It was hard to find what I was looking for when it comes to today’s topic, prostaglandins, but finally I was able to get some ample information to clarify this topic (I’m going to try to keep it as simple as I can as it can get tricky and complex). Prostaglandins are actually a subset of eicosanoids (if you’ve ever heard of any of Dr. Barry Sear’s work then you’ve probably heard of eicosanoids). Like hormones, yet not like hormones. They don’t actually circulate but are localized. They are involved in a number of processes:

• clotting
• movement of calcium and substances in and out of cells
• dilation and contraction
• regulation of secretions (like digestive juices)
• fertility
• cell division and growth

What I found that I loved is “the list of biological functions involving them is limited only by our ignorance of their effects.” Cells produce after action of enzymes on essential fatty acids. Here is where it may get complicated. There are two pathways: an omega-6 (series 1 and 2)and an omega-3 (series 3). Series 1 produces dihomo-y-linolenic acid (DGLA) found in liver and organ meats. Series 2 produced from arachidonic acid (AA) found in butter, eggs, organ meats, animal fat (especially pork), and seaweed. The Series 3  coming off the omega-3 pathway produces EPA (sound familiar?) from fish liver oils and fish eggs. Now in simplifying some have labeled series 2 as ‘bad’ because it is involved in inflammation swelling, and clotting. But like all good things (like cholesterol) this is a way for the body to heal and prevent further injury. Inflammation is necessary, just not in excess. Series 2 also:

• regulates temperature
• has a hand in inducing birth
• lower blood pressure
• regulate platelet clotting

Like most things in the body that we try to figure out and give a standard for eicosanoids work together in a vast array of loops and feedbacks. We’re all different as well and our bodies aren’t always going to react how scientist or doctors may guess, especially with all these infinite possibilities of loops. Plus look at the sources that are being demonized here? Liver and eggs are both highly nutritious (DHA for the brain for starters), and both eggs and butter are good sources of AA that is important to cell membranes! Series 3 is important, as well (but I have a suspicion that like most things, balance and an examination of sources is key). N

   Now to we need to look at enzymes (notably D6D) because if the action of the enzyme is blocked, then you bet that the pathway is blocked too. What can cause this blockage:

• trans fatty acids like margarine and hydrogenated oils
• excess omega-6 from processed foods
• deficiencies of biotin, vitamin E, protein, zinc (whose absorption is hindered by phytate in grains and legumes notably soy. Also the best sources of zinc come from red meat, organ meats and some sea food like oysters) B12 and B6 (which consequently the best sources are raw dairy, raw meat and raw fish)
• alcohol intake
• excess sugar consumption
• malnutrition
• overeating

Altered D6D function is associated with several conditions:

• diabetes
• alcoholism
• cancer
• premature aging
• Crohn’s disease
• cirrhosis of the liver
• eczema
• ulcerative colitis
• irritable bowel syndrome
• PMS
• Sjogren’s syndrome

Carnivorous animals lack this and D5D on our own and must get it through food intake. Some have suggested that saturated fat like coconut is not good for this, but saturated fats actually improve the body’s utilization of fatty acids and keep them from going rancid. (and the lauric acid can actually improve the functioning of the omega-6 pathway). Interestingly when Weston Price was administering his high vitamin butter and cod liver oil it had some prostaglandin effects. The butter is rich in AA making it beneficial to the omega-6 pathway, while the cod liver oil is rich in EPA beneficial to the omega-3 pathway. Plus as an added bonus, the saturated fat of the butter help the unsaturated fat of the cod liver oil work more efficiently! Tips for utilizing and getting the most of your prostaglandins and their pathways:

• avoid hydrogenated fats
• avoid high levels of processed omega-6′s
• eat butter! (quality like raw grass-fed)
• eat coconut oil and milk
• cod liver oil
• organ meat and fish eggs
• EGGS!!!! (they really are incredible)
• stay away from foods high in phytate that enable zinc (no grains or legumes, especially that pesky soy!)
• avoid sugar!

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