Imagine if taking a simple supplement every day, and perhaps altering your diet slightly, could lead to the total cure of your arthritis? No more chronic pain, inflammation of joints, mobility problems and no more associated issues such as depression. This is a fantasy that could well become a reality, according to scientists, who are on the verge of an exciting new breakthrough.
Studies have been taking place into the effects of a simple aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids on the wellbeing of arthritis sufferers, and have yielded some unexpectedly positive results. The combination of these two basic things could work to fight against the inflammation that causes the disease. Not only that, but this same combination could be used to fight against other diseases that have inflammation at their root, such as cancer and heart disease.
The idea that omega-3 fatty acids have a health benefit is not a new one, and, indeed, the benefits of taking a daily low-dose of aspirin has also been backed by medical professionals for years. It is the idea of taking the two in combination which is new.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in a number of different sources such as some nuts and seeds, certain types of oily fish, salmon and flax seeds. The new research shows that aspirin prompts omega-3 fatty acids to make molecules called resolvins, which help to fight inflammation. Resolvins are naturally made in the body anyway, but this new type of resolvin (termed D3) is far more effective at sites of inflammation than previous types. It stays far longer at the site of inflammation and quite literally ‘resolves’ the inflammation that is causing the condition by shutting it off. This longer-acting type of resolvin is only triggered in the presence of aspirin, causing a unique reaction to take place, which could well spell out brighter days ahead for the wellness of arthritis sufferers.
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