Melanoma Drug Boosts Recurrence-Free Survival (HealthDay)

HealthDay - FRIDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- A chemically modified form ofinterferon improves the chances that melanoma patients will survive andhave no recurrence of the skin cancer, according to a new report.

The term "essential" when used in reference to dietary components, means that we need this nutrient in order to live, that our bodies cannot make it, and that it must be obtained from our diet. So you really do need to eat foods that provide essential fatty acids.

What do we need them for? Every cell in our body has a membrane that is composed of fatty acids. The cell membrane allows nutrients to flow into the cell and waste to flow out of the cell. The appropriate intake of fatty acids maintains the integrity of the cell membrane, allowing the cell to function optimally, including communication with other cells. Scientists believe that deficiency or imbalance of the essential fatty acids contributes to some types of cancer because the cell-to-cell communication is affected.

Essential fatty acids also help make other compounds in our body. One of these is called prostaglandins. These are substances which play a role in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, and immune function. There is also evidence that essential fatty acids stimulate the secretion of leptin, a hormone that signals you are full and encourages you to stop eating-helpful if you are trying to lose weight.

There are two families of essential fatty acids: The omega-3 fatty acids, and the omega-6 fatty acids. These terms describe the biochemical structure of each. Most Americans get a higher ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acids than is recommended. The recommendation is for a 3:1 ratio of omega 6 to omega 3's, but the typical American has a diet that consists of between a 10:1 and a 20:1 ratio.

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in many fish, including salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna. Populations who consume large amounts of fish (such as Alaskan Eskimos) have lower rates of heart attacks and blood clots. Flaxseed oil is another major source of Omega 3's. Many ophthalmologists recommend omega 3 supplements for their patients to help form natural tears. My own eye doctor recommended I take flaxseed oil capsules. Since salmon oil supplements have the same composition of omega 3 fatty acids as flaxseed, I asked why she specifically recommended the flaxseed form: Her answer, "The only difference is that if you burp some up later, you aren't walking around tasting fish the rest of the day!" Good enough for me.

As for Omega 6 sources, they are easy to noni morinda citrifolia dosages reviews side effects in many oils and nuts, including canola oil, safflower, sunflower, and soybean oils; walnuts and hazelnuts. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are also good sources. Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide smaller amounts, as well as cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

Although there are oils found in many packaged food products, these oils have been processed. When omega 6's are refined or exposed to light and oxygen they are transformed into a state that is no longer effective for the functions of fatty acids. Likewise, cooking with oil damages the structure and it is no longer a good source of essential fatty acids.

Estimates in recent articles suggest that between 90 and 99 percent of Americans are deficient in adequate essential fatty acids. Symptoms can be so vague and broad (from fatigue, to infections, to aching joints and constipation) that it is extremely difficult to pin point the source of the problems as a dietary deficiency.

Eating fish more often is a great way to get your Omega 3's in. For Omega 6's, using one of the aforementioned oils on salads as part of a homemade dressing can be a great way to get in the recommended two teaspoons per day. Keep in mind that about 10-20% (and no more than 30%) of your daily calories should be coming from fat. So when you start adding two more teaspoons per day in the form of oils, try cutting down on other dietary fats (like margarine and mayonnaise) to keep from increasing your dietary fat intake. Try adding some essential fatty acids to your diet starting today, and see if you notice a difference in how you feel!

Laurie Beebe, a registered dietitian certified in adult weight management, has transitioned into diet coaching. Coaching helps dramatically by allowing people to set their own goals and design their own action plans. Please visit Laurie's website, "Shaping Your Future" at http://www.mycoachlaurie.com for diet tips, links to great books and websites, or to sign up for a free monthly newsletter!