What are the Benefits of Fish Oil for Arthritis?

Omega-3 oil, also known as fish oil, is known for its many health benefits. Many people use fish oil for arthritis relief. Concentrated fish oil soothes arthritis pain by reducing the inflammation that causes the many varieties of the condition.

Using fish oil for arthritis pain is considered a nutritional treatment. Since many scientists believe that inflammation in the human body is caused by nutritional deficiencies, using fish oil supplements can help remedy the lack of the fatty acids that the body requires. Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to help reduce inflammation.

Some studies indicate that fish oil supplements can help alleviate rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other types of the disease. These polyunsaturated fats do not provide quick relief like a painkiller might, but instead offer benefits over a long period of use. DHA supplements like fish oil do not offer as many negative side effects as many painkillers and drug treatments as well.

Morning stiffness may decrease while using fish oil for arthritis. The number of joints that cause pain can actually decrease during treatment. Benefits from fish oil usually appear within three months of constant use.

Increased mobility and decreased joint pain can result when using fish oil for arthritis. Common flare-up pains resulting from arthritis may be prevented from continuous fish oil use as well. People taking arthritis medications may be able to reduce or stop taking their prescriptions following longterm use of fish oil supplements.

Lower grade fish oil for arthritis relief should be avoided, as it may contain harmful chemicals. Lower graded oils also contain fewer omega-3 fatty acids. Though higher graded pharmaceutical oils are more expensive, their value is usually worth the cost.

Many distilled fish oil formulas have added ingredients that can help treat arthritis as well. Green lipped mussel, for example, contains additional fatty acids not found in any other form of sea life. These polysaccharides show promise in healing worn or damaged joint tissue in scientific studies.

Fish oil has not been shown to help treat osteoarthritis, however. Since the condition is caused by general wear and tear, and not inflammation, it cannot be treated with fish oil. Similar arthritic conditions resulting from the same cause are likewise not treatable with fish oil.

Since inflammation may be at least partly caused by a nutritional deficiency, adding a sufficient amount of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can also aid in arthritis relief. Such foods can help increase the antioxidant levels in the human body, resulting in other benefits as well. Other arthritis treatments include physical therapy, relaxation techniques, exercise, holistic medications, and prescription drugs.