Fish Oil & Arthritis
Comfort Your Joints with Omega-3
We hear this all the time:
“My doctor told me to start taking fish oil. I thought it was for my heart. Not only did my heart condition improve but my joints have never felt better. So I’ll continue taking it.”
Fish Oil Arthritis Benefits are from the Omega-3 fats.
Omega-3:
- Reduces joint tenderness
- Reduces morning stiffness
- Reduces the amount of painkillers needed
- Reduces enzymes that destroy cartilage
- Increases grip strength
- Enhances walking pace
There are two main types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) can cause aches and discomfort in your joints and make it difficult to enjoy life the way you used to.
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Scientific research on Fish Oil & Arthritis.
RA can affect both young and old. It happens when an over-active immune system attacks your joints.
OA affects older people and happens when your joint cartilage is worn out and inflamed. Most people control this pain with over-the-counter pain-killers like Ibuprofen and Naproxen.
The Problem With Over-the-counter Pain Killers
In both types of arthritis, inflammation is the problem. Inflammation causes pain.
These over-the-counter drugs reduce pain quickly. But they only treat the symptom. When the effect of the drug wears off, the inflammation and pain returns.
To keep the pain away, you must continue to take the drugs. This may have serious side effects such as stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding and small holes and tears in stomach lining.
Pain-killers don’t address the underlying cause of arthritis and inflammation. And they’re certainly not a long-term solution to arthritis pain.
So What Causes Inflammation?
Science Corner
Omega-3 reduces the amount of Arachidonic Acid available for Proinflammatory Eicosanoids – Prostaglandins and Leukotrienes and inflammatory cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha, Interleukin-1 and Interleukin-6.
Eating more Omega-6 than Omega-3 causes inflammation.
Omega-6 fats are found in corn, sunflower, canola, soybean and cottonseed oil and are found in many snacks, processed foods, fried foods and margarines.
The grocery store snack aisle is full of Omega-6.
Yes, Omega-6 are essential, but too much of a good thing leads to inflammation.
Fish Oil & Arthritis
Fortunately, Omega-3 from fish oil is a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory. Especially, the EPA Omega-3.
10,000 Times Stronger
Scientists have shown that Omega-3 certainly reduces joint pain and inflammation. But they are just beginning to understand how this happens.
Dr. Charles Serhan of Harvard Medical School reports that the body converts Omega-3 into joint-protective compounds 10,000 times stronger than the original Omega-3. These newly discovered compounds called Resolvins help stop inflammation. Resolvins work by naturally slowing or stopping the production and transport of pain-causing chemicals to your joints.
Pharmaceutical companies are attempting to synthesize artificial Resolvins to help build the next generation of pain medications.
Minor Diet Changes Make a BIG Difference
Taking fish oil supplements is not the only answer to reduce arthritis. You will need a diet makeover:
- Less sugars, less starches and less wheat (yes, less of even “healthy” whole grain wheat!)
- Completely cut out vegetable oils made from corn, soy, sunflower and safflower. Use olive or coconut oils instead.
And importantly, talk to your doctor about any discomfort in your joints.
What About Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are popular arthritis and joint care supplements. They both have been clinically proven to help rebuild worn out joint tissue. But they don’t reduce pain quickly because they don’t reduce inflammation. Rebuilding cartilage is very important, so for best effect, take Glucosamine and Chondroitin with Omega-3.
Fish Oil & Arthritis
OmegaVia provides 1000 mg of Omega-3 per softgel. That’s more than three times what regular retail brand fish oils contain. That means faster relief with fewer pills.
