> Download and Print Article

Stem cells are becoming more popular every year. People hear about them for pain, aging, energy, joint problems, and recovery. Clinics and influencers talk about stem cells as if they are magic. But there is something important most people never hear:

If someone offers stem cells but does not explain cell membrane fluidity, they are leaving out one of the most critical pieces of the puzzle.

Stem cells can help many people, but they work best when the “environment” inside your body is healthy. That environment is controlled by the cell membrane, which acts like the “skin” or “protective shell” of every cell.

You can think of the cell membrane like a door. If the door is soft and opens easily (fluid), signals and nutrients can move in and out quickly. If the door is stiff and rigid to open, essential messages get stuck or delayed.

This affects how healthy stem cells perform their function. One of the main factors determining whether your cell membranes are soft or stiff is your omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio.

There is an at-home test that can measure this balance, and a product I endorse, BalanceOil+, has been shown to support improved membrane fluidity. When cell membranes are fluid, stem cells can receive signals more quickly and function more effectively.

This is something people deserve to know, yet many stem cell providers never mention it.

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are your body’s master repair cells. Think of them as repair workers who can learn any job that the body needs.

You are born with stem cells. They help you grow as a baby, heal cuts and scrapes, repair injuries, and replace old or weak cells. Unlike regular cells, stem cells can:

• • Make more stem cells (self-renewal), like a worker training another worker.
  • Become different types of cells (differentiation), like a helper who can switch jobs depending on what needs to be fixed.

Stem cells can become:

• • bone cells
  • skin cells
  • muscle cells
  • fat cells
  • nerve cells
  • blood cells

This ability makes them critical to healing and maintaining health.

How Stem Cells Are Different From Other Cells

Your body is full of somatic cells, which are everyday cells that each have one main job.

Examples:

• • A muscle cell helps you move.
  • A skin cell protects your body.
  • A fat cell stores energy.
  • A nerve cell sends signals.

These regular cells cannot change their job. A fat cell cannot turn into a muscle cell, just like a math teacher cannot suddenly become a firefighter in one second.

Stem cells are different. They are more like students who can grow up to be many different professions, depending on what the body needs.

How Stem Cells Work Inside Your Body

When something in your body is hurt or inflamed, it sends out tiny signals – like text messages asking for help.

Stem cells detect these signals and migrate to the area that needs repair. Once they arrive, they “read the instructions” from nearby cells and decide what job to do.

Examples:

• • If a muscle is torn, stem cells can help rebuild muscle tissue.
  • If the skin is damaged, stem cells can help make new skin cells.
  • In cases of high inflammation, stem cells can release calming molecules to restore balance.

Stem cells also release exosomes, which are tiny “care packages” filled with healing messages. These exosomes instruct other cells to repair themselves or calm down.

For all of this to work smoothly, stem cells need flexible, fluid cell membranes so they can receive and send signals clearly.

Why Stem Cells Are Such a Big Discovery

For a long time, scientists believed that once a cell had a job, it could never change that job.

Then they discovered stem cells, and everything changed.

They found that some cells could:

• • Renew themselves
  • Become many other cell types

This was a huge discovery. It meant the body has a built-in repair system, almost like a toolbox that can adapt to any task you need.

Researchers first found stem cells in bone marrow that could rebuild blood. Later, they identified other types, such as mesenchymal stem cells, which can differentiate into bone, cartilage, fat, or muscle.

This discovery helped establish the field of regenerative medicine, in which doctors aim to support or restore the body’s ability to repair itself.

What Happens to Stem Cells As We Age?

You never completely run out of stem cells, but as you get older:

• • you have fewer stem cells
  • they respond more slowly
  • they can become “tired”
  • chronic inflammation makes their job harder
  • unhealthy cell membranes weaken their signals

This is one reason why:

• • injuries take longer to heal
  • joints may hurt longer
  • skin ages
  • your immune system is not as strong as it used to be

You still have stem cells, but your repair team is smaller and slower than it was when you were younger.

What Are People Getting When They Pay for Stem Cell Therapy?

When someone pays for stem cell therapy, they are usually receiving additional repair workers injected into the body.

These extra stem cells may come from:

• • donated umbilical cord tissue
  • your own fat tissue
  • your own bone marrow
  • specialized and regulated labs

These added cells do not replace your natural stem cells. They act more like additional helpers that support your body’s own repair team, especially when your natural stem cells are fewer or slower because of age or illness.

However, even the best stem cells will struggle if your cell membranes are stiff, inflamed, or damaged.
That is why cell membrane fluidity and omega-3 balance should always be part of the conversation.

Anyone offering or promoting stem cells without explaining cell membrane fluidity and the omega-6-to-omega-3 balance is not providing the full picture.

