Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids & Rheumatoid Arthritis
Proper essential fatty acid levels can have a dramatic impact on the inflammatory responses associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
There is reasonably strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may help people with rheumatoid arthritis. The results of over 13 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies involving a total of more than 500 people suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. One of the ways it appears to work is by decreasing the production of inflammatory chemicals.
Omega-3s are natural anti-inflammatory agents, so they act to prevent or reduce symptoms of arthritis, migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, and asthma.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in many fish, have shown promise in fighting arthritis. Some 26 osteoarthritis patients ranging in age from 52 to 85 were given either an omega-3 fatty acid called EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) or a placebo. Six months later, those who had received the EPA had less pain and were better able to perform normal activities, as compared to the placebo group.
Essential fatty acids are the major component of cellular membranes and these determine the fluidity of the membrane. This in turn determines how the cell will allow molecules in and out of the cell, and in effect how the cell will age. Essential fatty acids also help make joint lubricants; increase oxidation rate, metabolic rate, and energy levels; help transport cholesterol; help our immune system fight infections by enhancing peroxide production; help prevent development of allergies; and important to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, they produce prostaglandin’s.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients have an overall lower omega-3 fatty acid level compared to non-affected people.
The following are the most recommended and best sources of omega-3 fatty acids
1. Fish Oil
Fish oil is the oil found in the meat of certain fish. These fish are referred to as ‘oily fish’.
Many recent double-blind studies have shown that supplementation of the diet with 10-12 grams of fish oils daily results in significant improvement in the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
In studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, fish oils demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions, including decreased joint stiffness and swelling.
Cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies are the richest food source of omega-3 fatty acids. But instead of eating more fish which contain mercury, PCBs, and other chemicals, fish oil capsules are considered a cleaner source of omega-3 fatty acids. Many companies filter their fish oil so that these chemicals are removed.
Flax oil is a good source of omega 3 oils, but in a form which must be converted by the body to be used. If there is a problem with the conversion an EPA/DHA supplement is much more beneficial.
A highly recommended fish oil product is Eskimo-3 Pharmaceutical Grade Fish Oil.
Eskimo-3 is a unique, stable fish oil supplement that has not been chemically modified or processed like other fish oil products and EPA-DHA supplements.
Eskimo-3 is naturally derived, and is manufactured under strict quality control with guaranteed potency, purity, and quality. Natural antioxidants in Eskimo-3 provide exceptional stability.
Eskimo-3 is a natural source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, including Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Eskimo-3 is one of the most extensively researched and documented fish oil supplements in existence. Eskimo-3 has been the subject of more than 100 independent, peer reviewed, published clinical trials and studies and more than 100 scientific papers. Purity separates Eskimo-3 from other fish oils. Produced from cold water, ocean dwelling fish, Eskimo-3 is guaranteed free of dangerous levels of toxins and pollutants. Unlike many other fish oils, Eskimo-3 is not chemically modified to artificially increase DHA and EPA levels.
Recommended dosage: Take three soft-gel capsules with meals 1 to 3 times daily.
A highly recommended essential fatty acid product is Krill Oil.
Research published in the most recent issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition shows that a modest daily dose of krill oil markedly reduces inflammation and reduces the pain, stiffness and functional impairment associated with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis within one week.
Atlantic Pure Krill Oil contains:
- Over 300 times the antioxidant power of vitamin A & vitamin E!
- Over 47 times the antioxidant power of fish oil & lutein!
- Over 34 times the antioxidant power of coenzyme Q-10!
In addition, Krill oil contains large amounts of phospholipids, potent antioxidants, including astaxanthin and a high ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Phospholipids protect cell membranes from injury; the omega-3’s EPA and DHA trigger secretion of anti-inflammatory biochemical’s; and astaxanthin inhibits production of pro-inflammatory biochemical’s.
2. Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil is rich in bone-building vitamin D and inflammation-fighting vitamin A.
Cod liver oil is also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, and contains a lot of vitamins A and D. It is especially good to use during the winter in colder climates to provide extra vitamin D that is not being provided by the sun.
According to more than a dozen studies conducted on cod liver oil, when taken with medication and over a long period of time, the supplement appears to alleviate morning joint stiffness, lessen joint swelling and reduce fatigue in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Because cod liver oil suppresses the immune response, it is speculated it could provide relief for several types of auto-immune disease.
A highly recommended Cod Liver oil product is Carlson’s Cod Liver Oil.
From the deep unpolluted waters near Norway, Carlson brings you the finest cod liver oil which is naturally rich in vitamin A, Vitamin D3, EPA and DHA. Only cod fish caught during the winter and early spring are used, as the liver oil content is highest at this time of year. The oil is separated from the liver tissues without the use of chemicals.
Carlson Fish Oils are regularly tested (using AOAC International protocols) for potency and purity, by an Independent, FDA registered laboratory, and found to be free of detectable levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCB’s, dioxin, and 28 other contaminants.
Vegetarian Sources Of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
1. Flax seeds
Flax seeds have natural anti-inflammatory benefits, which makes them beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in flax seeds are used by the body to produce prostaglandin’s. These are hormone-like substances which help reduce inflammation.
Eat whole ground flaxseed not flaxseed oil.
When you consume whole flaxseed, not only do you get the best plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, you also get the richest source of dietary lignans. Lignans are converted by bacteria in the intestinal tract to hormone-like compounds called phytoestrogens that have protective effects against hormone-related cancers such as breast, prostate cancer and arthritis.
To obtain the beneficial fatty acids from the flax seeds, they need to be ground first. You can buy either ground flax meal or whole flax seeds from a health food store and grind them yourself in a coffee grinder before use. Because it is high in oil, ground flaxseed will go rancid quickly. You can store flax meal in the freezer for up to one month or in the refrigerator for one to two days.
Flax seeds can be used in baking, sprinkled on cereal or salads, in shakes, and in soups or stews.
2. Borage Oil – GLA
Studies done in the last 15 years show that dietary supplementation with Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) reduces the clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it reduces arthritis pain and reduces the need for harmful anti-inflammatory drugs.
GLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in Borage (also known as Starflower) Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Black Currant Oil.
Borage Oil is nature’s richest source of the nutritionally important omega-6 fatty acid Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA).
While long-term supplementation with GLA has proven effective against the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it has none of the dangerous side effects.
