Omega-3 Fats Potentially Helpful as a Natural Alternative for Rheumatoid Arthritis

(Newswire.net — December 2, 2016) Orlando, FL — Arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may not just cause pain, but may also lead to immobility. Sufferers may also experience various symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, redness, joint pain, joint tenderness, and joint stiffness. Due to the variety of challenges that come with having RA, more and more sufferers are resorting to measures to help improve their overall condition.

Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to be potentially helpful as a natural alternative for rheumatoid arthritis. The use of natural supplements has been popularized due to the widespread scare of the possible side effects associated with the use of certain pain relief drugs.

Sufferers use pharmaceutical medications to help achieve pain relief. However, there are been many side effects associated with the use of these pain relief drugs, and this has led many sufferers to resort to other measures such as the use of fish oil supplements.

Fish oil contains omega-3 fats, which are healthy fats necessary for body and brain function. While omega-3s may offer therapeutic properties, they cannot be naturally produced by the body. Thus, people need to consume them by eating fish such as halibut, tuna, mackerel, and herring or through supplementation.

Data from 10 trials dating back to 1985 and onwards were collected to create a report. The researchers aimed at determining the positive effects of fish oil in rheumatoid arthritis. In the study, it was found that omega-3 fats successfully reduced the duration of morning stiffness and decreased the number of tender joints in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. The significant improvements did not occur to the placebo group.

The researchers had 97 rheumatoid arthritis sufferers in one particular trial, which lasted for 9 months. They were randomly selected to receive fish oil supplements. After 24 to 36 weeks, it was found that the participants’ pain modestly improved.

The dose used in the trial ranged from 1.6 to 7.1 g of omega-3s, which was taken on a daily basis. The evidence demonstrates that fish oil supplements may potentially reduce the need to use pain killers as well as certain symptoms. These symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, swollen joints, and morning stiffness.

Individuals who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and who do not want to experience the potential side effects associated with the use of pain relief drugs may want to consider fish oil supplements. What makes this alternative potentially more beneficial is that it is believed to offer a myriad of positive effects on overall health. While more studies are still underway, there are many arthritis sufferers who prefer to use fish oil supplements as an alternative for the condition.

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