Omega 3 essential fatty acids can help reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause significant joint pain and stiffness. If severe or prolonged, it may even cause joint deformities. Rheumatoid arthritis is not a disease of old age; it can affect young people and is even occasionally seen in children.

Research has shown that omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil or algae help to reduce inflammation in the joints. This means patients with rheumatoid arthritis experience less joint pain and swelling, less joint stiffness and a greater range of motion in the joints when they supplement with omega 3 oils. Research has shown that best results are obtained when a supplement is taken consistently for 12 weeks.

Including oily fish, walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds in your diet is very beneficial and a great way to stay healthy. Unfortunately it’s often not enough for people who experience joint pain. It’s just not possible to obtain the same quantities of omega 3 fats through diet that are found in a supplement.

References:

MacLean CH, Mojica WA, Morton SC, et al. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on lipids and glycemic control in type II diabetes and the metabolic syndrome and on inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, renal disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and osteoporosis. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Summ). 2004(89):1-4.

Fortin PR, Lew RA, Liang MH, et al. Validation of a meta-analysis: the effects of fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis. J Clin Epidemiol. 1995;48(11):1379-1390

Goldberg RJ, Katz J. A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain. 2007;129(1-2):210-223.