Experimenting with Oils: Part 2

Omegas and Oils, Oh My!

It is a common belief that our ancestors had an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of between 1:1 and 3:1--an ideal ratio for the body. This is most likely not true for the majority of humans today, especially Americans. Many processed foods are baked or cooked in vegetable oil (one of the worst possible oils you could EVER use--see my blog Fat: The Healthy Kind for more on this) and high in omega-6. Because of this, the standard American diet lends to an average omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 20:1 [1]. That should make your eyes bulge. This extreme change in ratio parallels the increase of obesity in Americans. It is one of the reasons doctors and nutritionists began recommending fish oils--they are high in omega-3 and help get that ratio closer to ideal. 

The Differences between the Essential Omegas [2]:
Omega-3 - Represented by alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), these fats are a crucial part of our cell membranes. They can be found in green leafy veggies and flax, chia and walnut seeds. They have many great health benefits such as:
  • Improve heart health - increase “good” cholesterol levels and reduce blood pressure
  • Reduce symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder
  • Decrease liver fat
  • Support infant brain development
  • Fight inflammation
  • Prevent dementia, asthma, diabetes, obesity
  • Promote bone health

Omega-6 - Represented by linoleic acid (LA), these fats are primarily used for energy. When the proper ratio is ingested, omega-6 can help prevent chronic disease, reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, assist with breast cancer treatment, and reduce body fat. They can also help the immune system send infection-fighting white blood cells to inflamed areas of the body. Omega-6 can be found in the seeds of most plants.

Neither omega-3 or omega-6 can be produced in or by the body (which is why they are essential fatty acids)--they all have to be ingested through diet. Omega-9, on the other hand, can be produced by the body and it is not essential to your diet.

A distorted ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 can turn all the positive impacts of omega-3’s on their heads, leading to an increased risk for all of the aforementioned benefits. If there is too much omega-6, as there is with almost all Americans, the body has a hard time shutting off it’s inflammatory response, which just down right screws everything up. If your body thinks it has an infection all the time, it can raise your levels of cortisol and throw you into HPA-D without you even knowing it. 

As with everything in life, balance is key. Besides just popping fish oil, you can make small changes to your diet that equate to major repairs for your omega ratio! One small change: cooking oil. 

Oils with Omegas:
  1. Olive oil has on average omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 10:1. That being said, olive oil is largely composed of omega-9 (about 75%) and, though a decently healthy option, is not necessarily the most beneficial when talking omega regulation.
  2. Coconut oil has neither omega-3 nor omega-6, so a fairly neutral party here.
  3. Palm oil has on average omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 10:1, with almost half the product composed of omega-9. However, it contains far more nutrients than any other dietary oil. 
  4. Sesame oil contains 42% omega-9, 15% saturated fat, and 43% omega-6. It contains no omega-3’s. However, it is known for its many health benefits including: cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar lowering as well as its anticancer potential, ability to regulate the immune system, high antioxidant levels, and its ability to protect the liver against alcohol and prescription drugs.
  5. Avocado oil is largely an omega-9 fatty acid. Benefits of this fruit/oil include: higher good HDL cholesterol, lower risk of metabolic syndrome and lower weight. Avocados are also high in vitamins A, D, E, B1, B6, and phytonutrients and antioxidants.
  6. Safflower oil is composed of almost 80% omega-6 and often contains polyunsaturated fats, making it unstable and NOT a good choice for cooking or consuming.
  7. Sunflower oil contains 64% omega- 6, 21% omega-9. Also NOT a great choice for cooking or consuming. 
  8. Peanut oil contains 48% omega-9, 34% omega–6. It contains no omega-3’s. It is safe for cooking, but has very little benefit in terms of getting your omegas in check.
  9. Walnut oil 60% omega-6, 22% omega-9 and 10% omega-3. The protein in walnuts provides many essential amino acids, and raw walnuts contain the highest total level of antioxidants compared to all other nuts. 
  10. Flaxseed oil 18% omega-9, 16% omega–6 and 57% omega–3. At first glance, it looks great, BUT… it’s pretty unstable and oxidizes rapidly. Usually by the time this oil make it on the shelf of a grocery store, it’s already gone bad. If you choose to purchase this and it smells like turpentine when you open it, do NOT consume it. I flat out recommend that you do not purchase this product, period. I would advise you to purchase the actual seed and add that to your diet rather than the oil as the seed itself has a great omega content.

