Bearygood, question about OMEGA 3-6-9 - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

MSNik · 08-22-2007, 01:37 PM

Hey chicky...how have you been? I seem to remember a thread not too long ago, where this guy was giving out all sorts of info on supplements and amounts of mgs he was taking, and he made PERFECT SENSE. Unfortuantely, I havent seen him on the board since then, and I cant find the thread!

Last night, while taking my 2 handfulls of suplements I started thinking (as I noticed I was running out of fish oil) that there HAS to be another way to take Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil and whatever other oils we need, besides taking them invdividuallly. SO today I went to the local vitamin shop and inquired. There is something called OMEGA 3-6-9, which DOES say on it that the fish oil does NOT contain any heavy metals, and it does break down the different ingrediants. My problem is that I didnt have the energy or mind set to write down what was in it, how much, etc. I also didnt have my list on me of how many mgs Im taking now....(duh, an MS moment)

Have you heard of these multi Omega pills? Would you happen to have ANY info on maximum or suggested mgs for the different ingrediants? IM sure that what was in this bottle was only minimum suggestions. I mean, if it says 2 capsules a day, I would probably take 2 capsules three times a day. Which would be fine, if it was enough in each serving...since Im in a total MS fog today, I cant figure out if it makes more sense to take these things individually, or try taking a multi pill to cover them all. Im sick and tired of swallowing 17 pills after each meal! Im even sicker of having to force myself to eat something when Im not hungry, just to take my supplements!

Thought on this? Id appreciate anything you might have to say...
hope all is well in the big city...things are wet and foggy ( for the 5th day in a row ) in lovely NJ.
Hugs,
N

PS. Stil not totally convinced that these things are helping, but totally convinced that they arent hurting! Since I have an MRI of both brain and spine (with and without contrast) a week from now, I figured I might as well stay with the program until early Sept when I see my Neuro to see whats going on in my head!

parisiancat · 08-23-2007, 04:08 AM

Hi Nikki,

Mind if I jump in here?

I have a book about the omega fats, but don't have it with me so I can't give you all the details (I'll look it up tonight). But I do know that omega 9 has very little nutritional value. Omega 6 is not as benefical as omega 3 (but it is also benefical to a certain extent) and your cells absorb omega 6 more easily than omega 3, so for MS patients, the omega 3 / 6 balance is really important.

Let me check the exact science and get back to you.

Cat x

PS: read an article yesterday about a study in Oregan on the effects of fish oil on MS. Results confirmed that it can provide a measure of relief.

MSNik · 08-23-2007, 05:19 AM

Thanks Cat. Id like to hear what your book has to say...Im trying to do this to allieve the chronic pain I have in my left hand and fingers. The tingling/burning has been going on for a year now, and sometimes, I want to cut my hand off! People have suggested that increasing my Omegas MIGHT help to cut down on inflamation of the nerves...Im also taking Tumeric for the same reason. I take so many supplements....

Anyway, whatever you have to say, Id be glad to hear. THanks!
Nikki

parisiancat · 08-24-2007, 03:42 AM

I knew that I had read (and follow in my diet) that you should increase omega 3 but decrease intake of omega 6. But I couldn't remember why. So I did look it up last night and in three separate books found this information:

Omega 3 works to supress immune system disorders.
Omega 6 provokes inflammation.

So I definitely would not be supplementing omega 6!

If you want to read up on it, the books are 'Fats that Heal; Fats that Kill', 'The Omega Plan', 'Taking Control of MS; Natural and Medical Therapies'. The first one is very scientific (too much so for me) but it's also has very detailed explainations.

I also read last night that olive oil has good anti-imflammatory properties.

I think one of the hardest things about treating MS is not seeing immediate or verifiable results. It seems the best you can hope for is to not get worse. So whether you're taking handfulls of supplements, giving up your favourite foods for a vegan diet (me!), injecting yourself with inteferons - it's not like many other illnesses where you eventually feel better. Even when you do get some relief you dont know if it was the drugs, or the supplements, or the cooler weather, or because you're less stressed, or because you ate brocolli this week! Grrrr.

I do hope you find some relief soon. I definitely noticed an improvement in my hand (which was not as bad as yours) after about 4 months. But like I said above - I can't even say for sure it was the omega 3 that made the difference. But I believe it was a factor.

Cat

MSNik · 08-24-2007, 07:21 AM

Thanks Cat.
I read what you wrote, and your references, and then did some research on my own about Omega 6. Im not seeing anywhere that they provoke inflamation, and did see that they are used for things like Rheumetoid Arthritis and eye disorders. It was my Neuro-Opth who suggested I started using flax seed, Omega 6 supplement, to try to avoid the eye problems I was having...
Im not sure that anyone really knows what combination really helps. I do think since I addded the Omegas, Ive seen a small difference in the pain; however, it could be imagined.
Thanks for taking the time to get back to me. I appreciate it very much. Hope you have a good day!
Nikki