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Inflammation is often associated with pain. In fact, the suffix "itis" as in arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, or
diverticulitis actually means inflammation. There are several different factors that contribute to inflammation and its accompanying
pain, such as trauma, stress or repetitive movements. Infections, chemicals or physical agents can also injure cells and trigger
an inflammatory response. The symptoms are commonly redness, pain, heat, swelling and depending on the extent of the injury,
loss of function. In the body's attempt to repair the damage, circulation is increased to the affected area. The redness and
heat are the result of this increased blood flow. The rationale for applying ice immediately after an injury is to restrict
blood flow to the area. The intention is to restrict the predictable swelling following an injury. As the inflammatory process
continues, the blood vessels dilate and become more permeable to deliver white blood cells, lymphatic fluid, clotting factors,
and the necessary nutrients to begin healing the injury. This accounts for the swelling. Pain can be due to damage to the
nerves, pressure from the swelling on the nerve endings, or irritation from toxins.
During the inflammatory response,
a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) is secreted. This is what can prolong and increase the severity of
the inflammation. PGE2 is synthesized from one of the omega six fatty acids, called Arachidonic acid, by the action of an
enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase2 (Cox2). The mechanism of action of many anti-inflammatory drugs is to inhibit that particular
enzyme. That is why the next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs are referred to as Cox2 inhibitors.
In addition
to conventional treatment, there are also nutritional means to deal with inflammation. In my practice, I have helped many
individuals complaining of pain from various "itis" diseases. We address the source of the inflammation, rather
than attempting to inhibit an enzyme. The real problem may be the over-abundance of Arachidonic acid that is available to
enter the PGE2 inflammatory pathway. Therefore, the first step should be to reduce the dietary consumption of Arachidonic
acid, which is only found in animal products. Secondly, supplementing with the omega3 fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, commonly
found in fish oil is also beneficial. One important role of omega3 fatty acids is to keep Arachidonic acids from escaping
from our own cell membranes. This may account for the anti-inflammatory role that omega three fatty acids are credited with.
I have even seen dramatic results when fish oil is used topically over an inflamed area. For example, many have found relief
from the pain caused by a common in-grown toe nail by simply applying fish oil to the toe nail. The oil helps to soften the
nail, while the omega3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA) reduce the Arachidonic acid-PGE2 inflammatory cascade. I know it works,
because it relieved the pain from my own in-grown toe nail.
A common complaint that many have with taking fish oil capsules is that it often repeats
on them and they experience an unpleasant fishy taste. One reason that occurs may be due to the fish oil being rancid. In
that case, it may be more harmful to take than beneficial.
I am pleased to have found fish oil capsules that are pure
and do not produce any "fishy" after taste, or repeat on you. It's called ESKIMO-3 from TYLER. I know they are
pure because I have opened these capsules and they do not taste or even smell fishy. Try this test with the fish oil capsules
you are currently taking.
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