Fish oil contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid that have anti-inflammatory properties. These long-chain omega-3 fatty acids can relieve inflammation in autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory conditions affecting the intestines and connective tissue. The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids include anchovies, salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, herring and fish oil supplements. Consult your doctor about your health and the anti-inflammatory benefits of fish oil.
Inflammatory Markers
Physicians can determine your risk for diseases by levels of inflammatory markers in your blood. These markers include C-reactive protein, interleukin, serum amyloid A, tumor necrosis factor and white blood cells. Research by scientists at Harokopio University in Athens, Greece, published in the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology" in July 2005, found that compared to women and men who do not eat fish, those who eat more than 300 g of fish per week have, on average, 33 percent lower C-reactive protein, 33 percent lower interleukin, 28 percent lower serum amyloid A, 21 percent lower tumor necrosis factor and 4 percent lower white blood cell counts.
Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by sores, called ulcers, which form from inflammation in the lining of the rectum and colon. Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can reduce inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. Research by scientists at Stavanger University Hospital in Norway, published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation" in February 2011, found that increasing dietary intake of Atlantic salmon decreased inflammation and may have therapeutic effects on disease activity in patients with mild ulcerative colitis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation, swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of function in the joints. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can reduce inflammation and relieve swelling and pain. Research by scientists at Londrina State University in Parana, Brazil, published in "Nutrition" in February 2005, found ingestion of fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids relieved joint pain intensity and stiffness, and the results last even longer when fish oil omega-3 fatty acids are taken with olive oil.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain lasts 6 months or longer and can cause discomfort, depression, anger and low self-esteem. Chronic pain can often involve inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a standard pharmacologic approach to treating chronic pain. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may also provide relief. Research by scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pennsylvania, published in "Surgical Neurology" in April 2006, found that 1,200 mg to 2,400 mg of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements demonstrate equivalent effect in reducing nonsurgical neck and back pain as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, and appear to be a safer alternative.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids; June 25, 2009
- University of Michigan Integrative Medicine: Healing Foods Pyramid; 2010
- "Journal of the American College of Cardiology"; Fish Consumption among Healthy Adults Is Associated with Decreased Levels of Inflammatory Markers Related to Cardiovascular Disease: The Attica Study; Antonis Zampelas, et al.; July 5, 2005
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Ulcerative Colitis; 2006
- "Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation"; Salmon Diet in Patients with Active Ulcerative Colitis Reduced the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index and Increased the Anti-Inflammatory Fatty Acid Index - a Pilot Study; Tore Grimstad, et al.; Feb. 2011
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis; 2009
