Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high concentrations in some of the wild-caught cold-water fish, like salmon, for instance, and can significantly decrease bone breakdown. In women, these beneficial omega-3 fats work with estrogen to stimulate bone mineral deposits and slow the rate of bone breakdown. But it's not simply a matter of consuming more omega-3 rich foods; you also need to consume less of foods containing omega-6 fats. Increasing your consumption of omega-3s and decreasing your consumption of omega-6 fats (i.e., arachidonic acid, which is found in meat and dairy products), more effectively reduces bone reabsorption.

• Arachidonic acid is used by the body to produce the Series 2 prostaglandins (PGE2), an inflammatory mediator.


• PGE2 can set off inflammatory chain reactions that break down cartilage and trigger increased activity by osteoclasts, the cells which to break down or resorb old bone.


• These two mechanisms help explain why increasing consumption of cold-water fish, which increase your omega 3 oil intake, while decreasing consumption of meat and dairy products, which increase your omega 6 oil intake, can produce remarkable positive effects in people with bone and joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

These same mechanisms also appear to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. And what about the brain? Omega 3 oils are very important for the brain. Brain chemicals that make it work - neurotransmitters - are made from fats. Other nutrients are involved, but fats are important. Drugs, alcohol, contaminants like fluoride, aspartame, MSG, and pollutants in general, affect the brain. So for brain healing, ingestion of the balance of oils our bodies need, keeps us at a good advantage. For those who may be predisposed to Alzheimer's Disease, this is even more important. Mind you, genetic predispositions may never get triggered, so I do not intend to prompt any anxiety by this comment.

Anti-aging education is our best protection for brain healing, and bone preservation. Anti-aging nutrition, without a doubt involves understanding the balance in omega 6 and omega 3 oils. Purified fish oils give us what we need. While we can eat wild-caught cold water fish that provide us with the omega 3 oils, we cannot eat them every day due to the contaminants they contain. The purified or "ultra" fish oils can make up the difference.

This article is meant to stimulate your curiosity for anti-aging education. For any symptoms of disease that you have, please consult your doctor.

Dianne M. Buxton is a mother, writer, and a ballet teacher, interested in anti-aging nutrition and lifestyles. If you find this info useful, you can read more here.