Arthritis: relief from fatty acids

Arthritis sufferers can get relief by changing their diet. Studies have shown that the fatty acids omega-3, found in fish oils, and omega-6, found in plant seeds, can help, as can a change to a vegetarian diet.

One study, first published in 1995, showed that some arthritis sufferers were able to stop taking anti inflammatory drugs after introducing fish oil supplements. Most noticed a decrease in the number of tender joints and in the duration of morning stiffness.

The improvements continued for eight weeks after stopping the omega-3 supplements.

A similar result was noted among arthritis sufferers who took omega-6 fatty acids for six months.

Sufferers could also try a vegetarian diet, which has also had some success (Townsend Letter for Doctors, November 1996).

For more on arthritis, see WDDTY vol 2, no 12, and vol 5, no 5.