Omega 3 Fish Oils & Arthritis

Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly associated with reducing your risk of heart disease, but if you have arthritis, these polyunsaturated fats may help reduce your symptoms as well. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and nuts, two food categories that are typically overshadowed by the high consumption of red meat that is characteristic of the Western diet.

Omega-3 vs. Omega-6

Omega-6 fatty acids are far more abundantly represented in most American meals, and they have certain effects that directly contradict those of omega-3. Omega-6 is present in meat and vegetable oils such as canola, and as Dr. Maggie Covington of the University of Maryland School of Medicine explains, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in American diets is typically 10 to 1. This poses problems due to omega-6's tendency to promote inflammation. Fortunately, omega-3 decreases inflammation and thus can help balance the influence of omega-6 when consumed in sufficient quantities.

Inflammation and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation that leads to joint pain and stiffness. Dr. Covington says that by reducing your intake of omega-6 rich foods like red meat, and increasing your intake of omega-3 rich foods, like fish, you can reduce the inflammatory effects of rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, Covington adds, this anti-inflammatory effect is great enough to allow arthritis patients to discontinue their use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Osteoarthritis

While most studies on omega-3 and arthritis have addressed the autoimmune types of the disorder, osteoarthritis, which is associated with wear and tear of the joints, may also respond well to a rebalancing of your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that consumption of New Zealand green lipped mussels, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been linked to reduced joint pain, increased grip strength and improved mobility in osteoarthritis patients.

Dosages

If you're considering taking omega-3 fatty acids for your arthritis symptoms, consult your physician first. The Linus Pauling Institute states that a minimum dose of 2.7 g per day of omega-3, taken for at least 12 weeks, is necessary in order to see improvement of rheumatoid arthritis, but the University of Maryland Medical Center warns that dosages above 3 g per day may increase your risk of bleeding and should not be taken without a doctor's supervision.