Suffering from Stiff, Painful Joints? Omega-3 can Help
If you suffer from arthritis, try omega-3 for relief
Do you suffer with stiff, painful joints due to arthritis? If so, omega-3 may just be the answer you've been waiting for. Currently, 21 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. Another 2.1 million have crippling rheumatoid arthritis. If you don't have arthritis, these statistics are just that, statistics.
But, if you are one of the unfortunate ones who suffer with the symptoms of arthritis, you'll be happy to hear the news from some of the latest studies that combine omega-3 and glucosamine.
A Winning Combination
Glucosamine has cornered the market for joint health in recent years, but this joint superstar may have to share in the spotlight. There's new competition in town. That competition is omega-3.
Dr. Joerg Gruenwald, founder and president of Analyze and Realize in Berlin, Germany, conducted a study involving 180 subjects. All the subjects had osteoarthritis in different stages of severity. For six months, half took glucosamine-only supplements while the other half took a combination of glucosamine and omega-3.
At the end of the 26-week study, the subject's used a 24-question assessment test to measure their pain. Reports of stiffness were lower in both groups but with a difference. The difference being the glucosamine-only group had 41% less pain and the glucosamine/omega-3 group had between 48% and 56% reduction of pain.
At first glance, this may not seem like much. But if you suffer daily with arthritis, these numbers mean a significant change in your level of pain.
Reaping the Benefits of Omega-3
The subjects in Dr. Gruenwald's study took nutritional supplements with 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 444 mg of fish oil. If these results sound promising to you, your first step is to talk to your doctor. Never self-medicate especially if you are on blood thinning medication.
Let your doctor know about this study and discuss the possibility of including a glucosamine and omega-3 supplement to your health plan for lasting relief of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain.
