In a clinic that focuses on physical medicine and pain relief, reducing
inflammation is one of the key aspects of our therapies and treatments.
One of the most common forms of supplementation that we get questions
about is fish oils. It is important to remember that any form of vitamin
or supplementation can be beneficial if used properly, but it’s
always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using
any new product or supplement. With that being said, fish oil supplements
are a great way to help aid in your healing process by reducing acute
and chronic forms of inflammation in the body.
The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils help to relieve inflammation
in cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases
affecting the intestine and other connective tissues. Chronic inflammation
in the body can be a cause of joint pain, excess blood clotting and a
breakdown of the body tissues. It can also clog the arteries and negatively
affect the genes leading to cancer and other conditions. For a long time,
sedentary lifestyle and poor diet have been noted to influence the development
of inflammation diseases. However, omega 3 fatty acids have been discovered
to be the most potent and natural anti-inflammatories that are available.
The omega 3 fatty acids act as antioxidants that help to fight free radical
damage to cells and tissues. These fatty acids are known to be effective
in relieving swelling and reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis,
a condition that is characterized by swelling, inflammation, stiffness,
pain and the loss of joint functions. Increasing the intake of fish oil
can also reduce the level of inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis,
a bowel disease characterized by sores also known as ulcers.
Beneficial fish oils can be obtained from either eating fish or taking
supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as mackerel, salmon,
tuna, mullet, sturgeon, anchovy, blue fish, herring, sardines, menhaden
and trout.
Experts can disagree on the amount of fish oils / omega 3 fatty acids that
one should take daily, but most suggest that 2-3 grams of long chain omega
3 FA’s are safe to take each day. Make sure to consult with a healthcare
provider before taking any new form of supplement or medication.