When fish oil meets the brain, expect miracles — real, everyday miracles

This has been a tough week for everyone. Like you, my thoughts have frequently turned to the people of Boston since the horrific attack last Monday.

The details are heartbreaking, of course. Days later, they’re still nearly impossible to comprehend.

As many have pointed out, the immediate reaction of those on the scene was to rush to the aid of the victims. In the midst of the danger and chaos, it was a life affirming moment.

Our good thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the victims and their families. And our gratitude also to those who responded immediately with care and comfort.

Now for today’s message..

The Longest Mile

Our poor brains. They’re under assault constantly. The result is what you could call “everyday brain damage.”

I admit, it’s mild. But it’s cumulative. And it’s relentless.

Stress, anxiety, depression, alcohol, smoking, gas fumes, sleep deprivation, electromagnetic waves, high blood sugar… All of these can take their toll.

And drugs! From the seemingly mildest (acetaminophen) to the harshest (chemo), and a variety of drugs in between.

These offenders, and others, prompt inflammation and free radical activity in your brain.

So we could all use a little neuroprotection.

This is your brain on fish oil

I recently saw a CNN report about a young Virginia man named Bobby.

One night, while driving on a winding road, Bobby lost control of his car. The crash caused traumatic brain injury. He fell into a coma and was close to death for days.

Bobby’s Glasgow Coma Score was 3. This is basically a hopeless score. His doctor told CNN that inanimate objects have a Glasgow Coma Score of 3.

More than a week after the accident, Bobby had not improved. His father was frustrated. Doctors were keeping his son alive, but they weren’t treating him. They believed there was nothing they could do.

So Bobby’s dad did some research on his own. He soon found a doctor who recommended fish oil.

I guess we shouldn’t be amazed that he had to fight to get fish oil therapy for his son.

Bobby’s doctors resisted the idea. They said there was not enough evidence behind the treatment. The patient was near death. And yet, Bobby’s dad had to nearly force them to use this non-drug therapy.

Three months after the accident, Bobby attended his high school graduation.

This was only the second time doctors had used fish oil to treat a brain damage victim in a coma. Previously, fish oil fully revived a man after a coalmine accident. His ordeal exposed him to lethal fumes for more than 40 hours.

The doctor who recommended fish oil for Bobby explained how the “miracle” worked. He told CNN that about one third of the human brain is omega-3 fatty acids. He calls omega-3s “the bricks of the cell wall in the brain.”

In addition, omega-3 in fish oil helps prevent brain damage by switching on genes that stop neuroinflammation.

No wonder another doctor describes the brain as an “omega-3 sponge.”

Now, if fish oil can manage miracles for coma patients, just imagine what it might do for our mildly damaged brains.

There’s probably not one of us who couldn’t use the neuroprotection offered by just two or three grams of fish oil daily.

Sources:
“Fish oil helped save our son” Stephanie Smith, CNN, 10/22/12, cnn.com