Life balance is the key to a healthier you

The idea of “life balance” might seem like an impossible goal to most.  Between managing relationships and work to finding a solid exercise routine that sticks, it’s no surprise that many of us consider our lives to be extremely stressful, and far from healthy and balanced.   

Many experts agree that there are simple things we can do to help alleviate stress.  At work we should consider taking more breaks, setting manageable goals and being more efficient with our time. And when we come home, we should make it a priority to engage with friends, unplug and unwind, share tasks and chores with others and surround ourselves with positivity and things that make us happy. 

Although mental sanity is essential for life balance, diet and exercise are also important for a well-rounded, healthier lifestyle. Eating right and getting adequate rest are key, and staying active comes with a multitude of physical benefits. Exercise also helps reduce stress, boost the immune system and much more. 

While these tips will help get you on the right track to living a better and more balanced lifestyle, it may not be enough.  In fact, “the truth is not always what it seems.”​

Imagine a healthy woman living an active life in a big city who has a daily routine that includes hardcore exercise and a balanced diet. One might think that she deserves five stars on the health chart, but ironically, this woman discovers that she has been living an imbalanced life for years, and her daily habits aren’t enough for her to be considered truly healthy and balanced. In fact, after taking a test that measures omega-3 levels, this woman finds out that her below average score puts her at risk for a host of health issues, and that opens her eyes to the reality that a positive change is absolutely necessary. 

This real life character is depicted in a short film created by Aker BioMarine to draw attention to the chronic lack of omega-3s in people’s diet.

So what really happens when our omega-3 levels are lower than the ideal number?

Omega-3s are actually some of the most important nutrients that our bodies need. They are essential for maintaining cardiovascular health as they help maintain healthy blood pressure and plasma triglyceride levels, as well as a regular heartbeat and normal blood clotting processes. Additionally, the EPA and DHA found in omega-3s such as krill oil are also important for supporting brain health, eye health, joint health and much more.

While we know omega-3s are crucial for overall health, the lack of instant gratification or outward result from taking these important nutrients makes it difficult for some consumers to understand how important they really are.

Similar to other risk factors for heart disease such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you cannot feel a low omega-3 level. The Omega-3 Index Test is considered by some experts, the “new cholesterol test” or the number you want to brag about. So how do we get there?

Current statistics show that we are becoming unhealthier because of the lifestyles we choose to live. In fact, a recent study published in Nutrients​, compared data from the United States and Germany and concluded that despite adequate knowledge of the health benefits and food sources of omega-3, 98 percent of the participants fell below the optimal range.

A result of 8-12 percent is associated with better, overall health and a lower risk for premature death. Anything less than 8 percent puts us in the least desirable risk zones.

With these alarming statistics, it would only make sense that everyone would make omega-3 testing a priority, but much more education is needed.

Education is​ key when it comes to preventing lifestyle diseases and that is why Aker BioMarine is making awareness of omega-3 deficiency a priority now and in years to come. There is this fantastic opportunity to elicit a positive change on a global level, but we need to start at the beginning. It’s crucial to make people understand that there is no “one size fits all” approach to healthy living. In order to maintain balance in life, you must address health from every aspect and from the inside and out. In order to help prevent chronic disease, you need to know your omega-3 levels. With the Omega-3 Index Test, it is quite easy to find out your number and take the appropriate steps to help raise it. To that end, finding the right balance in life is crucial to help put us on the right track to becoming healthier and happier everywhere.