There are eight essential fatty acids, which are divided into two classes: Omega-3 and Omega-6. These fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and vital for cytokine control.

(Cytokines cause many fibromyalgia symptoms. In the brain, cytokines can cause behavioral changes. They can either prompt or worsen depression, anxiety, or anorexia. They may cause a person to become withdrawn. Cytokines create fatigue and interfere with sleep patterns. They are one thing responsible for what has been termed “brain fog.”)

However, there is a catch. Omega-3 and Omega-6 must be balanced or they actually will promote cytokine production and inflammation. An ideal intake ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is about 3:1.  Unfortunately, most Americans are eating at a ratio somewhere closer to 25:1. This imbalance is linked to insulin resistance, asthma, lupus, arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, diabetes, depression, food allergies, Multiple Sclerosis, and Psoriasis.

Sources of Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Black Currant Oil
Borage Oil
Canola Oil
Corn Oil
Cottonseed Oil
Evening Primrose Oil
Hemp Oil
Safflower Oil
Sesame Oil
Sunflower Oil
Wheat Germ Oil

Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Boiled Green Beans
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Collard Greens
Fish / Fish Oil
Flax Seeds / Flax Seed Oil
Fresh Kale
Fresh Peppermint Leaves
Fresh Strawberries
Ground Cloves
Ground Oregano
Parsley
Romaine Lettuce
Spinach
Squash

There are three different Omega-3 fatty acids: ALA, EPA, and DHA. This is important to understand so that you realize which food sources are high in which fatty acids. Technically, ALA is considered the only true essential fatty acid because your body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA. Herein lies the problem: The conversion rate is very low – somewhere between 4 - 15%. The conversion process is also enzyme intensive. Those with autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia struggle with any enzyme intensive process.

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