According to the National Library of Medicine, fish oil supplements are some of the most popular dietary supplements in the United States. Fish oil has many beneficial effects on human health and may work to block the inflammatory process. Inflammation is a natural process where they body releases chemicals to protect and heal an injured area. Chronic inflammation can cause pain and dysfunction in the body if left unchecked. The Cleveland Clinic states that there are many medications available intended to decrease joint pain, swelling and inflammation. Fish oil is a natural substance that is high in omega-3 fatty acids and has been used to fight chronic inflammation.
Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can irritate nerves and cause pain in the body. Inflammation can result from injury and disease processes and has also been attributed to diet. Pain is felt in the body when nerves are stimulated. Pain receptors can be stimulated by three types of stimuli. These stimuli include mechanical, thermal and chemical. Chemicals released by the body during the inflammatory process stimulate the chemical receptors. Fish oil has been shown to block receptors that cause inflammation, according to the National Library of Medicine. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have also been shown to help with inflammation related to diet, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center.
Omega Fats and Diet
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are both essential fats that the body must get through diet. Omega-6 fatty acids tend to be pro-inflammatory and omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. The key to managing dietary inflammation is to have a balance of these two essential fats. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the typical American diet contains up to 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. The university states that the Mediterranean diet has a healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids because it does not include as much meat as the typical American diet. To increase omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, a person should consume fish at least twice a week and consider taking a fish oil supplement.
Sources
The Harvard School of Public Health states that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include fish, vegetable oils, nuts, flax seeds, flaxseed oil and leafy vegetables. MayoClinic.com states that fatty fish like salmon, herring and tuna contain the most omega-3 fatty acids.
Considerations
According to MayoClinic.com, people should avoid certain types of fish, like tilapia and catfish, because they have higher levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can cause inflammation. Research has shown that the evidence is stronger for the benefits of eating fish compared with using supplements.
Expert Insight
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential and need to be added to the diet because they are deficient in the typical American diet. It is always better to eat natural foods, but a supplement of fish oil can supply the needed omega-3 fatty acids that may help balance the dietary fats and decrease inflammation.
