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Inflammation is your body’s way of responding to what it considers foreign substances attacking the body, like allergens, irritants, and bacteria. Sometimes, however, your body can mistake its own cells as the foreign attacker. When your body stays in an inflamed state for too long, it can cause a number of health issues. Long term inflammation has been linked to a number of chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and metabolic conditions like obesity.
Having a lot of inflammation in the body can affect all areas of your life, from your energy levels to your mental health, even your ability to lose weight can be hindered by chronic inflammation. So what can you do to reduce inflammation in your body?
There are lots of foods to add to your diet that are natural anti-inflammatories, but sometimes you need a boost. One of the best supplements to add to your diet is fish oil, which is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have strong anti-inflammatory properties, and can be found naturally in fatty fish like mackerel, cod, and tuna. The WHO recommends getting 1-2 servings of fish a week to get the amount of omega-3s you need, but when you aren’t able to fit it into your diet during the week, fish oil supplements can help to ensure that you’re getting the necessary intake.
So why is fish oil so good for people with chronic inflammation? One study found that 59% of participants were able to take it in the place of NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and yield the same results. It has also been shown to help vascular inflammation, which has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and heart attacks. Aside from that, it has also been shown to reduce symptoms of inflammation like bone pain and muscle stiffness.
One thing to take into account before you begin taking fish oil, however, is that like anti-inflammatory medications, it can cause bleeding. If you take any blood thinners or are predisposed to bleeding, it may not be the right option for you. If you are interested in taking fish oil, or any new supplement, always consult your doctor.
