Rheumatoid Arthritis & Flax Seed
May 23, 2011
| By
Erica Jacques
Flax seed is a natural source of
both omega-3 essential fatty acids. These essential fatty acids may play
a role in reducing pain and stiffness for people with rheumatoid
arthritis. However, much of the related research is still in the early
stages. Flax seed can be added to food or taken in supplement form, both
forms of which offer similar benefits.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid
arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder. One of the more common
types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is characterized by
chronic inflammation in the body's smaller joints. This eventually leads
to joint damage and deformities, often involving the hands. There is no
known cause of RA, though there are many theories, which makes treating
the disorder a challenge. While it can't be cured, many of its
symptoms, including pain and stiffness, can be controlled through
medication and lifestyle changes. One of these potential lifestyle
changes for RA involves the use of dietary supplements as well as
changing the way you eat.
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What's in Flax Seed?
Flax
seed is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which the body needs
to function but cannot make on its own. In particular, flax seed is a
rich source of alpha-linolenic acid. Aplha-linolenic acid, also called
ALA, is converted by the body into two other well-known omega-3s. These
are eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA.
This makes flax a primary source of alpha-linolenic acid, and a
secondary source of both EPA and DHA. These omega-3 fatty acids are
thought to reduce inflammation, one of the main causes of rheumatoid
arthritis symptoms. According to "Arthritis Today," flax seed is thought
to reduce pain and stiffness as well as increase joint lubrication for
people with RA. Whether it works or not, however, remains under
investigation.
The Research
According
to "Arthritis Today," there is little evidence that flax seeds
themselves have a direct effect on RA symptoms. However, because they
contain high amounts of omega-3s, they may play a role in controlling
some of the related inflammation. The research reviewed by the
University of Maryland Medical Center has primarily included small
studies, but the results seem promising for the use of fish oil, another
omega-3 supplement that is high in both DHA and EPA. Pain and stiffness
symptoms seemed to improve for many RA sufferers using these types of
omega-3s. However, the research on whether or not flax seeds offer the
same benefits as fish oil is lacking.
Precautions
Flax
seed supplements may help some RA symptoms, but never start any
supplement without first consulting your doctor. Some over-the-counter
supplements may interact with certain medications. For instance, flax
seed may increase the effects of blood thinners and may also interfere
with cholesterol medications. You don't have to take flax seed
supplements to get the benefits of omega-3s; try using flax seed flour,
or sprinkle some ground flax seeds over your food to increase your ALA
intake.
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