| What is Arthritis |
| Omega 3 Benefits for Joints |
| Omega 3 Fatty Acids vs Omega 6 Fatty Acids |
| Omega 3 for Arthritis – How Much and How Often |
| Conclusion |
Omega 3 fatty acids are nutrients that are found in high quantities in fatty fish. They are an essential part of all your body’s cell membranes and are required for a healthy body. The important Omega 3 fatty acids include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – all of which have their own benefits.
It has been known anecdotally for years that Omega 3 for joints helps to ease pain and swelling. In recent years, clinical data shows that regular intake of Omega 3 fatty acids may actually be useful with arthritis treatment.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a group of diseases and disorders in which one or more joints of the body undergo swelling, pain and are difficult to move easily. It can be caused due to a variety of reasons such as repeated stress, infection or underlying disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis, for example, is caused when the body’s immune system starts to attack the cells and tissues of the joints. This is known as an autoimmune disease.
Arthritis can be gradual or can progress in stages. Many people with arthritis often have occasional flare-ups of pain and swelling. Most treatment for all types of arthritis involves pain management with anti-inflammatory and pain medications or immune-suppressing medicines.
Omega fatty acids have been studied a lot due to their health benefits across the human body, including improved heart health and lower risk of amnesia. Let’s explore how Omega 3 for arthritis works and how you can access these benefits.
Omega 3 Benefits for Joints
DHA and EPA are two fatty acids found in fish and fish oil supplements. These two have been shown clinically to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the cause of joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Omega 3 for joint pain and joint function tests have been performed both in mice and in humans.
It is thought that DHA may improve immune function in the body while EPA reduces it. DHA is the Omega 3 for good joints and is more vital in reducing inflammation. However, both of these fatty acids from fish are important.
In lab tests, Omega 3 for arthritis not only reduced joint pain but also prevented arthritis onset in mice. For these reasons, Omega 3 is good for arthritis treatment. It also helps to improve the action of arthritis medication. It was observed that when medicine was taken along with Omega fatty acids, it reduced joint pain better than just medication alone.
While EPA and DHA are sourced from fish primarily, another omega fatty acid is ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). It can be found in plant-based dietary sources like nuts or seeds (such as walnuts, flaxseeds, etc.). Currently, there is no strong scientific evidence that ALA is beneficial against arthritis joint pain, although it has many other proven benefits.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids vs Omega 6 Fatty Acids
In general, Omega 3 is good for arthritis since it reduces inflammation in the body. It is thought that Omega 6 fatty acids are not as beneficial in reducing inflammation.
However, there is still some debate in this field. Some research indicates that we need to lower our ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 fats for better health. Other research indicates that both of them are helpful and beneficial for overall health.
Omega 6 acids are primarily plant-based – they are found in sunflower oil, corn oil, and soybean oil. Regardless of the difference between these two, Omega 3 and arthritis have a well-established relationship.
Speak to your doctor for more detailed dietary recommendations. But you should also understand that these fatty acids, when taken regularly, can leave a significant impact on your chronic joint pain.
Omega 3 for Arthritis – How Much and How Often?
You should consult your doctor before trying any Omega 3 supplements or fish oil supplements. People with heart and other cardiovascular conditions may need to use it with caution, as Omega 3 fatty acids in high amounts may increase the risk of developing rhythm disorder (atrial fibrillation). Additionally, there are some minor side effects too like burping, smelly breath, diarrhoea, and nausea.
Additionally, your doctor may ask you to reduce your overall fat consumption if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or are overweight. In this case, you can lower your fat consumption but make omega 3 fatty acids a bigger part of your diet.
Conclusion
Omega 3 for knee pain and other joint pains associated with arthritis may help you but taking supplements should always be done after talking to your doctor. If you enjoyed this explainer on Omega 3 for arthritis, you should read our tips for reducing arthritis pain next!
