Fish Oil and Relief from Arthritis Pain

For centuries, people all over the world have been plagued by arthritis. To date, over 100 types of arthritis have been identified. Many of them exhibit similar symptoms: stiffness and pain in the joint, inflammation and inability to perform even the most mundane tasks.

There are plenty of treatment options for the different types of arthritis, from prescription drugs to low-impact exercises like yoga and Pilates to herbal supplements to hydrotherapy. For each case of arthritis, a unique combination of treatment options needs to be formulated. Every case of arthritis requires a different combination of treatment methods based on the type of arthritis and the severity of the disease.

Of late, however, many arthritis sufferers are turning to more natural methods of treating arthritis. A large part of this is because the natural methods have fewer side effects and are much cheaper than the conventional treatment methods like prescription drugs. One of the more popular natural arthritis treatments is fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids actually have two types: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

According to studies, EPA and DHA are found to be effective in reducing swelling. Because of this, health experts believe omega-3 fatty acids can potentially cure arthritis. But is this natural remedy really effective? Many still remain skeptical about the efficacy of fish oil.

Is Fish Oil Really a Viable Treatment for Arthritis?

The skeptics have good reason to doubt. After all, there has been no scientific study proving that fish oil is effective in helping people who have arthritis. But advocates of fish oil as a natural remedy for arthritis are pretty confident that it will be recognized as a viable treatment option for arthritis. A number of studies are already underway to determine the medical worth of fish oil. Early results are pointing towards fish oil’s omega-3 fatty acids as being able to relieve pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. However, more studies are needed to find out the dosage of fish oil that patients need to take and for how long.

In general, natural remedies do not have adverse side effects. However, some studies have found that fish oil has a few side effects and contraindications. For one, fish oil appears to affect blood clotting. Arthritis sufferers who are taking blood thinning medications should consult with their doctor before adding fish oil to their diet. It has also been found that fish oil can lower blood pressure to alarmingly low levels in arthritis patients who are taking medications for blood pressure. If you are taking such medications, it’s wise to speak with your doctor before taking fish oils.

Furthermore, most fish oils can contain high levels of mercury. Fish such as tuna, king mackerel, swordfish and shark tend to have more mercury content than others. Mercury, when ingested in considerable amounts, is poisonous. In this regard, limit your consumption of fish high in mercury content; go with those that tend to be low in mercury. If you are pregnant or lactating, avoid consuming fish with high mercury levels.

Taking into account all the above mentioned concerns, fish oil is still relatively safe to take. It may cause gas, minor bloating or diarrhea when consumed in larger quantities.