Does Fish oil help in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

For many years, experts have believed that dietary factors have a great impact on heart diseases as well as many inflammatory diseases.

Dr Gail Darlington from the Epsom General Hospital and his counterpart at University of Glasgow, Dr Trevor Stone, have recently released a paper on the effects of one’s diet on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Themedguru.com looks into the finding, especially how fish oils help in RA.

The research states that almost 2 percent of the world’s population suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis and the disease is about three times more common in women than men. It can strike at almost any age and is very painful for the one it hits. However, dietary changes can have a positive effect on the disease and might help ease the symptoms to a large extent.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an acute disease, which affects the lining of the joints in the body. The linings become inflamed to such a degree that the pain is very high and any function is almost impossible. Rheumatoid Arthritis is classified as an autoimmune disease, which means that the cells in the immune systemdefine attack the body instead of helping it. In the beginning, the symptoms occur more in a cyclic fashion. They come and go. For years a patient may have no symptoms, but RA is a progressive disease and it does reoccur. Over time however, the joints are so much disfigured that any movement becomes impossible. Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause disability and interfere with normal living.

How does Fish Oil Help?

In the research conducted by Dr Gail Darlington and Dr Trevor Stone, they studied 1899 patients of RA and 2145 random subjects. They found that the chances of getting RA are reduced in people who consume oily fish about 1-3times a week. The risk was seen to have reduced by a significant 20-30 percent.

Fish oils such as halibut or cod liver oils are known for easing arthritis pain, as they seem to “oil the joints” and helping in easing their movements. Researchers at Cardiff University have found that cod liver oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which reverse the effects of the enzymes damaging osteoarthritis joints.

Another research has proved that fish oils can significantly reduce interleukin-1beta production which in-turn reduces morning stiffness and pain in the joints for patients of Rheumatoid Arthritis.However, Omega-6, which is also a fatty acid found in cooking oils and margarine; instead increase the symptoms of RA.

The American journal of Clinical Nutrition states that Omega-3 not only helps in reducing joint pains and morning stiffness, but also reduces inflammation in the joints. People who have been taking Anti-inflammatory drugs have been seen to reduce their dosage after using fish oils.

Around three ounce serving of oily fish to their diets can increase the levels of Omega 3 in a patient and also reduce the inflammation. If a patient is averse to fish, consultation with a physician on fish oil supplements should be useful.

It is good to know that something as simple and easily available as fish oil can actually help in easing the pain and avoiding a painful and chronic disease like Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Besides fish oil, here are some food ingredients that you should include in your diet and others which you should shun away.

Food that is Good for RA patients:

• Cold water fishes like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring have been known for their high Omega -3 fatty acid content.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil is good for RA
• Atlantic Salmon
• Tuna, Salmon, eggs, milk and sunflower seeds are useful for their Vitamin D
• Canned Tuna
• Fresh Lake Trout
• Organic fruits and vegetables

Food that should be avoided by RA Patients:

a. Dairy products especially if allergy is suspected
b. Wheat if allergic
c. High fat meat
d. Oil

So from now on eat right to tackle Rheumatoid Arthritis.