Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease . Several studies have highlighted the benefits that Omega-3s bring in the treatment of this pathology:
Not only that: while taking these fatty acids, arthritis patients can reduce the amount of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) normally used to control inflammatory processes. Other research has focused more specifically on the use of Omega-3 in treating the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. In particular, researchers at Gällivare Hospital in Sweden involved 24 patients in a study that involved taking EPA and DHA in two different doses. A first group of patients received 1.95 grams of Omega-3 per day, while the remaining group took 4.55 grams per day. Monitoring the progression of the disease 7, 14 and 21 weeks after starting treatment showed that the higher dose of Omega-3 is able to significantly reduce the activity of the disease. For this reason, researchers have concluded that adequate doses of EPA and DHA help to combat ankylosing spondylitis .
- reduction of symptoms
- limiting the use of drugs needed to combat inflammation.
Spondylitis and inflammation
Ankylosing spondylitis (literally: “inflammation of the spine that causes blockage”) is a rheumatic disease of autoimmune origin . In other words, it is based on an abnormal response of the immune system, which attacks the cells of its own organism. It is a chronic pathology in which the cartilage present inside the joints becomes inflamed. In the most serious states, the progression of the disease leads to a fusion of the joints . The tissues of the spinal column are the first to be affected. The disorders can then extend to the shoulders, knees and feet. The evolution of the disease varies from individual to individual, but unfortunately it can also lead to disability.Treatment hypotheses
Some research suggests that certain foods can reduce inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases, while other foods increase it. For this reason, the hypothesis of the usefulness of an "alternative diet" that can help those who suffer from this type of pathology is becoming increasingly popular. Similarly, the use of phytotherapy and specific food supplements has also become increasingly common, especially in the United States. Omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are among the molecules that have proven effective in this sense.Omega-3 in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis
Several studies have highlighted the benefits of fatty acids for patients suffering from arthritic phenomena. In particular, their effectiveness would be based on the ability to modulate inflammatory processes . Enriching the diet with Omega-3 helps improve the symptoms of the disease, with a consequent reduction of:- 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 control inflammatory processes. Other research has focused more specifically on the use of Omega-3 in treating the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. In particular, researchers at Gällivare Hospital in Sweden involved 24 patients in a study that involved taking EPA and DHA in two different doses. A first group of patients received 1.95 grams of Omega-3 per day, while the remaining group took 4.55 grams per day. Monitoring the progression of the disease 7, 14 and 21 weeks after starting treatment showed that the higher dose of Omega-3 is able to significantly reduce the activity of the disease. For this reason, researchers have concluded that adequate doses of EPA and DHA help to combat ankylosing spondylitis .
