Diet with a Poor Omega 3 to Omega 6 Ratio

Meibomian glands require a diet rich in anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids to produce clear meibum that flows freely. A diet high in the inflammatory Omega 6 fatty acids can lead to meibum that is thick, pasty, and opaque.

It is important to pay attention not only to the consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids, but also to the ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids, both in the overall diet and in specific foods. Walnuts, for example, are said to have a high quantity of Omega 3 fatty acids. But the ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 is not desirable because walnuts also contain a tremendous amount of Omega 6 fatty acids. Chicken is high in Omega 6 fatty acids, as are meats and dairy products where the predominant feed grain is corn. Grass fed beef and butter from grass fed cows are both higher in Omega 3 fatty acids.

Ayurvedic medicine places some foods into “heating” and “non-heating” categories. Interestingly, chicken and turkey, both high in Omega 6’s with inflammatory properties, are considered a “heating” food that should be avoided by anyone with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

References

Efficacy of a new prescription-only medical food supplement in alleviating signs and symptoms of dry eye, with or without concomitant cyclosporine A
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A randomized controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids in dry eye syndrome
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