Fish Oil for Arthritis – Important Facts
It’s beginning to seem like fish oil is some sort of panacea for all of the world’s problems. From depression to heart health, arthritis pain to lower blood pressure, fish oils have been linked to a number of health issues.
But the usefulness of fish oil for arthritis is a fairly new finding.
Fish Oil for Arthritis:
When the fish oil is digested and broken down in the body, it becomes chemicals called prostaglandins. These chemicals will reduce inflammation in the body, which then reduces the pain. The body can naturally produce these chemicals as well in certain situations, but in order to alleviate pain, the body needs more than the tissues and organs can provide for day to day functioning.
Fish Oil for Arthritis:
Derived from the tissues of fish, fish oils are also referred to as Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, and EPA. All of these labels are correct, and all of these chemicals break down in to the inflammation reducing chemicals the body needs.
In one study in Pennsylvania’s University of Pittsburg, patients who took cod liver oil on a regular basis for 10 weeks were able to completely stop taking their traditional pain medications.
Fish Oil for Arthritis:
What the main problem with fish oil is in relation to pain management is that most patients don’t take enough. Though most supplements come in 1000 mg formulations, you need to take at least 4 times as much in order to help your arthritis pain.
Some researchers have recommended taking up to 8000 mg per day for the maximum effectiveness, in fact.
Some patients will have troubles taking fish oil, however, as it is a fish based compound. Since the oil is derived from an actual fish, there can be a fishy aftertaste after taking these pills. This can be avoided when you take the pills after eating a full meal.
Fish Oil for Arthritis:
There are also some supplements also that have removed the fishy taste or that have added a lemon flavoring in order to help with digestion. Over time, however, your body will become accustomed to taking in these oils and you will not taste the fish at all.
If you find you are sensitive, just try a few different fish oil brands to see if one works better than the other for you.
Fish Oil for Arthritis:
You can also try to get your fish oil supplementation by trying to eat some fatty fishes more often than you eat red meat or poultry. But the trick with doing this is that you have to eat a lot of actual fish in order to even come close to the amount of Omega fatty acids that you get from the concentrated oils.
In addition, eating a lot of fatty fish can increase your chances of mercury poisoning as fattier fishes tend to accumulate more mercury in their bodies as they move through their environments.
Fish Oil for Arthritis:
Mercury poisoning does not occur with the fish oil supplements as they are purified and they are ‘clean’ in terms of outside toxins. Of course, it never hurts to choose a brand that’s well known over those that are cheaper and possibly not as well made.
It’s recommended that you limit your consumption of fatty fishes to no more than 2 to 3 servings of fish a week – which obviously limits your ability to get the maximum arthritis ‘dose.’
If you find you are experiencing symptoms like headaches, a lack of energy, and an overall ill feeling, it might be wise to discontinue your fish oil regimen and talk to your doctor about possibly being tested for mercury poisoning.
Fish Oil for Arthritis:
Make sure you read the label of the fish oil supplement carefully before making your final purchase. You will want to find capsules that are at least 1000 mg each in order to help you limit the number of pills you have to take.
Omega 6 fatty acids are those which are found in poultry, eggs, and plant based oils. These fatty acids are also good for the heart and also good for those who want to maintain good health. However, they are not as strongly linked with the management of arthritis pain, so fish oil is the preferred remedy.
In fact, scientific studies are showing that ingesting too many plant based Omega 6 fatty acids may actually be affecting our ability to process Omega 3 fatty acids, which is what may be leading to more cases of arthritis to begin with – but right now, it is just speculation and deserves further study.
Once again, if you are taking any other medications, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about supplementing with fish oils.
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