Why Cell Membrane Fluidity Matters

The cell membrane is like the door and communication center of every cell in your body.

When cell membranes are fluid:

• • signals can move in and out quickly
  • nutrients can enter the cell
  • waste and toxins can leave the cell
  • stem cells can respond faster and more accurately

When cell membranes are stiff:

• • signals get blocked or slowed
  • nutrients have trouble getting in
  • waste gets stuck inside
  • healing slows down

Omega-3 fats (such as EPA and DHA) help make the membrane soft and flexible, like adding oil to a squeaky door hinge.

Too many omega-6 fats make the membrane stiff, like drying glue on that same hinge.

Most people today have a very high omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio (e.g., 12:1, 15:1, or higher), whereas a healthier ratio is closer to 3:1.

There is an at-home test that can show you your ratio.
BalanceOil+ has been shown to help improve this ratio and support better membrane fluidity.

When cell membranes are fluid, stem cells are more likely to “hear” the messages your body is sending and respond the way they are supposed to.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Stem Cells

Omega-3 fatty acids do more than protect your heart.
They also help your stem cells work better by:

• • improving cell membrane fluidity
  • lowering inflammation
  • helping repair signals move more easily
  • supporting the formation of new, healthy cells

When your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is out of balance, your body becomes more inflamed, and stem cells function less effectively.

When the ratio improves and inflammation declines, your stem cells are more like well-rested repair workers with clear instructions and good tools.

The Role of Polyphenols

Polyphenols are natural compounds found in many plant foods.
They help protect your cells and reduce inflammation.

You can think of polyphenols as little superheroes in your food, helping your repair system stay strong and steady.

Polyphenols are found in:

• • berries
  • olives and olive oil
  • cocoa
  • herbs and spices
  • nuts and seeds
  • colorful vegetables
  • tea and coffee

A study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that people who drank high-flavanol cocoa twice daily for 30 days had more repair-related cells in their blood and improved blood vessel function. Flavanols are a type of polyphenol.

This does not mean regular hot chocolate is a stem cell treatment, but it does show how powerful specific plant nutrients can be in supporting your body’s own repair systems.

Stem Cell Transplants for Cancer: A Proven Medical Treatment

One of the safest and most effective applications of stem cells is in certain cancers, especially blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Here is how it works in simple terms:

1. 1. Doctors collect your stem cells from your blood or bone marrow.
      This is like putting money in a savings account for later.
   2. The stem cells are frozen and stored safely.
   3. You receive intense chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells.
      This is like clearing out a damaged building, but some good cells are lost too.
   4. Your stored stem cells are returned to your body.
      These stem cells travel back to your bone marrow.
   5. Your stem cells rebuild your blood and immune system.
      This is like sending in a new construction crew with fresh supplies.

This kind of stem cell transplant has been used for more than 40 years and is FDA-approved. It is a strong example of how powerful stem cells can be when used correctly.

Even in this setting, your recovery is helped when your body is less inflamed, and your cell membranes are healthy.

Popular Types of Stem Cells Used Today

Some of the common types of stem cells used in therapies today include:

• • Mesenchymal stem cells – often taken from bone marrow, fat tissue, or umbilical cord tissue. They can support repair in joints, cartilage, and other tissues.
  • Umbilical cord stem cells – collected from donated cords after birth.
  • Adipose-derived stem cells – taken from a person’s own fat tissue.
  • Hematopoietic stem cells – blood-forming stem cells used mainly for blood and immune conditions.

Regardless of type, all stem cells depend on a healthy environment and fluid cell membranes to function optimally.

A Note on Autism (Proceed With Caution)

Some families hear claims that stem cells may help autism.
A few early research studies are exploring this, particularly inflammation and immune function.

However, it is very important to understand:

Stem cells are NOT an approved treatment for autism.

The research is still early, and results are mixed. No major medical group currently recommends stem cells as a treatment for autism.

Anyone considering this should consult a qualified physician and understand that these treatments are considered experimental.

What families can safely focus on right now is a strong, natural foundation that supports overall health:

• • increasing omega-3 fatty acids
  • improving the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
  • adding more polyphenol-rich foods
  • supporting gut health
  • lowering inflammation
  • improving sleep and stress management

These steps can help the body’s own stem cells function more effectively and support long-term wellness, without making misleading claims.

Can You Increase Your Stem Cells Naturally?

Yes.
Your body has mechanisms to release more stem cells and help them function more effectively. Here are simple, science-backed habits that support your natural repair system.

Exercise

Exercise helps activate your body’s repair system, almost like flipping a light switch that wakes up your stem cells.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3s help keep cell membranes soft and flexible — like putting oil on a squeaky door hinge so it can open and close smoothly.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are special nutrients found in many plant foods. They help reduce inflammation and protect your cells, making it easier for stem cells to do their job.

