Omega-6 fatty acids increase inflammation, which activates the internal immune system to fight against the body s own cells.Consequently, a high intake of omega-6 fatty acids can lead to the development of auto immune diseases such as asthma, allergies, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatism and many more.
Even though omega-6 fatty acids activate the internal immune system in a “healthy” state, they suppress the immune response to bacteria and viruses which could lead to an increased risk for infections.
This is most pronounced in vegans, vegetarians, pregant women,athletes and elderly people.
However, omega-3 fatty acids do the opposite.On one hand they act as anti-inflammatory agents, calming down an overactive immune system and stopping it from fighting our bodies. On the other hand they increase the immune response to bacteria and viruses thereby increasing the efficacy of our immune system and strengthening the protection shield against infections.