Fish Oil Arthritis
Choose the Best Fish Oil for Arthritis
Fish oil arthritis capsules are effective in reducing inflammation and giving pain relief. Find out what to look for when choosing a fish oil supplement.
Fish oil has been proven to reduce inflammation and give relief for pain and morning stiffness in both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In some cases the need for NSAIDS is lessened. In osteoarthritis, fish oil also lessens the action of the enzymes that destroy cartilage.
It is the Omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil that does the trick. The human body does not produce Omega 3 and therefore it must be obtained from food or supplements. Eating cold water fish such as Mackerel, Salmon, Tuna, and Sardines will supply some Omega 3 but not enough for today's diet.
The body needs an equal balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6. Omega 6 is found in sunflower oil and corn oil and is therefore plentiful in processed food. Omega 6 fatty acids actually promote inflammation and are an aid in the blood clotting. Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and thin the blood. It is estimated that most people get 25 times the amount of Omega 6 in the diet than Omega 3. Increasing Omega 3 is essential for people with arthritis in order to combat the effect of Omega 6.
It is just not possible to get enough fish oil through diet alone. It is recommended that ocean fish only be eaten twice a week due to the mercury content in the ocean. It is recommended that women who are pregnant or may become pregant eat even less. High quality fish oil capsules are safe. So do include cold water fish in your diet but also take fish oil supplements.
People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis need to take a little over 5 grams of fish oil a day divided into several doses throughout the day. Fish oil supplements need to contain about 1/3 active EPA/DHA which are the active compounds. Fish oil arthritis capsules will not give results over night. It may be 12 weeks or more before any improvement is noted. Avoid the inexpensive fish oil capsules which may contain contaminants.
Because fish oil capsules thin the blood, it is important that anyone taking blood thinning medications discuss taking fish oil or Omega 3 for arthritis with their doctor.
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