“Suffice it to say that trans fatty acids are b-a-a-a-d. They raise your total blood cholesterol level and your LDL, or bad cholesterol; lower your HDL, or good cholesterol; and are suspected of contributing to obesity and diabetes.”
- Professor Robert L. Wolke

Trans fatty acids from hydrogenated oils both interfere with enzymes that process Omega-3 fatty acids and compete for their absorption in the body.  This causes an increase in cytokine production.
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 They may cause a person to become withdrawn.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.”

Hydrogenation is a process to make vegetable oil harden at room temperature. Because hydrogenated oils have a very long shelf life, they save the food manufacturing companies money. Hydrogenated oils and trans fatty acids have been banned in Denmark, but today in the U.S., over 90% of the foods produced contain hydrogenated oils.

Soon after food companies started using hydrogenated oils, medical professionals started seeing a new type of diabetes, which was named Diabetes-Type II. Today, scientists realize that these oils cause Non-insulin Dependent Type-2 Diabetes. Over the last fifty years since their introduction, this disease has increased over 1000%.

Note: Hydrogenated oils can be listed as Mono-Diglycerides on a food label. This is another example of deceitful labeling practices by food manufacturers.

Despite an overbalance of Omega-6 fatty acids, the Western Diet, high in trans fatty acids, cholesterol, simple carbohydrates, and alcohol, causes a deficiency in the Omega-6 fatty acid GLA. Stress and chronic viral infections like herpes and Epstein-Barr also cause a deficiency in GLA. Additionally, as we age our ability to produce GLA diminishes. Children with eczema and asthma are often deficient in GLA. A GLA deficiency can also manifest itself with dry and rough skin, dry hair, excessive thirst, or diabetic neuropathy. GLA is found in borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant oil. Despite the popularity of evening primrose oil, the best source of GLA is arguably borage oil.

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