Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Arthritis
Omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties that clinical studies have found to be beneficial to rheumatoid arthritis, helping to reduce pain, increase mobility and enable a lower dose of medication to be used. Although most field trials have been carried out on patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis, laboratory test have indicated that these fatty acids should also be effective against osteoarthritis.
The effect of Omega-3 fatty acids is to reduce inflammation and it also appears to have an effect on certain enzymes that break down cartilage. Pain in the joints can also be cause by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and the fatty acids have also been found effective against such joint pain.
If you suffer from arthritis of any kind, then you should find that an Omega-3 supplement will help to reduce the swelling and inflammation, and also reduce the pain, particularly in the morning when you feel particularly stiff. This is particularly true of the American diet that is generally too rich in Omega-6 fatty acids that promote inflammation. These are contained in cooking oils, salad dressings and nuts, and while a good diet should contain 2-4 times as much Omega-6 as Omega-3, the American contains as much as 25 times more. An Omega-3 fatty acid supplement can be used to redress this balance.
Omega-3 supplements are available in 1000 milligram softgel doses at your local or internet health food store. Always buy name brands to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Omega-3 essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
November 8th, 2009