Flax oil is a type of dietary supplement that is high in omega-3s, which are natural anti-inflammatories the body needs in order to function. However, there are other sources of omega-3s that may also benefit people who have chronic illnesses caused by inflammation. People with different forms of arthritis may benefit from flax oil, as well as other sources like fish and vegetable oils.
Flax Oil
Flax oil is a dietary supplement that can be purchased over the counter. It is a rich source of one of the three major types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid or ALA. Flax oil comes from flax seeds, and comes in oil or caplet form. Once it is absorbed by the body, the ALA is converted into other essential fatty acids, though in lesser amounts. Flax oil is both a primary and a secondary source of omega-3s for this reason.
Other Omega-3s
The other omega-3 fatty acids that are important when it comes to arthritis treatment are called eicosapentaenoic acid or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid or DHA. Their primary sources include fish and algae. Like flax seed oil, fish oil and algae oil can be purchased over the counter as a supplement. While you can get the same benefits of omega-3s simply by increasing these foods in your diet, many people take supplements in order to reduce the symptoms of chronic disease. These include rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Many rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, symptoms are triggered or made worse by inflammation, which is prominent in the joints as well as throughout the body. Omega-3s are natural anti-inflammatories, making them seemingly ideal for RA treatment. They are thought to play a role in both pain management and in reducing joint stiffness, by minimizing swelling and maintaining adequate lubrication in the joints. Like many other dietary supplements, the research on the effectiveness of omega-3s on RA is limited. Most studies have been small, and tend to focus on the omega-3s found in fish oil in particular.
The Research
According to Arthritis Today, there is little research regarding the use of flax seed or flax oil at all for arthritis management. However, there is a small body of evidence regarding the use of fish oil supplements for arthritis symptoms. While most studies have been small, many of the results for fish oil have been positive. The University of Maryland Medical Center cites several studies which showed improvements in the pain and stiffness of RA sufferers, and another which demonstrated a decreased reliance on NSAID medications. While the omega-3s did not seem to slow the progression of RA damage to the joints, it did seem to keep some of the symptoms under better control.
Omega-3 Guidelines
Before trying any new supplement, always talk to your doctor. Supplements are not safe for everyone, and you may be at risk for side effects or medication interactions even with a natural product. You can save money on costly supplements by increasing the amount of foods in your diet that contain omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to cold water fish, which UMMC recommends everyone eat at least twice a week, you can increase your intake of leafy greens and beans. In addition, using vegetable oils in your cooking can also increase your omega-3 intake.
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