Can Omega-3 Supplements Help Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?

There are a variety of supplements available to those with arthritis joint pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin are most commonly associated with reducing osteoarthritis symptoms. Are these the best supplements for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms? What does research indicate regarding Omega-3, also known as n-3 fatty acid, and arthritis pain?

Omega-3 supplementation has gained most of its attention secondary to its affect on the cardiovascular system. Research supports the use of these n-3 fatty acids for people with cardiovascular issues secondary to their ability to stimulate blood circulation and reduce clot and scar formation. Most notably there is strong evidence that n-3 fatty acids reduce blood triglyceride levels and reduces the risk of a heart attack. People with other circulatory issues including high blood pressure and varicose veins can also benefit from supplementation.

But what does this have to do with arthritis?

Of all the supplements that have been evaluated by research, Omega-3 (specifically fish oil) demonstrates the greatest effectiveness in reducing symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 works to help minimize the effect of Omega-6 fatty acids in the body. The Omega-6 fatty acids are considered ‘proinflammatory’ compounds. These compounds not only have an effect on the cardiovascular system but the immune system as well. As rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

It is important to note that most benefits associated with taking Omega-3 supplements are not realized until after a minimum of 12 weeks of taking 3g (3000 mg) of fish oil (DHA/EPA). Supplementing with Omega-3/fish oil can also be enhanced by increasing the consumption of Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, tuna, trout, walnuts, flaxseed oil, and tofu is also suggested. In addition, because Omega-3 works to offset the inflammatory effects of Omega-6 compounds, reducing the intake of these Omega-6 ‘proinflammatory’ fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation. Four major food oils including palm, soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower all contain high levels of Omega-6 and should be used sparingly.

Based on the research, Omega-3 supplementation not only demonstrates cardiovascular benefits but additional benefits in reducing inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

For more information and treatment recommendations for rheumatoid arthritis, visit:

http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms.html

Janelle Trempe PT, ATC is a physical therapist and certified athletic trainer with 20 years experience in the treatment of orthopedic conditions. She currently works in a private physical therapy practice in California.

For free information and treatment recommendations for various joint conditions, visit her site at: http://www.joint-pain-solutions.com

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Ways to Reduce The Risk of Developing Arthritis

Arthritis is a common word that we use when we refer to inflamed joints in the body. There are many forms of arthritis and unfortunately there is no cure for a lot of these, but some can be brought under control. So why do some people develop arthritis? Some forms of joint pain and arthritis are hereditary. If you happen to have a close relative that is suffering from it, then that highly increases the odds that at some point in your lifetime, you will suffer from it too. We always tend to think that arthritis only happens during our senior years, but joint pain can strike at any time in our lives. There is some good news and that is that we can take steps to reduce the risk of developing arthritis and joint pain now and in the future.

You should avoid wearing high heels. By keeping your heel height to 2 inches or less your knees will be under a lot less strain and that reduces your chances for developing joint pain later in your life. I am not saying that you have to throw away your high heel shoes, but keep them for special outings and not everyday use.

If you are overweight, dropping a few pounds will help reduce the stress on your joints. When a person is walking, the load being carried on the knees increases to 4 times the body weight. Just think about that, if you are 10 pounds overweight, that is an extra 40 pounds on your knees when you are walking and that can take a toll on them.

Eat plenty of foods that contain antioxidants as they can help to reduce inflamation and joint pain. Try to eat an apple a day and make sure to keep the peeling on it as that is where the antioxidants are in the apple. By eating these foods that contain antioxidants , you will further reduce your risk of joint pain or arthritis.

Olives are also an excellent food to eat as they contain hydroxytyrosol and this extract is ten times higher in joint relieving antioxidants then that found in vitamin C.

Another way to reduce the risk of joint pain and lessen your chances for developing it later in your life is to take a daily supplement. Studies have shown that a combination of omega-3 and glucosamine have proven to be more effective then taking glucosamine alone. You should always check with your doctor before taking any supplements.

If you are a runner and run a lot on pavement, cut back on your running as this increases the pressure on your knees and other joints. An alternative to running is cycling and it burns the same amount of calories and it has a much lower impact on your knees and joints. If you must run, the best place to run is a running track or you could run one day and do some other form of exercise the next.

Also, make sure that you do some form of general exercise as this will help your body to produce natural oils and lubricants to help prevent the joints from wearing down. Swimming, walking and cycling are all excellent choices for exercise.

I hope that you found this information useful and if you would like more information on ways to live healthy, then please visit my healthy living web site where you will find great information to help you live a long and healthy life.

I am a 53 year old retired mill worker from Northern Maine. I am happily married with 3 wonderful boys. My main interests are my family and God. I own a healthy living web site with great information designed to help you live a healthier and longer life.

visit healthadmire

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