Osteoarthritis Prevention with Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The most popular reasons of osteoarthritis include genetics, overweight, overburden some particular joint or a joint injury (even years ago) - all of that increases a chance of suffering from osteoarthritis. That’s why two most endangered groups of people are those grossly overweight and… professional sportsmen!
Osteoarthritis is the most popular form of arthritis, affecting the lives of about 12 per cent of the human population. It most commonly attacks women above the age of 45, but can happen to anyone. Osteoarthritis is an effect of wearing off the cartilage in the joints. As the amount of cartilage is reduced, the bones in the joint start to rub each other during joint movements, causing serious pain and reducing the mobility of the joint up to the point when it is stuck.
Exercises and dieting are two best ways to prevent the onset of osteoarthritis or at least reduce the severity of the disease. Exercises will help you get rid of the spare tire you have, thus reducing the stress put over the joints while moving. What is more, exercising will strengthen the muscles, making joints work more because of the muscles, not the cartilage. This will reduce the speed of cartilage loss and prolong the period of relative health. However, you need to consult with your doctor prior to starting any diet or physical training program. First, your diet should still contain nutrients that slow down the disease. Then, some exercises may put too much stress over your joints and may damage them instead of strengthen.
As for the diet, you have to keep in mind that while you should generally reduce the fat intake, some fatty acids like Omega-3 are necessary to keep your osteoarthritis in check. The researches about the influence of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have only just begun, but their positive anti-inflammatory effects have been confirmed well enough to make many doctors encourage their patients to increase their intake either by changing their diet or by taking food supplements such as Omega Daily.
The pain and stiffness are two first signs of osteoarthritis. Do not ignore them! Go to the doctor as soon as you notice stiffness in the joints.
