Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acid For Joint Health

Table of Content

• What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

• Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

• Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids For Joint Health

• Why Omega-3 Is Preferred For Arthritis

• How to Use Fish Oil For Joint Health

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acid For Joint Health

Introduction

Joints are an essential part of our body as it helps in supporting our body weight and flexing our muscles at our will. But as you age, the joints become tightened and inflamed, which creates difficulty in movements. But, here's a catch! 

If you take good care of your body by supplementing it with healthy foods, you will enjoy good joint health even in older years. One such nutrient is omega-3 fatty acids! In this article, you will get to know about how omega-3 acids can help you in maintaining joint health. 

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are mostly found in fish, nuts and seeds are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are highly essential for your body to carry out the basic metabolic functions. 

There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids. They are, 

• ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) 

• EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) 

• DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) 

EPA and DHA are found in animal sources while ALAs are predominantly only present in plant sources. 

Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Before going into the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for joint health, let us know how it helps us maintain our overall health. Here are some of the ways by which omega-3 helps functioning,

• Improves eye health 

• Ensures good brain development 

• Helps in developing a strong cardiac health 

• Reduces symptoms of ADHD 

• Benefits mental health by management of depression and anxiety 

• Reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases 

• Helps in preventing cancer 

• Benefits asthma patients 

• Improves bone and joint health 

• Support good skin health 

• Helps in having a good sleep hygiene

Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids For Joint Health

The omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory agents that help in maintaining the vigour of cells and restoring the injured tissues. When you consume omega-3 fatty acid sources, your joints will be quick in healing the inflammation. This is why these fatty acids are regarded as one of the best sources for healthy joints. Here are some of the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for joint health, 

1. ​Reduced inflammation

As we said before, omega-3 is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent (especially EPA and DHA) that can reduce joint inflammation and associated pain. 

2. Protection against cartilage breakdown

As you age, the cartilage (which is between your joint bones) breaks down and this reduces your mobility. Cartilage breakdown reduces movements because they serve the essential function of lubricating your joint bones and thereby, reducing friction while moving your joints. Since omega-3 fatty acids support cartilage, you will have joints that have less friction and are highly mobile. 

3. ​Improved joint mobility

Omega-3 fatty acids help in lubricating your joint cartilage (and prevent cartilage breakdown) and help in good lubrication, thereby increasing the mobility of your joints. Increased joint mobility reduces inflammation and joint pain.

4. Reduced need for pain medication

When you supply your joints with omega-3, you would have very less or almost no requirements for medicines (that support joint health) even when you age. More importantly, omega-3 fatty acids don't have any side effects and risks like most medicines. 

5. ​Overall joint health

Since omega-3 fatty acids can help with reducing joint inflammation and pain while also increasing joint health by increasing joint mobility and movements. Thereby, without a doubt, omega-3 supports overall joint health. 

Why Omega-3 Is Preferred For Arthritis

The two types of fatty acids - EPA and DHA are found to be most effective in reducing the inflammation and swelling of the joints. In most joint issues, inflammation would be the main causative factor behind the discomfort, pain and swelling. Arthritis is a common joint condition where inflamed joints create joint swelling, stiffness and pain resulting in muscle weakness, and reduced range of motion. Those who suffer from arthritis, usually prefer fish oil like cod liver oil to manage the symptoms. 

How to Use Fish Oil For Joint Health

For treating arthritis with fish oil, you need to consume fish oil or cod liver oil supplements daily. 

But care should be taken about not overconsuming these fish oils as it can cause side effects like heartburn, nausea, loose stools, bad breath and belching.

The best way to treat arthritis with fish oil is to consult with your healthcare professional regarding the number of capsules you would need every day. 

Take-Home Points

• Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for many body functions and they are essential fatty acids. 

• Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA in fish oils help in reducing the inflammation of joints and boosting immunity. 

• Fish oils, in limited amounts, help in treating arthritis.