Flax Seed Oil And Dry Eyes

Flax seed oil an dry eyes prevention goes hand in hand, since several studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can affect the meibomian gland secretions in patients with dry eyes as well as decrease the risk of inflammations.

The main factor behind flax seed oil and dry eyes prevention is that flax seed oil contains ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which will be converted into EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in the human body. All these three fatty acids are so called omega-3 fats. (Some individuals cannot convert ALA into EPA and DHA, or can only convert small amounts. Such persons must look for other sources of EPA and DHA, e.g. certain algae or coldwater fish.)

EPA and DHA are desirable in dry eye prevention and treatment because they have the ability to suppress inflammation in several different ways. In some cases, dry and irritated eyes are caused by an inflammation. In other cases the inflammation is instead brought on by dry eyes, since the eye’s defence system needs sufficient amounts of fluid to function properly. Combining flax seed oil with fish or seal oil seems to be even more efficient compared to eating only one of these products when it comes to flax seed oil and dry eyes.

EPA generates prostaglandin E3 and leukotriene B5 which are two powerful anti-inflammatory ecosanoids. EPA will also prevent omega-6 fatty acids from being converted into arachidonic acid, a pro-inflammatory acid, and instead turn the omega-6 metabolism into forming E1 (PGE1), an anti-inflammatory prostaglandin. Another important aspect of flax seed oil and dry eyes is how EPA is capable of blocking synthesis of interleukin-1-b, interleukin-1-a, and COX-2. These three compounds are all considered important inflammatory cytokines tissue necrosis factors.

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Flax Seed Oil Dry Eyes