Reminder: The popular cooking oils these days are vegetable and canola. You can find many different brands in the grocery aisle. DO NOT PURCHASE THEM. They are SO bad for you (again, more info on this in my blog Fat: The Healthy Kind). 

Changing up your oil of choice is just a small way to add omegas to your diet. If you’re really serious about getting your ratio closer to that idea of between 1:1 or 3:1, then my suggestion is to decrease your processed food intake as much as possible (in fact, zero would be great!) and start eating at least 8oz of fish per week. 

Another great way to get more omegas in your diet is through supplements. And you can shop from this trusted source on Wellevate. Creating an account is free and shipping is free with a purchases $49 and over. Also, check out my blog post  “Need to Know Basis: Supplements” about how to safely purchase unregulated supplements.


Cooking with healthy fats is just the beginning to eating better and feeling better. If you struggle with autoimmune disease, fatigue, hormone imbalance, infertility, weight gain, depression or gastrointestinal health, let’s talk about how I can help you heal yourself. I offer a 20-minute Health Discovery Session for $49 to get you on the right path to wellness. Contact me today. 

Don't Miss Out!

Heidi Toy Functional Medicine Blog

By Heidi Toy February 17, 2025
Discover How CoQ10 Supports Heart Health, Energy Levels, and More—Especially During Heart Health Month.
Candida yeast overgrowth
By Heidi Toy February 14, 2025
Good Yeast, Bad Yeast
By Heidi Toy February 5, 2025
Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to show your love with thoughtful gifts that align with your partner's Paleo lifestyle.
By Heidi Toy January 14, 2025
One of the reasons fad diets often fail is because they are not sustainable. The other reason is because they usually harm different systems in the body as much as they are meant to help. As with all health issues, when it comes to diet, everything should be in moderation. The following five diet points all involve TOO much of a “good thing”:
By Heidi Toy January 3, 2025
From Seed Oils to Sustainable Farming: How We Can Reclaim Our Health and Make America Healthy Again
By Heidi Toy December 15, 2024
Hormones. The Hot Topic for Men + Women
By Heidi Toy December 14, 2024
Cortisol and weight gain often go hand in hand, but there are ways to break the cycle. Discover five effective ways to reduce cortisol levels and prevent weight gain.
By Heidi Toy November 27, 2024
When it comes to improving your health and energy levels, the balance between sodium and potassium is crucial. These two minerals are involved in essential cellular functions, working together to maintain your body’s energy, hydration, and response to stress. If you're looking to enhance your mood, energy, and overall well-being, learning about this balance is vital. The Role of Sodium and Potassium in Your Body Inside each of your cells, the sodium-potassium pump helps regulate the movement of nutrients and waste. This process is essential for maintaining energy levels, proper hydration, and managing stress responses. The ratio between sodium and potassium determines how well this pump operates, making it critical for your health. Think of this balance like a tightrope: too much or too little on either side, and things can start to go wrong. Imbalances in sodium and potassium can lead to health problems that may already be affecting how you feel on a daily basis. Ideal Sodium-Potassium Ratio for Health In Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), the optimal sodium-to-potassium ratio typically falls between 2.1 and 3.1, with 2.4 being the median. This ratio reflects how well your body manages stress, inflammation, and hydration. When your sodium-potassium balance is off, it can be a sign of deeper issues with stress and overall health. High Sodium-Potassium Ratio: A Signal of Acute Stress A sodium-potassium ratio above 3.1 suggests that your body may be dealing with acute stress or inflammation. Some common signs of an elevated ratio include: Water Retention and Bloating: High sodium levels can cause the body to retain water, leading to puffiness or swelling. High Blood Pressure: Increased sodium often results in elevated blood pressure, especially if excess water is being held in your system. Mood Swings and Irritability: Rapid changes in mood, heightened stress responses, and irritability can be tied to high sodium levels. Hormonal Imbalances: An imbalance in sodium and potassium can lead to estrogen dominance, affecting other hormones and potentially causing mood swings, bloating, and menstrual irregularities. Liver and Kidney Strain: If your ratio is excessively high—above 