Fish oils are a great source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (good fats), collectively called Omega 3 fatty acids. These fats have a variety of different health benefits and specifically, have a great affinity for reducing pain, associated with inflammation.
The nature of fish oil and Omega 3 fatty acids are to reduce the influence of chemicals, cells and enzymes in the body which are known to trigger an inflammatory response and as a result, contribute to pain.
As we age, much of the pain experienced can be contributed by fluctuations in hormones, changes in bone strength and structure as well as arthritis. By taking a fish oil supplement, inflammation can be reduced and lubrication can be provided to the joints, to further reduce pain.
There are many fish oils on the market and they are not all equal. The general rule of thumb is, if the fish oil product is cheap, the chances are, it’s not a good product. As fish oil is a fat, it is easily oxidised and if it is not manufactured, purified and stored properly it can actually contribute to further inflammation as the oil essentially goes off.
When you purchase a practitioner only product, although the fish oil does appear quite expensive, you can be rest assured that it is free of heavy metals and you can have the peace of mind that it has been purified, manufactured and stored correctly, thus optimising the therapeutic potential of this supplement.
About The Author - Samantha Mainland
Samantha is a highly educated Naturopath having graduated from both Southern Cross University with a Bachelor of Naturopathy, and University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Medicine Management with Professional Honours in Complementary Medicine.