Omega-3s And Borage Oil For Pain

Pain is a signal from your body that something is wrong, helping you identify an underlying problem and possibly protecting you from further injury or illness. However, a painful condition can significantly interfere with your quality of life, perhaps even becoming debilitating for some period of time. Both omega-3 fatty acids and borage oil may help reduce inflammation that often is a part of conditions that cause pain. Discuss one or both supplements with your doctor to determine what is right for you.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that must be obtained from food and that may help relieve some types of pain. Many conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis involve inflammatory changes in tissues and joints that cause significant pain and discomfort. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce levels of several compounds produced by immune cells during onset of inflammation, potentially relieving your pain and improving your day-to-day life.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Research

Substantial research supports use of omega-3 fatty acids for several painful conditions. In a summary review published in "Pain" in 2007, use of these fats to relieve pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and menstrual problems was evaluated. The authors concluded that consuming omega-3 fatty acids daily for several months generally helped reduce pain in all of these situations.

Borage Oil

The borage plant, also called bee plant and ox's tongue, contains an oil with medicinal properties. Its biologically active component is gamma-linoleic acid, or GLA, which is an omega-6 fatty acid. This type of fat, like omega-3 fatty acids, must be obtained by your body from food sources, generally vegetable oils. GLA from borage oil has anti-inflammatory activity, blocking the formation of prostaglandins, which are produced by several types of cells and play an important role in causing inflammatory conditions.

Research With Borage Oil

Several studies have investigated use of GLA from borage oil for relief of pain. In one of these, published in the "Annals of Internal Medicine" in 1993, 37 subjects suffering pain from rheumatoid arthritis and joint inflammation consumed either GLA or a placebo. Those taking GLA reported less joint pain and other problems with their joints compared with those who took the placebo. The results were considered promising, although larger clinical trials with borage oil are still needed.

Recommendations

Borage oil and omega-3 fatty acids are available as supplements from health food stores. Both supplements are generally considered safe, although each may cause mild side effects such as headache or gastric upset in some people. Do not take borage oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For both supplements, there is also a risk of interaction with prescription medications you may be taking, so consult your doctor to determine if you should add one or both to your regular regimen.