Think of polyphenols as small superheroes in your food that help your repair team stay strong.

Cocoa and Stem Cell Function (UCSF Study)

Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found something exciting. When people drank high-flavanol cocoa twice daily for 30 days, their bloodstreams contained more repair-related cells. These cells help maintain blood vessel health and are linked to stem cell activity.

This shows how powerful polyphenols can be.

Important note:
This benefit comes from high-flavanol cocoa, not from regular hot chocolate, which typically contains a lot of sugar and very little of these beneficial nutrients.

Other Foods and Drinks Rich in Polyphenols

You do not need cocoa alone. Polyphenols are found in many everyday foods and drinks, including:

• • berries (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries)
  • olives and olive oil
  • green tea and black tea
  • coffee
  • grapes and grape juice
  • apples and pears
  • nuts and seeds
  • herbs and spices like cinnamon, turmeric, oregano, and rosemary
  • colorful vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, peppers, and red onions

The more colorful your plate, the more polyphenols you are likely to get.

Good sleep

Your body repairs itself while you sleep, almost like a night shift of builders coming in to fix what needs help.

Lower stress

Stress creates “static” that interferes with stem cell signals. Lowering stress helps your stem cells receive the signals they need to respond.

Healthy gut bacteria

A healthy gut creates nutrients that support stem cells.
A healthy gut = a stronger repair team.

Fasting cycles

A fasting cycle is a 12–16-hour period without food, often overnight.
It gives your body time to “clean house,” clearing out older, weaker cells so stem cells can become more active.

If you want guidance on safely trying fasting cycles, you can email me at robert@dietfreelife.com.

How to Choose a Credible Stem Cell Provider

If you are considering stem cell therapy, here are some thoughtful questions to ask:

• • Do they explain cell membrane fluidity and the omega-6 to omega-3 balance?
  • Do they encourage you to support your body with nutrition, omega-3s, and polyphenols?
  • Where do their stem cells come from? Are they clearly and safely sourced?
  • Do they avoid making promises or “guarantees” of results?
  • Do they focus on your whole health, not just selling you a procedure?

A trustworthy provider understands that stem cells are only one part of the picture. Your overall health, inflammation level, omega-3 status, and cell membrane health all matter.

Final Thoughts

Stem cells are powerful helpers in your body’s repair system. But they cannot do their job alone.

They need:

• • healthy, fluid cell membranes
  • a better omega-6 to omega-3 balance
  • enough omega-3s and polyphenols
  • good sleep, gut health, and stress management

When your membranes are fluid, stem cells can “hear” your body’s signals, travel where they are needed, send healing messages, release exosomes, and repair more effectively.

If you want to learn more about the at-home test that measures your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, and how to improve your cell membrane fluidity – contact the person who shared this article, email me at robert@dietfreelife.com, or schedule a free consultation.

Your body wants to heal. Give it what it needs to make that easier.

References

1. 1. Calder, P. C. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: From molecules to man. Biochemical Society Transactions, 45(5), 1105–1115. https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20160474
   2. Simopoulos, A. P. (2016). An increase in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio is associated with an increased risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Nutrients, 8(3), 128. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8030128
   3. Yanes, O., Clark, J., Wong, D. M., Patti, G. J., Sánchez-Ruiz, A., Benton, H. P., Trauger, S. A., Desponts, C., Ding, S., & Siuzdak, G. (2010). Metabolic reprogramming in stem cell aging and differentiation. Nature, 467(7315), 606–610. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature09415
   4. Serhan, C. N. (2014). Pro-resolving lipid mediators in the regulation of inflammation. Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 34(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2014.02.002
   5. Park, H. J., Kim, J., Park, Y., & Lee, J. (2021). Omega-3 fatty acids enhance human mesenchymal stem cell function and reduce oxidative stress. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 12(45), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-02117-1

________
Robert Ferguson is a California- and Florida-based single father of two daughters, clinical nutritionist, Omega Balancing Coach™, researcher, best-selling author, speaker, podcast and television host, health advisor, NAACP Image Award Nominee, creator of the Diet Free Life methodology, and Chief Nutrition Officer for iCoura Health. He also serves on the Presidential Task Force on Obesity for the National Medical Association and the Health and Product Advisory Board for Zinzino, Inc.

🗓️ Schedule a FREE consultation with Robert Ferguson about becoming a client: SCHEDULE FREE CONSULTATION

👉🏽 To order the BalanceOil+ with the BalanceTEST, > CLICK HERE

👉🏽 Watch a free online presentation on the BalanceOil+ and the BalanceTEST: WATCH NOW.