Fish oil has many uses with regard to limiting inflammation and disease, researchers at the University of Bristol have found that the affects of osteoarthritis can be reduced or even eliminated with omega 3 fish oil supplementation. Researchers found that omega 3 fatty acids can slow progression of or reduce symptoms of arthritis and the researchers stated that – “Furthermore, there was strong evidence that omega-3 influences the biochemistry of the disease, and therefore not only helps prevent disease, but also slows its progression, potentially controlling established osteoarthritis”
Many use flax seed as a source of omega 3, but the researchers found that fish oil had a much higher potential for reducing symptoms of arthritis.
Much of the research discusses the balance of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids with regard to reducing inflammatory markers. Typically an optimal balance of omega 3 to 6 fatty acids is regarded as 1:2 and up to 1:5, current North Americans have a diet with levels up to 1:60, which causes an inflammatory response within the body. The researchers of the study stated; “Most diets in the developed world are lacking in omega-3, with modern diets having up to 30 times too much omega-6 and too little omega-3. Taking omega-3 will help redress this imbalance and may positively contribute to a range of other health problems such as heart disease and colitis.” Again Omega 3 fatty acids show their broad base of assistance with regard to of diseases they prevent and reduce symptoms of.
With regard to omega 3:6 ratio – the first step we discuss in bio-signature sessions is eliminating bad cooking oils from diets, which will assist the ratio of fatty acids. Corn, canola, and vegetable shortening/oils should not be used in cooking as they are high in omega 6 and low in omega 3 fatty acids. Better choices of oils are coconut, olive oil, butter, etc – these oils have a much better ratio of fatty acids and a much higher smoke point which will eliminate the potential for oxidation at higher temperatures (olive oil should not be used at high temperatures as its smoke point is lower than the others).
Form a dietary standpoint eliminating inflammatory cooking oils from your diet and replacing them with oils having a better ratio of fatty acids is the first step, after which one can then attempt to rise the levels of dietary omega 3’s through supplementation of fish oil (liquid or capsule). Low dose fish oil has been shown to be beneficial, but some require much higher doses (obese, toxic, etc).
Synergy Strength carries liquid and capsule forms of omega 3 fatty acids from XPN. These capsules can be purchased in bottles of 120 capsules for $22.
If arthritis is a concern of yours then omega 3 fish oils should be at the top of your supplementation list.
