What we eat can be influenced by lifestyle, personal, religious and cultural preferences.

A good example may be a person who frequently orders pizza. The advertising media has proven that it’s easy to have pizza delivered while it’s still hot and tasty. Having pizza delivered can make a person’s life simpler so the decision to eat this way is a “lifestyle” preference.

Studies have shown the benefits of Omega-3 in our diets. Eating fish two-to-three times a week is an easy way to absorb Omega-3. However, some people abhor the taste and smell of fish. If our body does not consume enough Omega-3, an individual can become susceptible to depression, cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, fatigue, dry and itchy skin, brittle hair and nails, have an inability to concentrate, and can experience joint pain. Even knowing all the benefits, not consuming fish is that individual’s “personal” preference.

Some religious faiths are fundamentally-based on the absence of certain foods in a diet. For example, the Jewish faith requests that its followers do not consume pork and shellfish. This is an example of eating according to “religious” preference.

In many cultures, certain foods are mainstays and can identify that specific society. Pasta with tomato-based sauce can identify the Italian culture just as homemade perogies can be a staple in Polish homes. Eating according to ethnicity is a “cultural” preference.

It is a known fact that we are what we eat. All “preferences” aside, there are fundamental dietary guidelines to reaching and maintaining good health:

• Eat smaller meals 3-5 times per day.
• Eat organic when possible.
• Eat nutrient dense foods such as whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
• Eat slowly, and wait 10-15 minutes before taking second helpings.
• Prepare healthy snacks that are easily available (cut carrots, apples, etc.)
• Eliminate processed food.
• Avoid buffets.
• Drink plenty of water, especially immediately prior to meals.

Want to learn more? Go to www.dmehealthconnection.com now!

Article submitted by:
Mary Ellen Iafrate
DME Health Connection
586-405-8242

Dr.DeRusha’s comments:

Thank you Mary Ellen for submitting this article.  Mary Ellen Iafrate is long time wellness patient of Paint Creek Chiropractic Center in Rochester Michigan. 

Along with nutritional counseling, DME Health Connection also offers:

• Lymphatic drainage
• Foot bath detoxing
• Electrodermal screening testing
• Touch for health

“Mmmmm, that’s good bass!” 

Those are the immortal words of Dan Akroyd from one of my favorite Saturday Night Live Skits.  Fortunately, you don’t have to go as far as Akroyd and puree your raw catch of the day in a Bass O’ Matic to get the health benefits of fish oil.

You probably have heard many advertisements for fish oil or Omega-3 fatty acids or have seen more and more Omega-3 fish oil supplements in your favorite health food store.  That’s because they have the full endorsement of the medical and scientific communities for preventing and treating a variety of common diseases – including arthritis, heart disease and ADHD.

I have been preaching Omega-3 supplementation to my patients for years and use them for myself, my wife and our 3 month old daughter. I’ve been aware of the many health benefits of taking Omega-3 fatty acids, so I plan on writing many articles about the subject.  But first, what the heck is an Omega-3 fatty acid anyway?

Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid which means that our bodies need it to carry out many important functions.  However, we can’t produce them on our own.

For instance, your brain is 60% structural fat, just as your muscles are made of protein and your bones are made of calcium.  It’s not just any fat that our brains are made of.  It has to be certain types of fats, and since we don’t produce it on our own, we must take supplements to increase our Omega-3 intake.

Research has shown that the diets of hunter/gatherers were rich in Omega-3’s.  So, what did they eat that we aren’t eating anymore?  For example: a mix of unprocessed meats, fruits and vegetables, with little or no grains.  Green leafy vegetables, certain seeds and nuts, and wild, free range game are rich in Omega-3’s.

The American diet, as in most industrialized countries for that matter, is very low in Omega-3 fatty acids.  Our diets are actually overloaded with another fatty acid, Omega-6, which along with Omega-9 fatty acids, are also essential fatty acids.  However, we consume way too much Omega-6 fat (found in margarine and vegetable and sunflower oils), and far too little Omega-3’s.  We should have a ratio of around 1:1 Omega-3 to Omega-6, in other words, equal amounts. 

I will attempt to explain why that is in future articles, for now, it’s important to know that currently most Americans eat a dietary ratio that falls in the range of 20:1 to 50:1 Omega-6 to Omega-3! 

A great way to illustrate this is to go into your pantry and read the labels on the food you have. Notice how many foods are made with margarine, vegetable or sunflower oils. 

In future posts, I will get into much deeper details and specifics about Omega-3 fatty acids and how they affect your health. In the meantime, however, if any of you are in the Metro Detroit area, I am hosting a free lecture on Omega 3’s at