Healthy With Nin - Go From Burnout to High Performance
 

Your Heart is Begging for This Nutrient – Are You Getting Enough?

antiinflammatory foods healthy fats heart health omega 3 benefits wellness tips Mar 03, 2025

Most people go about their day completely unaware that inflammation is silently impacting their health—until it’s too late. One of the biggest culprits? An imbalanced Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio.

For optimal heart health, your ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 should be around 3:1. But shockingly, when I test people, I often see levels closer to 14:1 or worse! 😱 That level of inflammation is like a slow-burning fire inside your body, increasing your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic pain, and even cognitive decline.

The good news? You can take control of your health today! Here’s how to restore balance and fuel your body with the right nutrients for a strong, happy heart. ❤️

 

 

Understanding the Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio
Omega-3 and Omega-6 are both essential fatty acids, meaning your body can’t produce them on its own—you have to get them from food.
🔹 Omega-3s (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts) are anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce heart disease risk, lower blood pressure, and improve brain function.
🔹 Omega-6s (found in processed foods, vegetable oils, and fried snacks) fuel inflammation when consumed in excess. While your body needs some Omega-6s, the problem is that most modern diets are overloaded with them, pushing the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio dangerously high.
 
Why Does This Matter?
When your body has too much Omega-6 and not enough Omega-3, it triggers chronic inflammation. Over time, this increases the risk of:

Heart disease – Inflammation damages blood vessels and raises cholesterol.
High blood pressure – Stiff, inflamed arteries make it harder for blood to flow.
Cognitive decline – Omega-3s are vital for brain health, while excess Omega-6 may speed up brain aging.
Joint pain & stiffness – Inflammation can make movement painful and contribute to arthritis.
Metabolic disorders – An imbalanced ratio is linked to obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance.
So how do we fix this imbalance and reduce inflammation? Keep reading for simple, science-backed solutions you can start today!
 
How to Optimize Your Omega-3 Intake for a Healthier Heart
✅ 1. Eat Wild-Caught Fatty Fish 4x Per Week
One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your Omega-3 intake is by adding fatty fish to your diet. Aim for at least four servings per week of:
🐟 Wild-caught salmon – One of the richest sources of Omega-3s
🐟 Mackerel – High in heart-healthy EPA and DHA
🐟 Sardines – Budget-friendly and packed with Omega-3s
🐟 Anchovies – Great for boosting Omega-3s in small portions
Not a fan of fish? Try adding flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, or walnuts to your meals. They contain ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid), a plant-based Omega-3, though it’s not as bioavailable as fish-based sources.
 
✅ 2. Add Healthy Monounsaturated Fats
Balancing your fats isn’t just about cutting out Omega-6s—it’s also about replacing them with better sources of fat that promote heart health.
🥑 Avocados – Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats
🫒 Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil is a powerhouse for reducing inflammation
🌰 Nuts & seeds – Almonds, macadamia nuts, and walnuts are great choices
🥥 Coconut oil – Contains healthy saturated fats that provide energy
Swap out processed vegetable oils (soybean, corn, canola, sunflower oil) for olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil to help rebalance your Omega-6 intake.
 
✅ 3. Supplement Wisely – Choose High-Quality Omega-3s
If you’re not getting enough Omega-3s from food, a high-quality Omega-3 supplement can make a huge difference. But not all Omega-3 supplements are created equal!
🔎 What to look for in a supplement:
✔️ More EPA than DHA – EPA is especially powerful for reducing inflammation
✔️ Molecularly distilled & third-party tested – Ensures purity and no heavy metals
✔️ Triglyceride form (not ethyl ester) – Better absorption by your body
 
⚠️ Important Note: If you're taking blood thinners, always consult your doctor before supplementing with Omega-3s.
 
🚫 Avoid low-quality, cheap fish oil supplements from the bargain bin—they're often oxidized, low in potency, and filled with unnecessary fillers.
 
How to Reduce Excess Omega-6s (What to Avoid!)
While increasing Omega-3s is key, cutting back on Omega-6-rich foods is just as important!
Processed vegetable oils – Soybean, corn, canola, safflower, and sunflower oil
Fried and fast foods – Most are cooked in unhealthy vegetable oils
Processed snacks – Chips, crackers, and baked goods often contain hidden Omega-6s
Conventional grain-fed meats – Opt for grass-fed, pasture-raised options instead
Making small swaps like using olive oil instead of vegetable oil, or choosing wild-caught fish over processed meats, can make a huge impact on your Omega-3 to Omega-6 balance.
 
Final Thoughts: Your Heart Deserves the Best! ❤️
Your heart works tirelessly for you every day—it’s time to give it the nutrients it needs to thrive.
By balancing your Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, you’ll reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and protect your body from chronic disease. The best part? It doesn’t take drastic changes—just small, intentional shifts in your diet and lifestyle.
🔹 Eat more wild-caught fish (or supplement wisely)
🔹 Use healthy fats like olive oil & avocado
🔹 Cut back on processed vegetable oils & fried foods
 
Start making simple swaps today and feel the difference in your energy, health, and longevity.
 
💬 Have questions about Omega-3s? 
 
📌 Save this guide & share it with someone who needs to hear this! 🚀