Although not much research has been done on oil and fodder, flaxseed supplements have always been an effective treatment for acne, as well as natural healers and sufferers of acne.
Flaxseed is traditionally used as a natural laxative, providing bulking to the skin and moisturizing. But flaxseed oil has many other benefits, rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are so named because we have to get them from our diet - our bodies do not. They are essential for normal growth and development of the brain, and they help prevent chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
Essential acids come in a variety of forms, most commonly known as omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids. Omega 6 fatty acids are common in our Western diet, found in oils such as safflower, sunflower, corn, sesame and other oils. You may have a deficiency of omega 6 fatty acids if you rely solely on omega 3 fats, such as flax and fish flour, as the main fat in the diet. Or if you take omega 3 fatty acids in bulk for one and a half times, up to two years, to reverse omega 3 deficiency.
Symptoms of omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include dry skin, sticky platelets, and tissue inflammation. Given that inflammation is a major concern especially for acne sufferers, it is easy to see why increasing the amount of omega 3 fatty acids in the diet remains a well-known treatment for acne.
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in certain types of fish such as salmon and mackerel, and flaxseed oil. And by reducing inflammation, omega 3's accelerate treatment - and, of course, for those with acne - and reduce platelet aggregation. Platelet adhesion is far more important than cardiovascular health when you consider that blood cells carry oxygen to cells, including cells in our skin, and the cells involved in treatment.
There are 3 types of omega 3 essential fatty acids. These are alpha linolenic acid (ALA or LNA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). ALA (or LNA, as it is commonly abbreviated) is converted to EPA and DHA by the body. EPA and DHA are omega 3's forms that are easily absorbed by the body. ALA supplementation has been found to reduce inflammation and improve dry skin.
Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of ALA, containing an average of 55% or more. But to make changes to EPA and DHA, the body needs to have good levels of zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6.
The recommended ALA diet is approximately 2,220 mg per day. Higher doses are recommended to treat deficiencies, or other conditions. There is no standard recommendation for acne sufferers simply because not enough studies have been done on acne. However doses of 3000 to 6000 mg per day are used to prevent and treat other chronic conditions.
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