Inflammation
Many people are affected by inflammation of the joints and surrounding tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Among the oldest known afflictions affecting human beings, joint discomfort can affect virtually every part of the body: from the feet, to the knees, back, shoulders, and fingers.
Improving Joint Mobility with Omega-3 Oils
By Jade Beutler, R.C.P., R.R.T.
ometimes irritation in the
joints is due to the simple wear
and tear of age. Other times,
it can be caused by an over-active
immune system. Still other times,
a buildup in the body of uric acid,
found in high amounts in animal
meats, can create joint discomfort.
It is not uncommon for people to
experience more than one type of
joint irritation. Regardless, the end
result is inflammation, stiffness, and a
decrease in mobility.
Omega-3 Oils, Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Prostaglandins – hormone-like
substances produced by the body –
regulate the inflammatory response.
In a healthy body, anti-inflammatory
prostaglandins are produced from
dietary ingestion of healthful seed
oils such as flaxseed oil, or deepwater
fish, both of which have a
high content of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Pro-inflammatory prostaglandins
are produced when foods such as
vegetable oils (corn, safflower, and
sunflower) and animal meats, which both contain large amounts of Omega-
6 fatty acids are consumed.
Omega-3 oils have been scientifically
proven to be powerful antiinflammatory
agents. A high dietary
ingestion of Omega-6s can lead
to the production of inflammatory
prostaglandins, worsening the
symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
In the past, humans consumed a
balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6s.
However, over the past 100 years, it is
well documented that industrialized
nations have switched to a diet that
heavily favors pro-inflammatory
Omega-6s. In fact, the high prevalence
of joint discomfort and other
inflammatory conditions might be
largely due to the fact that we ingest
far too many Omega-6-rich foods
and far too few Omega-3-rich ones.
For many in the Western world, this
means making some fundamental
changes to our diet. Several studies
have also validated the use of essential
fatty acids, such as the Omega-3s in
flaxseed oil and fish oil, in relieving
joint discomfort and improving joint
mobility.
Special Reprint with permission of
A Natural Approach to Mediating Inflammation
Omega-3 oils do not interfere with prostaglandin metabolism. Instead, they naturally temper the inflammatory prostaglandins which results in a decrease in inflammation. Because of their gentle nature, Omega-3 oils are generally safe and side effect-free.
One benefit of flaxseed oil is that it is relatively inexpensive. Plus, it has proven to benefit as many as 60 other common health conditions. In other words, if you start taking flax oil to relieve your joint discomfort, don’t be surprised if you notice other health improvements. Beyond the power of regulating prostaglandins, Omega-3 oils have been found to influence immunity, which may benefit joint inflammation due to an over-active immune system.
Fish Oil or Flax Oil
The difference between flax and fish oils is the type of Omega-3 they provide. Flax oil provides Omega-3 in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Fish oil supplies Omega-3 in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While EPA is more active, flaxseed oil is more economical, and ALA from flaxseed oil can be converted to EPA by the body.
A Practical Approach
While the causes of joint discomfort are truly multi-factorial, part of the problem may be attributed to inadequate intake of Omega-3s. Ingestion of foods such as fish and flax oils has been found to increase tissue levels of these valuable Omega-3 oils, as well as favorably influence prostaglandins, thus averting inflammatory conditions.
To control joint inflammation, a practical dietary approach would be to lessen the intake of inflammatory Omega-6 oils, and supplement your diet with anti-inflammatory Omega-3 oils.
Daily supplementation with flaxseed oil — in the amount of 1-2 tablespoons per day — may prove to be an important dietary consideration for those suffering from joint discomfort.
RESEARCH REPORT
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Decrease Inflammation in Joint Discomfort
A study published in the journal,
“Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids” attributed Omega-3 fatty acids’ positive effects on the joints to two primary factors.
The first was to modulate the immune system.
The second was to decrease the inflammatory response through the production of prostaglandins.
Based on this evidence, it would be safe to hypothesize that Omega-3 acids could prove beneficial to people with joint inflammation in the following ways:
Ref:
Das UN.
Interactions between essential fatty acids,
eicosanoids, cyctokiner, growth factors and free
radicals: relevance to new therapeutic strategies
in rheumatoid arthritic and dullagen vascular
diseases. Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential
Fatty Acids, 1991 Dec., 44(4):201-10.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
This reprint provided courtesy of
4936 Lake Terrell Road Ferndale, WA 98248 800-445-3529 barleans.com
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