Can Omega 3 Fish Oil Help My Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful, debilitating condition that affects many - young and old. Although there are seems to be no definite cure for arthritis, there seems to be a positive connection between omega 3 and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis which brings good news to sufferers.

Fish oil is said to be rich in omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These two omega-3 fats are known to significantly reduce inflammation and stiffness that is common in arthritis and joint pains. Yes, it is the same DHA and EPA omega fats that are known to provide a wide array of benefits to the brain and the heart. But how does this exactly help rheumatoid arthritis? What is the link that binds omega 3 and pain caused by RA?

According to a published study performed at the prestigious Harvard Medical School and the University of London, it has been found that DHA in it can be converted into a chemical called Resolvin D2. Careful analysis of Resolvin D2 reveals that during the inflammatory process, this chemical can interact with the white blood cells and stick to the linings of the blood vessels. This prevents the rush of white blood cells which is purported to cause pain and discomfort during arthritis attacks.

On another note, rheumatoid arthritis is a condition characterized by the overproduction of pro-inflammatory chemicals that sustain and trigger pain. It can help because it prevents the production of the pro-inflammatory chemicals related to arachidonic acid and its painful effects. It is the same anti-inflammatory action that decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease without any unwanted side effects.

Now, all of these reveal studies that have been previously conducted. But will these findings on omega 3 and pain actually work for you? Of course! There are enough established reasons to believe that EPA and DHA in fish oil can indeed provide relief from pain caused by RA. Note though that you can't expect fish oil supplements to work as fast as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. What does this can do is work the problem from its very core. High doses of this, in the range of 3 to 5 grams a day for prolonged periods of at least 3 months, is necessary for real results to be seen.

NSAIDS vs. Fish Oil

Unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), the increased consumption of fish oil reduces the production of inflammatory substances altogether. NSAID medications merely affect a few enzymes, yet long term use can lead to undesirable side effects, including increased risk for developing heart problems. With continued supplementation with omega 3 fish oil, an arthritis sufferer will find himself needing less and less of other suppressive medications, until one day, he finally finds himself free of RA, thanks to omega 3 and pain relief it offers.