Do omega-3 supplements reduce arthritis?

According to Dr. Hoang Quyet Tien, Medical Information Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, immune cells mistakenly attack the synovial membrane of the joint, initiating the inflammatory process.

The disease manifests in small joints, causing swelling, pain, morning stiffness, and pain spreading around. The destruction of articular cartilage causes limited movement and even joint deformity.

There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and control the disease. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms and reduce the dosage of medications used to treat it.

Fatty fish such as salmon, herring, anchovies, and tuna are rich in omega-3. (Illustration photo)

Omega-3 fatty acids containing EPA and DHA have the ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 (mediators of rheumatoid arthritis). EPA and DHA alter immune responses relevant to pathophysiology, including T cell responses, decreased reactive oxygen species by leukocytes, and decreased production of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages.

You can get omega-3s daily from fatty fish such as salmon, herring, anchovies, tuna, and supplements as advised by your doctor or the manufacturer. Overdoing it can cause nausea, rashes, heartburn, diarrhea, and a fishy aftertaste.

However, it may take 3 months or more to feel the beneficial effects on arthritis. You should have regular check-ups or when symptoms start to get worse to get treatment advice from your doctor, who may also prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

You need to eat nutritious food, avoid foods high in salt and sugar, drink enough water. You should not use tobacco or alcohol, maintain a moderate weight, and exercise 30 minutes a day.

Nhu Loan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/bo-sung-thuc-pham-chua-omega-3-co-giam-viem-khop-ar913348.html