12—it can indicate significant stress on your liver and kidneys, two organs essential for detoxification. Factors such as exposure to heavy metals (like copper, mercury, or aluminum) or certain medications can also elevate your sodium levels, pushing this ratio higher. Low Sodium-Potassium Ratio: A Marker of Chronic Fatigue If your sodium-to-potassium ratio falls below 2.1, it’s often a sign of chronic fatigue or prolonged stress. A low ratio, also known as an "inverted ratio," is associated with several symptoms: Chronic Fatigue and Weak Immunity: A low ratio indicates that your body is exhausted, often resulting in feelings of extreme fatigue and a weakened immune system. Food Cravings and Digestive Issues: Low potassium levels can trigger cravings for sugar or stimulants, and may lead to digestive discomfort. Emotional Instability: Low potassium can also contribute to irritability, frustration, and feelings of being emotionally drained. Trauma Response: When the sodium-potassium ratio dips below 1, it can be linked to deep-seated stress or trauma, signaling that your body needs serious support. As with a high ratio, heavy metal toxicity or certain medical treatments can contribute to a lowered sodium-potassium ratio, making it essential to address both mineral imbalances and environmental factors. How to Restore Sodium-Potassium Balance Bringing your sodium-potassium ratio back into balance is key to improving energy and overall health. Here's what you can do: For a High Ratio: Increase Potassium-Rich Foods: Eat more potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes to help counteract high sodium levels. Reduce Inflammation: Investigate possible sources of chronic inflammation, whether it's diet-related, stress-related, or due to exposure to toxins. Lower Stress: Engage in stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle exercise to help reduce inflammation and restore balance. For a Low Ratio: Consider Potassium Supplements: If HTMA results show low potassium, supplementation may be necessary to correct the imbalance. Support Emotional Health: Chronic stress or trauma can often be at the root of low ratios. Seeking emotional support through therapy or stress-reducing activities can help. Check for Toxic Metals: If heavy metals are present, detoxifying your body may be required to restore proper sodium-potassium balance. Conclusion: Balance is Key to Wellness The sodium-potassium ratio may seem like a small detail, but it has a major impact on your health and energy levels. Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, mood swings, or inflammation, maintaining the right sodium-potassium balance is crucial for overall vitality. Paying attention to this balance can help you manage stress, support your hydration, and guide you toward better health. By incorporating strategies to restore your sodium-potassium ratio, you can take control of your well-being and experience more energy, better mood stability, and improved resilience against stress. HTMA is the way to understand your own ratio. In a few days, the 'Special of the Year' will be revealed, allowing you to discover your personal ratio and learn how to enhance it, along with your health and energy! Make sure to sign up for my newsletter and open your emails!
By Heidi Toy November 20, 2024
It’s a safe bet that many people today are dealing with sluggish livers, even if they don't realize it. With the constant exposure to toxins in our modern environment, the liver, our body’s primary detox organ, is working overtime to clear out the “junk” we encounter every day. Whether it’s heavy metals, chemical pollutants, mold, or even stress, your liver is under constant pressure to keep up. While it’s easy to assume that most of us have some level of liver dysfunction, it’s important to understand how serious the situation is for each individual. A sluggish liver can lead to a variety of health issues, but it’s not always easy to pinpoint without the right testing. That’s where a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) comes in, offering valuable insights into liver function and overall health. Here’s how an HTMA can help assess liver health and why you should consider this test for yourself or your family. 1. Cobalt Levels: A Clue to Liver Health One of the best indicators of liver performance that shows up on an HTMA panel is cobalt. Cobalt is a mineral that has two sides: as part of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin), and as a toxic metal in high amounts. