How Glucosamine Helps to Prevent Arthritis
If you or a loved one suffers from arthritis, you are likely all too aware of the pain, discomfort and frustration of this crippling disease. The most common treatment, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, while effective, can also come with unwanted side effects, such as causing ulcers in your stomach or affecting your kidneys or liver.
So what can you do?
Scientists have long known that fish oil acts as an anti-inflammatory in your system. They have been focused on using the Omega 3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to reduce inflammation at a cellular level, thereby limiting the risk of blood clots and lowering cholesterol.
But the source of arthritis pain is also inflammation, so researchers tried using therapeutic doses of Omega 3 on people suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as joint pain and morning stiffness.
The results were excellent. In more than 75% of the cases, the patients were able to reduce their dose of NSAIDs.
What is a therapeutic dose?
You and your doctor can best determine the dose for your needs, but as a general guideline look at taking between 2 and 3 grams of fish oil for arthritis a day.
When you are taking such a large dose, it’s critical you know that not all oils are created equal, and in fact there are risks that accompany these quantities.
Be aware of where your supplement is sourced. Large fish, like salmon or tuna, eat smaller ones, who themselves eat smaller ones and so on. When there are this many sources between the last fish and the algae that provides Omega 3, you need to be cautious of mercury and other toxins building up in the fat and flesh.
Look for a product that has been molecularly distilled and subjected to a rigorous purification regime. If possible, find a brand that uses third-party testing to verify purity.
And look for a product that uses very small (less predatory) fish to process for oil. This will further reduce your risk of contamination and keep you safe while taking large doses of fish oil for arthritis. Species such as sardines, mackerel or Hoki are all excellent choices.
For more information on fish oil for arthritis, joint health and stiffness, as well as all the other benefits of this supplement, visit my website.
Sophie Allan is interested in the numerous health benefits available through natural omega 3 supplementation. She has been involved in fish oil research for the last year and follows the studies around fish oil for arthritis. She posts her findings on her website, http://www.theomega3report.com/.
Incoming search terms:
- glucosamine to prevent arthritis
