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Arthritis is one of many diseases that is caused by inflammation. It is an inflammation of the joints.
By controlling the inflammation, we can often reduce the pain involved with such a disease as arthritis.
While arthritis and fish oil have hardly anything in common, they do have a symbiosis for each other that can be used to handle arthritis issues.
Although there are approximately 100 different types of arthritis, the two most common types are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis, and they are the focus of this article.
It was found that fish oil with Omega 3 effectively reduces the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Some scientific evidence has also given why fish oil effectively fights the more common osteoarthritis.
Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
These fatty acids are known as polyunsaturated fats. When we hear the word “fat,” we immediately think it’s terrible for our bodies.
However, these Omega 3 fatty acids may benefit our bodies in many ways. There are three types of essential fatty acids, and they are commonly known:
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
- ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)
They are “essential” because your body cannot manufacture them, so you must obtain them from your food.
Fish Oil And Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a nasty autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation resulting in pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid arthritis only inflames the joint and leads to a severe condition that mainly affects the hands, feet, and spine.
Fish oil will help reduce inflammation with its anti-inflammatory agents. Most clinical studies examining the relationship between fish oil and arthritis have focused on RA.
And a number of those studies have found that fish oil helps reduce the symptoms of RA, including joint pain and morning stiffness.
In one study published in the October 2006 Journal of Rheumatology, 75% of the study participants reduced their need for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while taking fish oil.
Another study published in the British Journal of Nutrition indicated that fish oil reduced interleukin-1beta production, resulting in a significant reduction in morning stiffness and painful joint symptoms in RA patients.
However, unfortunately, the studies show that fish oil only treats the symptoms of RA; it does not appear to slow the progression of the disease.
However, there is another benefit to taking fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis.
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased chance of developing atherosclerosis and hardening the arteries.
Fish oil helps stabilize the plaques that may develop in your cardiovascular system. Usually, bits of the plaque has the potential to break off and cause a heart attack or a stroke.
Fish Oil And Osteoarthritis
An osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis caused by chronic degeneration of the cartilage and synovial membrane of the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. It mainly affects people in middle age.
Fish oil can provide some needed relief for those suffering from osteoarthritis. In addition to reducing the actual inflammation in a joint, fish oil–and thus omega 3 for arthritis can also reduce the inflammatory substances that the body is producing.
By decreasing the inflammation and reducing the factors behind the inflammation, fish oil can help remedy a painful situation.
Some studies have shown that fish oil is not much effective in relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is due to an inflammatory process, and fish oil with Omega 3s has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the reasoning goes that fish oil can help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
A study done in 2004 at the University of Pittsburgh dealt with neck and back pain caused by disc disease and arthritis.
The study found that the participants could stop taking pain medication altogether after replacing their ibuprofen with a therapeutic dose of omega-3 fish oil – 1,200 mg a day.
Another study has shown that fish oil supplementation can reduce osteoarthritis pain in older adults with overweight or obesity.
Arthritis and Joint pain: Supplements, Food to Eat, and Avoid
Conditions like arthritis and joint pains can significantly benefit from Omega-3 fatty acids.
These essential fatty acids have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness for people who suffer from these conditions.
So how much will Omega-3 fatty acids benefit you and your arthritis?
Fish Oil Supplements For Fighting Arthritis
Given the established benefits of taking fish oil for rheumatoid arthritis and some proven benefits of taking fish oil for osteoarthritis, you can decide to take a fish oil supplement.
If you do, choose a molecularly distilled supplement for purity that comes from a trusted producer.
One thing that you need to understand is that Omega 3 is not a miracle cure for arthritis.
Although it is highly beneficial and recommended by doctors worldwide, taking these essential nutrients is simply an effective way for you to help reduce arthritis aches and pains.
Avoid Processed Foods
Rather than simply relying on Omega 3 alone, you can assist in the process by excluding certain types of food from your diet, such as:
- Processed foods
- Junk foods
- White rice
- Pasta
- Highly refined grains
- Sugar
- Fried foods
- Processed meats
- Margarine
Why? Because these foods cause inflammation and can lead to an increase in body aches and pains, swelling, and joint stiffness.
Food to Eat for Arthritis
You can further help to control, or alleviate Arthritis painful symptoms by eating more healthy, anti-inflammatory foods like:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Beans
- Whole grains
- Fish (2 or 3 times a week, if possible)
- Green tea
Include Excercise for Arthritis
Another thing that’s highly recommended is exercise.
Regular exercise helps reduce pain, keep bones strong, maintain muscle strength, and improve your ability to function.
Some of the safer exercises that don’t put much stress on the joints include, but are not limited to, lightweight training, stationary bicycling, swimming, yoga, and walking.
How to choose Fish Oil Supplements for Arthritis?
Research has shown that a good quality Omega 3 fish oil with high anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the symptoms (pain, swelling, stiffness) of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and joint pain.
With so many different products available now, finding a quality product is one of the trickiest things.
Here’s what you need to do:
Look for a well-reputed company
Make sure the company has been operating for at least ten years and has a good reputation.
We say ten years because this gives unhappy customers sufficient time to come out of the woodwork and put their thoughts online (testimonials and reviews).
Reputation is one of the most important things you should consider when choosing a company and its products.
Where is Fish Oil Produced?
Find out where the fish oil is produced. Not all fish oil is the same.
Although different types of fish will produce various oil grades, the waters from which they come also play an important role.
You should find a quality product where the fish is sourced from clean, unpolluted waters.
The oceans off the southern coast of New Zealand, for example, are one area that is deemed pollutant free. The Hoki fish that live in these pristine waters are free of contaminants.
The Bottom Line
Many arthritis patients take drugs to control the pain involved with disease-ridden joints.
Often these drugs have serious side effects that should be carefully considered before taking them. Fish oil, on the other hand, has significantly few side effects.
It is healthy for much more than your arthritis, including your hair, nails, cardiovascular system, etc.
Despite these benefits, you should check with your health care provider before taking fish oil as a supplement. If you are given the go-ahead, you can be confident that a quality oil will help your arthritis.
