Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis falls under autoimmune diseases. Indeed, several studies have shown the benefits of Omega-3s in treating this condition:
Not only that, while taking these fatty acids, arthritis patients can reduce the amount of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) normally used to keep inflammatory processes under control. Other research has focused more specifically on the use of Omega-3s in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. Specifically, researchers at Gällivare Hospital in Gällivare, Sweden, involved 24 patients in a study that involved taking EPA and DHA in two different dosages. An initial group of patients received 1.95 grams of Omega-3 per day, while the remainder took 4.55 grams per day. Monitoring of disease progression 7, 14 and 21 weeks after the start of treatment showed that the highest dose of Omega-3 was able to significantly reduce disease activity. Therefore, the researchers concluded that adequate doses of EPA and DHA help counteract ankylosing spondylitis.
- reduction of symptoms
- Limitation of the use of drugs needed to counteract inflammation.
Spondylitis and inflammation
Ankylosing spondylitis (literally: "inflammation of the spine causing blockage") is a rheumatic disease of autoimmune origin. In other words, underlying it is an abnormal response of the immune system, which attacks its own cells. This is a disease with a chronic course in which the cartilages within the joints become inflamed. In more severe states, the progression of the disease leads to fusion of the joints. The tissues of the spine are the first to be affected. Discomfort may extend later to the shoulders, knees, and feet. The evolution of the disease varies from individual to individual; unfortunately, however, it can also lead to disability.Treatment assumptions
Some research suggests that certain foods may reduce the inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases, while other foods would increase it. For this reason, there is growing speculation about the usefulness of an "alternative diet" that could help those suffering from this type of disease. Similarly, the use of phytotherapy and specific dietary supplements has also increasingly entered the mainstream, especially in the United States. Omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are among the molecules that have been shown to be effective in this regard.Omega-3s in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis
Several studies have highlighted the benefits of fatty acids for patients with arthritic phenomena. In particular, their effectiveness would be based on their ability to modulate inflammatory processes. Enriching thediet with Omega-3 helps improve symptoms of the disease, resulting in a reduction in:- pain
- joint stiffness
- inflammation
Not only that, while taking these fatty acids, arthritis patients can reduce the amount of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) normally used to keep inflammatory processes under control. Other research has focused more specifically on the use of Omega-3s in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. Specifically, researchers at Gällivare Hospital in Gällivare, Sweden, involved 24 patients in a study that involved taking EPA and DHA in two different dosages. An initial group of patients received 1.95 grams of Omega-3 per day, while the remainder took 4.55 grams per day. Monitoring of disease progression 7, 14 and 21 weeks after the start of treatment showed that the highest dose of Omega-3 was able to significantly reduce disease activity. Therefore, the researchers concluded that adequate doses of EPA and DHA help counteract ankylosing spondylitis.