The active ingredients of eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, in fish oil work to reduce the swelling and pain in osteoarthritis. Fish oil falls under the classification of a polyunsaturated fatty acid in the subcategory of an omega-3 fatty acid. They contain potent anti-inflammatory properties to protect the body from disease.
Osteoarthritis
MayoClinic.com indicates that osteoarthritis develops from reoccurring stress to the main joints of the knees, hands, hips, upper and lower back. The cartilage is a cushioned area of the joints in the body. When repeated stress or overuse of a joint occurs, the cartilage wears out and the bone endings rub together. This metabolic process with diminished cartilage produces inflammation, deformity and pain in the affected joint. The expansion and deformity of the bone in the joint creates mobility difficulties for the individual with osteoarthritis. According to research published in "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" in 2006, osteoarthritis limited everyday activities of more than 7 million Americans.
Fish Oil Effects on Osteoarthritis
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, fish oil contains a potent anti-inflammatory. The journal "Better Nutrition" describes a fat the body makes from EPA called resolvins that acts on relieving the inflammation in the joints in arthritis. The active substance in EPA also decreases the activity of enzymes that destroy and break down the cartilage. A second compound from DHA called protectin triggers protection against runaway inflammation. Research, published in 2006 in "Life Extensions," found that the fish oils reduce levels of two pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. The cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta are proteins that modulate inflammation and increase inflammation in arthritis. These cytokines also produce oxygen-free radicals and cause proliferation of white blood cells at the site of inflammation.
Sources of Fish Oil
Certain fish contain elevated quantities of omega-3 fish oil. In 2006, the journal "Canadian Family Physician" cited sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon, rainbow trout, mackerel, sardines and herring as being among the richest sources of omega-3 fish oil.
Foods to Avoid in Osteoarthritis
According to a 2010 issue of the journal "Natural Solutions," certain foods trigger inflammation and pain. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, incites pain sensory sites in the brain. The food seasoning, monosodium glutamate or MSG, also, rouses pain sensors. Avoiding both additives decreases the discomfort of osteoarthritis. In some individuals, nightshade vegetables including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplant, contribute to inflammation and elimination from the diet may be helpful.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Osteoarthritis
- "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage"; Efficacy of Methylsulfonylmethane in Osteoarthritis Pain; L.S. Kim, ND, et al.; 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoarthritis
- "Better Nutrition"; The Gourmet Cure for Pain; Ayn Nix; 2008
- "Canadian Family Physician"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; G. Schwalfenberg, M.D., CCFP; 2006
- Johns Hopkins Health Alert: Is It Safe to Eat Fish?
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