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, the body can’t absorb Vitamin B12 efficiently, leading to cobalt accumulation in the liver. This build-up can manifest in various health issues, including thyroid problems, tinnitus, blood thickening, and even vision or hearing loss. Elevated cobalt levels in the hair can be a red flag that the liver is under stress. By paying attention to cobalt levels in an HTMA, you can get a clearer picture of your liver’s ability to detoxify and absorb essential nutrients. 2. The Sodium/Potassium Ratio: A Life-Death Indicator Another vital aspect of liver health reflected in HTMA results is the sodium to potassium (Na/K) ratio. Sometimes referred to as the “Life-Death” ratio, this measurement reveals a lot about your body's overall stress and energy levels. A low Na/K ratio typically indicates burnout, chronic fatigue, low stomach acid, and compromised immune function. All of these issues are connected to liver dysfunction. The body’s inability to detoxify and heal is often a result of chronic stress and infections, which can further impair liver function. If you have infections, the liver may be struggling to keep up with the detox demands, making the Na/K ratio a valuable marker for assessing overall liver health. 3. Heavy Metal Levels: A Key Sign of Liver Strain Heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and aluminum are highly toxic to the body. When these metals show up in an HTMA panel, it’s a clear indication that the liver is working hard to detoxify the system. Interestingly, low levels of heavy metals can also signal liver trouble. If your HTMA shows little to no heavy metal excretion, it could mean the body is storing these toxins rather than eliminating them. This often points to an overburdened or sluggish liver that isn’t able to keep up with the detoxification demands. Either way, the presence (or absence) of heavy metals is an important clue that your liver might be overwhelmed, making it crucial to support proper detoxification pathways. 4. Oxidation Rate: Slow Metabolism, Slow Detox HTMA also helps assess the body’s metabolic rate through the oxidation rate, which is the balance between calcium and phosphorus. When this ratio is elevated, it indicates slow oxidation, meaning a slower metabolism. People with slow oxidation rates tend to be poor eliminators, meaning they struggle to detoxify and remove toxins from the body. This is another key indicator that the liver is sluggish and not able to efficiently process toxins. When your metabolism slows down, so does your liver’s ability to clear out harmful substances, leaving you feeling fatigued, bloated, and overwhelmed. 5. Lithium Levels: A Detoxification Powerhouse Lithium is a fascinating and often overlooked mineral when it comes to liver health. While most commonly known for its pharmaceutical use in treating bipolar disorder, lithium also plays an important role in detoxification. On an HTMA panel, low lithium levels can indicate poor detoxification, particularly in terms of glutathione production. Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, essential for detoxifying the liver and protecting cells from oxidative damage. If lithium is low, it may suggest that your liver is struggling to produce enough glutathione to keep up with detox demands. Although research on lithium’s role in detoxification is still emerging, clinical evidence points to its importance in supporting healthy liver function. The Bottom Line: Start with Minerals for Better Detoxification The liver is central to your body’s ability to detoxify, but it can’t do the job alone. Minerals are the foundation of every detox pathway in the body. Without adequate mineral support, detoxification can’t happen effectively, no matter how many supplements or herbs you take. This is why it’s so important to use HTMA testing to assess mineral levels and create a plan to restore balance. When you support the body with the right minerals, you can improve liver function, increase detoxification, and enhance overall health. Why Wait?  Something Big is Coming! If you’re ready to get serious about your liver health and understand your body’s detox capabilities, there’s no better way to start than with an HTMA test. This test provides critical insights into your mineral balance, liver health, and overall metabolic function. And the best part? A major deal is coming your way this Thanksgiving! Keep an eye on your emails because you won’t want to miss out on what’s coming—a huge opportunity to get the testing and insights you need to take control of your health. Make sure you’re ready for this game-changing offer—it’s going to be the deal of the year!
By Heidi Toy November 14, 2024
Are you struggling to lose weight? Functional medicine may be the solution you've been looking for. This guide explores the role of functional medicine in weight loss and provides practical tips for success.
More Posts
Share by: