Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis

By Kristin Bjornsen

Researchers have long suspected that Inuits in Greenland almost never get rheumatoid arthritis because they eat mostly seafood, which is packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Now a new study from Dundee University in Scotland backs this up. About 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis—an inflammatory autoimmune disorder—took 10 grams of cod liver oil each day for nine months. After that time, 39 percent of those taking the oil were able to cut their use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by at least 30 percent. Some 70 percent of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers regularly take NSAIDs, the negative effects of which include a significant increase in the risk of heart failure, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal bleeding, so fish oil represents a welcome alternative. If you’re seeking arthritis relief, shoot for 10 grams of fish oil daily—and choose a high-quality oil that contains at least 200 mg of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in every 1-gram capsule.

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