Inflammation Treated By Omega 3

When you hear the word inflammation, you may think of the pain and swelling that accompany arthritis or an injury. Inflammation is actually a natural process that your body uses to heal and protect itself. Inflammation, and the pain that accompanies it, occurs when the nervous system's pain receptors are stimulated. According to the Textbook of Medical Physiology, pain receptors can be stimulated by tissue injury, temperature changes and chemicals from the foods you eat.

Inflammation

According to the Textbook of Medical Physiology, inflammation is characterized by increased blood flow and a release of chemicals and hormones that infiltrate the area of injury or stimulation. These chemicals and hormones help repair injured tissues and protect the area. Chronic inflammation, or inflammation that lasts for long periods, is not good for your body. Because chemicals can stimulate pain receptors, the types of omega fats that you eat can cause your body to become inflamed more easily than it should, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Types of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids. They are called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), according to The Harvard School of Public Health. EPA and DHA are commonly found in fish oil and are referred to as marine omega-3s. ALA is predominately found in plants and plant oils. The CDC states that canola oil, walnuts, soybean oil, flaxseed and cold water fish like trout, herring and salmon are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Your body uses all forms of omega-3 fatty acids to function properly.

Function of Omega-3s

According to The Harvard School of Public Health, omega-3 fatty acids are used by our bodies to make hormones that regulate blood clotting, in the contraction and relaxation of artery walls and in cell membrane function. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and may help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and arthritis.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, there is another omega fat that plays a role in inflammation. According to The Harvard School of Public Health, omega-6 fatty acids are another form of essential fat that the body must get through diet. Both omega fats are named based on the number of chemical bonds in their molecules. The CDC states that omega-6 fatty acids are highly concentrated in soybean oil, corn oil and safflower oil. The Harvard School of Public Health states that most Americans take in more omega-6 fats than they do omega-3 fats. In fact, The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the typical diet tends to contain 14 to 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids.

Find a Balance

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce inflammation, but an overabundance of omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. Both types of fats are needed in your diet, but the exact amount of each type of omega fat needed by your body is not yet known, according to The Harvard School of Public Health. Therefore, if you incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, you will help relieve chronic inflammation. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 3 g daily of omega-3 fatty acids.