How Fish Oil Helps Arthritis Pain |
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| By: mMargaret Bell | ||||
We Need Dietary Fat - Which One? In order to understand how the supplement works, you first need a little background on dietary fats. Humans need some fat in their diets. But, only polyunsaturated fats are essential, meaning that we cannot live without them. Animal fats and dairy products contain a mixture of polyunsaturated and saturated fats, as well as cholesterol. Vegetable oils contain no cholesterol, which is one of the reasons they have been promoted as being better for your health. But, no all vegetable oils are the same. Two Types of Essential Polyunsaturated Fats There are two types of essential polyunsaturated fats; omega-3s and omega-6s. Research has shown that most people (particularly in the US) get too many omega-6s and not enough omega-3s. Omega-6 Since early in the 1960s, scientists have known that omega-6s are converted into pro-inflammatory agents called prostaglandins or eicosanoids. These compounds have important biological functions, such as the regulation of contraction and relaxation of smooth muscles. But, excessive production of eicosanoids causes a variety of health problems. Omega-3 Helps Arthritis Pain Omega-3s are converted into eicosanoids, too, but at a much slower rate. So, first of all, fish oil helps arthritis pain because of the omega-3 fatty acids it contains. For a number of years, researchers have suggested that the simplest solution for treating and preventing diseases in which inflammation is involved would be to have people reduce their intake of omega-6s and increase their intake of omega-3s. But, decreasing eicosanoids production is only one of the benefits. What Kind of Omega-3 is Best? In the early 1980s, researchers discovered that a particularly kind of omega-3 called Eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA, which is only found in significant amounts in some kinds of fatty fish and seafood, is converted into anti-inflammatory compounds called resolvins, maresins and oxylipins. That discovery helped to explain how fish oil helps arthritis pain. How Much EPA? It is important to mention that the anti-inflammatory activity of the supplements on the market varies greatly. This has to do with the EPA content, as well as the total amount of omega-3s included in the product. But, other factors are involved, as well. Most manufacturers provide 1000mg capsules. Only a portion of that 1000mg is omega-3 fat. This should be listed on the product label, along with a breakdown of the EPA and DHA content. DHA - Very Important DHA is important to the brain, which may also be a part of how fish oil helps arthritis pain. While inflammation is painful, it is actually the brain that perceives the sensation. To date, hundreds of studies have been conducted and the results published concerning the benefits of this supplement for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The benefits included a reduction in pain medications, reduced morning stiffness, improved flexibility and better weight-bearing ability. Fish Oil Benefit to Consider Being able to reduce the number of medications, alone, is an impressive benefit, because all of the anti-inflammatory meds are hard on the liver, even the over-the-counter varieties. So, thats how fish oil helps arthritis pain. You might want to learn about the other benefits, too. And now please visit the XtendFishOil website listed below for updated information on how fish oil helps arthritis pain |
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| Article Source: http://4health.co.za | ||||
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