Dosage Of Omega 3 As A Treatment For Inflammation

The Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide suggests omega-3 fatty acids as a nutritional weapon in the battle against inflammation, a natural immune response that can have debilitating effects on your health if it becomes chronic. These inflammation fighters are found in a variety of foods as well as nutritional supplements.

Chronic Inflammation and Disease

Inflammation is a normal immune response necessary for fighting infection and healing injury. It occurs when cells located near the site of an infection or injury release histamine, a hormone that increases blood vessel wall permeability, allowing fluids and white blood cells to exit your bloodstream and enter the affected area. This is beneficial where inflammation is acute, but it can become a problem when it becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation is associated with some of the most pressing health concerns of our time, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

Omega-3 and Inflammation

The typical Western diet is high in foods that contribute to inflammation, according to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide. Processed foods are especially guilty of contributing to chronic inflammation. The Western diet is especially high in omega-6 fatty acids, which increase inflammation, according to Sabrina Candelaria of the University of Miami Health System. Omega-3 fatty acids, on the other hand, decrease inflammation.

Dosage of Omega-3

It's important not to overdo it when it comes to omega-3 supplements, because too much omega-3 decreases blood clotting and can lead to problems if you have bleeding disorders or are already taking anticoagulant medications. Your doctor can advise you more precisely about what specific dosages of fish oil are right for you. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that you should not take more than 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids daily unless under the supervision of a health care provider

Dietary Sources

If you are a healthy adult who has never had heart disease, the American Heart Association recommends getting your omega-3 by eating fish twice weekly rather than by taking supplements. Fish, nuts and nut oils are all good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. UMMC recommends flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and purslane as good sources of omega-3.