Beneficial Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects almost an eighth of population and is certainly the most popular form of arthritis. Most of us will sooner or later suffer from it. This form of arthritis attacks the cartilage, causing pain and preventing joints from moving.
Osteoarthritis, just as all other forms of arthritis, can’t be cured. Fortunately for those affected, it can be now kept in check and prevented, provided that you take the right steps before the situation aggravates.
Staying fit and in good shape is the first thing everyone suffering from osteoarthritis should do. There are three main reasons for that. First, you have to keep your joints from doing more than they can - and being overweight puts an enormous stress on the joints and speed up the cartilage loss. Then, joints work less hard if they are supported by strong muscles. Finally, a good diet will keep your body much less prone to osteoarthritis attacks.
Heat and cold are another means you can use to bring some relief. They are a very effective way of decreasing pain. Heat in a form of a shower or a hot bath are best used in the morning or in the evening is a very effective pain reliever as it increases the blood flow. However, do not use it on sore joints - apply cold instead. Heat will only make the problem worse.
If heat and cold are not enough, you may consider taking Acetaminophen. This pain killer is sold over the counter and is very effective in case of mild cases of osteoarthritis. In long-term problems however, it is usually a good idea to contact your doctor and ask for some stronger medications. A tip: do not get too attached to pain killers. Remember to discuss the whole issue with your doctor - osteoarthritis is here to stay, so may consider some pain to be better than ruining your health by abusing pain killers.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a necessary add-on to the diet of everyone suffering from osteoarthritis. Their anti-inflammatory effects are very well-known, and they are one of the few things that can reverse the course of arthritis (though even they can’t heal us completely). As they appear mostly in seafood, it is quite difficult to get enough of Omega-3 fatty acids without eating tons of fish. That;s why many doctors encourage their patients to take Omega-3 food supplements such as Omega Daily.
The best thing you can do is to stay in shape and be as relaxed as you can. Such factors as the overweight makes putting stress on the joints much easier, and lack of muscles makes the cartilage loss happen much faster. Generally, stay fit, balance your diet, use Omega-3 fatty acids supplement and everything will be all right.
