Recently by Lorenzo Cohen Ph.D

Co- Authors: Jerah Thomas, M.P.H., Peiying Yang, Ph.D.

Omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids are necessary for normal human growth and development. However, the human body can't produce these "essential" fatty acids. The amounts found in our bodies are a direct result of the content in the food we eat.

Omega-3
There are three major omega-3 fatty acids: Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is primarily found in certain nuts and vegetable oils, while EPA and DHA are found in dietary fish and fish oil products. Sources include, but are not limited to:
•    Fish and fish oils
•    Vegetable oils (flaxseed, canola, soybean and olive oils)
•    Green vegetables
•    Grass-fed livestock and poultry (dairy products and eggs from grass-fed animals)

There's some evidence suggesting omega-3s may prevent and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels: heart disease, heart attacks, atherosclerosis and blood pressure. Additionally, EPA and DHA specifically may reduce blood triglyceride levels, protect organ transplant patients from cyclosporine toxicity, and improve symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved fish oil-derived omega-3s for the reduction of blood triglyceride levels.

As the benefits of omega-3s are unfolding, researchers are evaluating their unique role as anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities, both of which are critical mechanisms in cancer prevention and tumor growth. M. D. Anderson faculty are investigating the role of omega-3s in cancer prevention.

Omega-6
Omega−6 fatty acids (popularly referred to as ω−6 fatty acids or omega-6 fatty acids) are another family of essential fatty acids that have in common a final carbon-carbon double bond in the n−6 position. Omega-6s are important for maintaining human health because they provide energy and are also components of nerve cells, cellular membranes, and are converted to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins. Excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids have been linked to promotion of various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammation and autoimmune disease. Sources include, but are not limited to:  
•    Vegetable oils (corn, soybean, sunflower and evening primrose oils)
•    Hydrogenated (trans) fat
•    Margarine
•    Meat, egg and dairy products (from animals with diets consisting of grains, corn, soy or wheat)

Balance of omega-6 and omega-3
Certain foods that are part of the western diet have had a dramatic increase in the amount of omega-6s relative to the amount of omega 3s (15-20:1 current from closer to 1:1 prior to 1960) (Simopoulos, A.P, Exp Biol Med 233:674-688, 2008). This can lead to an increase in inflammation, which is potentially problematic for many chronic diseases including cancer. It's vital that we purposefully evaluate what we eat and select food items that promote health and wellness. While fatty acids are essential, it's imperative that we choose to integrate the healthy promoting, omega-3 fatty acids to our daily diets and ensure a proper balance (4 to 1 or lower) between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

The 2007 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) indicated approximately 38% of adults use some form of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM). This number increases to over 70% among people with cancer.

The Consortium of Academic Health Centers for Integrative Medicine has defined integrative medicine as the practice of medicine that:

• Reaffirms the importance of the relationship between practitioner and patient
• Focuses on the whole person
• Is informed by evidence
• Makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, health care professionals and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing

Complementary treatments used as part of integrative medicine include: mind-body approaches such as meditation, guided imagery, music, art, other expressive arts and behavioral techniques; energy-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, Reiki and healing touch; body-manipulative approaches such as massage and reflexology; whole medical systems such as traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy and Ayurveda; and biologically based approaches such as those centered on nutrition, herbs, plants, animal, mineral, special diets or other products.

CIM therapies not only play an important role in prevention, but also positively contribute to health outcomes. We're at a pivotal point in health care. From Oprah to our local grocery stores, society is inundated with healthy and not so healthy choices. We as health care providers must educate, promote and make available resources and treatments, based on best practices and the evidence, to achieve optimal health and healing. We need to create a culture of wellness by providing comprehensive care.

I recently watched the Feb. 26, 2009, hearing before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee: Principles of Integrative Health: A Path to Health Reform. I was pleased to hear Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) support the role of integrative medicine in the national health care plan: "It is time to adopt an integrative approach that takes advantage of the very best scientifically based medicines and therapies, whether conventional or alternative "... "Today, we are not just talking about alternative practices but also the integration between conventional and alternative therapies in order to achieve truly integrative health."  

The Integrative Medicine Program at M. D. Anderson is shifting the focus from sickness to wellness, treating the whole person, and providing a forum for all evidence-based practices. The program's goal is to integrate the best of complementary and conventional treatments using a multidisciplinary approach.  

Increasing the institution's focus on integrative therapies is a testament to M. D. Anderson's commitment to the highest standard of care available for every person living with cancer. I'm proud to be apart of such a cutting-edge institution, and specifically this movement towards wellness.