Researchers already know that fish oil has powerful anti inflammatory properties so as arthritis is an inflammatory condition, what effect is taking a daily dose of fish oil likely to have on arthritis sufferers?
To date, numerous studies have shown that fish oil can not only alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, it can do so to such an extent that it reduces the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDS.
The active ingredient in fish oil is Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA. This long chain Omega 3 fatty acid will not only reduce inflammation, it has numerous other benefits too. The following is a list of just some of the effects that EPA can have on the body and on health.
It can significantly reduce inflammation
It can lower high blood pressure
It can reduce levels of so called bad cholesterol and increase levels of good cholesterol
It reduces levels of triglycerides
It lessens the risk of heart disease and strokes
It can promote better brain function and improve memory and focus
It can help protect against depression and even dementia
It can improve inflammatory skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and eczema
It can be beneficial against exercise induced asthma
It can improve weight loss when combined with moderate exercise
In fact the list is constantly being added to as studies continue to highlight the myriad of ways that EPA fish oil can benefit mental and physical health. So what about arthritis?
What the studies reveal about fish oil and arthritis
First of all what is arthritis? The main characteristic associated with arthritis is inflammation of the joints. As time goes by, this inflammation has a devastating effect on the joints which reduces mobility, causes distressing pain, and can even result in permanent deformity and disability.
There is no cure for arthritis so the only way to treat it is to alleviate the pain and suffering and to try to slow down the progress of the condition to prevent the joints from damage as much as possible.
The drugs used to treat arthritis can carry unpleasant side effects as well as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke so anything that can help ease the pain but without posing a risk to health would give arthritis sufferers a new ray of hope. This is where fish oil comes in.
Researchers are very interested in fish oil for good reason. We know that the fatty acids in fish oil alleviate inflammation, and actually have a preventative effect on heart disease and strokes. However, fish oil is also considered very safe to take, even in relatively large doses, which make it a very attractive option for anyone looking for a more drug-free approach to treatment.
Here's a summary of what the studies have found so far:
Omega 3 fatty acids inhibit the production of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes leading to a reduction in inflammation in the body and a consequent reduction in arthritis symptoms.
Patients taking a daily dose of fish oil needed less pain medication and in some studies, some participants were able to stop taking pain killers altogether.
Studies have shown that it can reduce morning stiffness and joint tenderness
Some arthritis sufferers reported a significant increase in grip strength after taking fish oil
Anyone who is considering taking fish oil for arthritis should contact their doctor for advice first. It may be that there are contraindications to taking fish oil that you may not be aware of.
