Insight into the stark difference between omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids sheds some interesting light on how to reduce inflammation naturally.

It turns out that omega-6 starts the fire of inflammation and omega-3 puts it out.

It is a complicated contradiction but as Dr. Evelyn Tribole puts in in her recent book The Ultimate Omega-3 Diet (which is really a fascinating book by the way)

“It is no different from the opposing tools used for repairing a house. You might need a demolition ball to tear out a rotten wall and a crane to deliver wood for building a new wall.”

In a similar fashion, a healthy inflammation process uses the power derived from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (namely, a class of chemicals called eicosanoids) to constrict or dialate blood vessels, prevent or trigger blood clots, and so on. As with most systems in the body, an amazing balance between “demolition and building” is required for your body to elicit the proper inflammation response.

Unfortunately, unless you have optimized your diet already, you probably overwhelm your body with omega-6 and starve it of omega-3 on a daily basis.

The result?

A one-sided, unbalanced inflammation response!!

So, in an effort to get you motivated enough to actually change you behavior, here we list 6 ways that omega-3 fatty acids !ZAP! inflammation.

Maybe now you will choose a nice grilled filet of fish over a juicy burger at the next summer BBQ.

Omega-3 flips the switch on inflammation genes – Your body’s natural inflammation process requires that genes (or DNA) must be turned on and off (activated and deactivated). The primary constituents of omega-3 fats, DHA and EPA, do the flip switching… or the switch flipping (whichever you prefer). Sure medications such as [tag-tec]COX-2 inhibitors[/tag-tec] can do this too but fish oils (an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids) don’t have side affect such as “adverse cardiac event” printed on the wrapper.

Here’s the list… Omega-3 fatty acids:

1. Inhibit the inflammation causing enzymes called LOX, COX-1 and Cox-2
2. Inhibit the release of inflammation promoting omega-6
3. Inhibit the activity of cytokines which cause cartilage destruction
4. Decrease blood pressure
5. Inhibit excessive blood clotting
6. Benefit the heart, mood, cancer, and more… – you’ll have to read Dr. Tribole’s book :)

Ultimately, the dominating fats (omega-3 or omega-6) in your diet, and thus your cells dictate the “inflammation status” of your body.

• If your diet consists of mostly omega-6 fats, your inflammation response will be unbalanced and damaging to your cells.
• Conversely, if your diet is rich in omega-3 fats, your inflammation response will be balanced.

Simple huh?