU’s and ER’s. These ever changing environments satisfied her ferocious appetite to learn and grow through challenging and inspiring case loads in diverse settings. It was through all of this that she realized her true passion and where she could serve at her highest capacity was working with patients on how to prevent and reverse chronic disease.

As a functional medicine, holistic RN Amber strives to bring in the best evidence based tools and resources from both conventional and alternative schools of thought. She is dedicated to continuing her learning to stay up to speed with the latest research and trends and has built her practice around educating and empowering patients to be proactive with their health.

Most patients come to Amber through a referral network of practitioners in various medical and alternative settings including MD’s, FNP’s, Acupuncturists, Dentists, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists and Yoga Teachers… who wish to support their patients in this way but don’t have the time, education or resources to do this effectively.

The functional medicine addition to client care seems to be the missing piece of a true wellness model. It becomes a collaborative movement too, working together to promote wellness in our respective communities. It expedites healing through deep understanding and promotes life long transformation. Win! Win!

Functional medicine is a deep dive into root cause correlations contributing to one’s current state, it views each patient as unique and in so doing, more fully supports patients on their road to wellness by nourishing unique pathways effecting body systems, organs and glands. Much like regenerative farming and soil health, our bodies are designed to be resilient they just need the right inputs and tools to mitigate cumulative stress, toxins and burdens of our time. Feeling empowered with your health starts here.

EDUCATION / TRAINING

BS Nursing Montana State University-Registered Nurse

BA Psychology and Sociology University of Montana

Equine Veterinarian Technician-Penn Foster

Clinicians Mastermind Circle a one-year Functional Medicine Intensive

Functional Nutrition Alliance 10-month Full Body Systems Immersion

Yoga Motion 240 hour RYS teacher training

http://www.bar1wellness.com
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