A balanced and healthy diet are the foundation of good health. While we tend to rely on various medical treatments to help ease our ailments; Mother Nature also offers us plenty of consumable goodies we can eat to tackle our health challenges.
Let’s explore the connection between omega 3 fatty acid consumption and reduced symptoms of dry eye disease!
What is Omega 3 fatty acid? Where can we find it?
Omega 3 fats are a key family of polyunsaturated fats. Our bodies can produce most of the fats that we need from other fats or raw materials. That isn’t the case for omega-3 fatty acids, and seeing as they are essential fats, we must ensure that we consume the right foods to receive the proper amount that our bodies need [1].
Foods high in Omega-3 include:
- Fish
- Vegetable oils
- Nuts (especially walnuts)
- Flax seeds
- Flaxseed oil
- Leafy vegetables
The American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults eat fish at least twice a week. Fatty fish, such as catfish, halibut, salmon, striped sea bass and albacore tuna, are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids [2].
Some fish contain high levels of mercury, which can be problematic for women who are trying to conceive and/or pregnant. That’s why it’s important to consult your doctor about the right amount of fish intake for you.
How does Omega 3 help Dry Eye?
In recent years, fish oil has been shown to be a helpful remedy for dry eyes. Research studies looking into the benefits of omega-3 fatty acid supplements have found fewer dry eye symptoms in people who take the supplement [3].
Omega 3 fatty acid is known to help with Dry Eye by improving the overall quality of the oily part of our tears. It is a natural anti-inflammatory that will improve the quality of the oily layer of your tears and prevent it from evaporating. That improves dry eye symptoms and reduces the need for artificial tears.
What are the benefits of Omega 3 supplements?
Life gets hectic and we can’t always ensure that our diet will meet our body’s needs. That’s why we offer an array of omega-3 supplements for our patients suffering from dry eye, so that they integrate omega-3 as a part of their daily routine, without having to worry about whether they consumed enough omega-3 that day.
Fun Fact: Why can’t I just eat fish?
‼️ To get the appropriate amount of omega 3s that you get by taking a supplement, you would have to consume 32 cans of tuna - not only is this not very appetizing, but the extra risks (read mercury levels) outweigh the benefits. ‼️
🐟
Eating this much fish may cause an increased risk for mercury poisoning. Other fish that can be purchased in the stores are mostly farm raised which have little Omega-3s or wild caught which are optimal but are contaminated with harmful PCBs, dioxins, mercury, etc.
Remember to always consult with your eye doctor to get the specific dosage suitable for you!
Happy Shopping!
XO The Eye Drop Shop Team
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Sources
[1] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/omega-3-fats/
[2] https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-fish-oil-supplements-and-dry-eyes/
[3] https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-fish-oil-supplements-and-dry-eyes/
[4] https://prnomegahealth.com/products/dry-eye-omega-benefits/
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