Expert Advice
Acella Pharmaceuticals is partnering with Heather Procknal, NBC-HWC-CHC, to bring greater awareness to the importance of thyroid care and education. This post is sponsored by Acella Pharmaceuticals.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider before beginning any exercise, fitness, diet, or nutrition routine. Acella Pharmaceuticals does not endorse, promote or sponsor any products or brands mentioned in this article. The views expressed here are those of the author.
Let’s talk about fat. It’s one of three critical macronutrients our bodies need, along with carbohydrates and protein. But all fat is not created equal. Some fats are health boosters, while others can wreak havoc on your body.
But there is one powerful type of fat you'll want to be sure you're getting enough of: omega-3s!
What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids, or omega-3s, are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, or PUFA. Another type of PUFA is omega-6. Omega-3 is a “healthy fat” that’s in a league of its own when it comes to the hierarchy of fats. It supports your brain, hormones, immune system, heart health, energy levels and mood.
The three main omega-3 fatty acids are:
• ALA, or alpha-linolenic acid • EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid • DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid
ALA is naturally occurring in:
• Flaxseed oil • Soybean oil • Canola oil • Walnuts • Chia seeds • Flaxseed
DHA and EPA are found in:
• Tuna • Mackerel • Salmon • Herring • Sardines • Other fatty cold-water fish
Health Benefits of Consuming Omega-3s
Omega-3s play an important role in the healthful functioning of many bodily systems. For example, many studies show that consuming EPA and DHA lowers triglyceride levels, which is great for cardiovascular health.
Some scientists believe that the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in patients who suffer from other autoimmune disease.1,2 It’s no secret that reducing inflammation in the body is crucial to improving your health! Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation is also beneficial for hypothyroid patients too.3
While there is more research that needs to be done, many scientists agree that consuming omega-3s may improve your overall health, including the functioning of your heart, brain, vascular system and endocrine system, which includes hormone-producing glands such as the thyroid.
How much do you need per day?
The World Health Organization recommends a daily dose of 250 mg to 500 mg combined EPA and DHA for healthy adults. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating one to two servings of seafood per week to get the dose of omega-3s that your body needs.
But if you’re not a seafood lover, that’s OK. There are other ways to add these super fats to your daily diet. Below is one of my favorite foods to boost my omega 3 intake: a decadent chocolate chia seed pudding.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding Recipe
It’s gluten-free, dairy-free and packs an omega-3 punch with its magic ingredient – chia seeds!
Servings: 2 Prep Time: 10 minutes; Chill Overnight
Ingredients:
• 1 cup coconut milk • 3 tablespoons chia seeds • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder • 2 tablespoons honey • ¼ teaspoon vanilla or peppermint extract
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until fully incorporated. 2. Pour into two glass containers with lids and refrigerate overnight. 3. Remove from refrigerator and stir. If you are feeling fancy, add a mint leaf sprig for garnish.
You can store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. But I bet someone will finish it sooner. Give yourself a high five for taking care of yourself while being a little indulgent too!
REFERENCES: 1. James M, Proudman S, Cleland L. Fish oil and rheumatoid arthritis: past, present and future. Proc Nutr Soc. 2010 Aug;69(3):316-23. doi: 10.1017/S0029665110001564. Epub 2010 May 28. PMID: 20509981. 2. Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. J Am Coll Nutr. 2002 Dec;21(6):495-505. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2002.10719248. PMID: 12480795. 3. Mancini, A., Di Segni, C., Raimondo, S., Olivieri, G., Silvestrini, A., Meucci, E., & Currò, D. (2016). Thyroid Hormones, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation. Mediators of inflammation, 2016, 6757154. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6757154
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INDICATIONS & IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION INCLUDING BLACK BOX
WARNING
Important Risk Information
Drugs with thyroid hormone activity, alone or together with other therapeutic agents, have been used for the treatment of obesity. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
- NP Thyroid® is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
- In the elderly and in patients with cardiovascular disease, NP Thyroid® should be used with greater caution than younger patients or those without cardiovascular disease.
- Use of NP Thyroid® in patients with diabetes mellitus or adrenal cortical insufficiency may worsen the intensity of their symptoms.
- The therapy of myxedema coma requires simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids.
- Concomitant use of NP Thyroid® with oral anticoagulants alters the sensitivity of oral anticoagulants. Prothrombin time should be closely monitored in thyroid-treated patients on oral anticoagulants.
- In infants, excessive doses of NP Thyroid® may produce craniosynostosis.
- Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of therapy but is usually transient.
- Adverse reactions associated with NP Thyroid® therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage.
- Many drugs and some laboratory tests may alter the therapeutic response to NP Thyroid®. In addition, thyroid hormones and thyroid status have varied effects on the pharmacokinetics and actions of other drugs. Administer at least 4 hours before or after drugs that are known to interfere with absorption. Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within one hour of certain foods that may affect absorption.
- NP Thyroid® should not be discontinued during pregnancy, and hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.
Indication
NP Thyroid® (thyroid tablets, USP) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism from any cause, except for cases of temporary hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). It is meant to replace or supplement a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland.
NP Thyroid® is also used in the treatment and prevention of normal functioning thyroid goiters, such as thyroid nodules, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, and in the management of thyroid cancer.