Three Foods For Arthritis Suffers

Omega-3 fatty acids have been well documented for their ability to reduce inflammation. With strong anti-inflammation properties, it makes sense that fish oils have been touted as the next big thing in arthritis care. But do these oils really work? Are they a cure for that persistent arthritis pain?

As with most alternative medicine therapies, there is not yet sufficient research to conclude whether fish oil is truly efficacious in relieving the symptoms associated with arthritis. However, early research is encouraging.

Recent clinical trials and laboratory studies have concluded that fish oil, because of its omega-3 structure, may be helpful in reducing the feelings of stiff morning muscles and tender joints that so many arthritis sufferers experience. Researchers have not yet concluded the appropriate dosage for maximum effectiveness, nor how long treatment should last.

There is a very important issue for people that are on medications that affect their blood and that is: researchers have found that fish oil supplementation can, in some cases increase the risk of blood's ability to clot.

Fish oil supplementation has also been shown to interact with blood pressure medications. Apparently, taking fish oil supplements while taking high blood pressure medications may cause their blood pressure to lower significantly.

Some fish, notably: swordfish, tuna, king mackerel, tilefish, and shark, have very high levels of mercury and this makes consuming fish oils a risk particularly to young children, and women who are pregnant or nursing.

To steer clear of these risks, do ensure to find a low-mercury fish. To find this information can frequently be tricky, one way is to call the producer and ask about the mercury levels of their product.

The good news: beside these risks, consuming fish oils generally causes very few side effects. The side effects that do exist are relatively minor, and may consist of stomach disturbances and gas.

Now we come to the perimeter of treatment for arthritis: Glucosamine and Chondroitin.Both of these are on the edge of treatment because they have not been proven by medical reseach.The quwstion is why then have these two dietary supplement been in cludeed in arthirits treament

Recent research has found that both supplements do contain anti-inflammatory properties, and that they have anti-inflammatory effects in some animals.

Having said all that, many faithful users do sing the praises of these two supplements.I am among them and take Glucosamine and Chondroitin with Aloe Vera in a drink called Freedom ( see my site www.aloeveraexpress.com for details )

I have put togehter some information to see if these supplements are right for you, because you need to know; will they work for me?

What is this stuff, Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a substances found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar that is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair. Glucosamine is as dietary or nutritional supplement.It extracted from animal tissue: glucosamine from crab, lobster or shrimp shells.

With the potential to heal or repair damaged joints and slow down the progression of arthritis, glucosamine has become an immensely popular dietary supplement around the world. However, it has been suggested in a few clinical reports that there are side effects that even health practitioners were initially unaware of. One woman reported that her diabetes symptoms worsened after taking glucosamine.The reason is that Glucosamine is ten times as potent as regular glucose in causing insulin resistance in animals. Glucosamine can increase fasting blood sugar levels and worsen glucose tolerance.These side effects can occur because glucosamine activates a metabolic pathway in the body that leads to the deterioration of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and causes insulin resistance, two factors associated with diabetes.

Like Glucosamine, Chondroitin (or Chondroitin sulfate) can also be found in the fluid surrounding the joints. It can also be found in cattle and sharks.

If you take medicines known as 'blood-thinning' medicines, such as heparin, to prevent blood clots, speak to your doctor before taking chondroitin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Chondroitin can also occasionally cause stomach upset.

Many doctors now think that Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements do lessen the pain of some people with arthritis. They agree that the supplements do appear safe, it is just to make sure you get quality products. Aloe Vera Freedom comes with a 60-day money back guarantee.