Anti-inflammatory drugs are undoubtedly one of the largest pharmaceutical classifications in the western world. According to a June 17, 1999 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, doctors have written over 70 million prescriptions for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or "NSAIDs". In addition, more than 30 billion NSAID over-the-counter tablets (aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, etc.) were sold this year in the United States. But while these medications offer temporary relief for everyday pain and aches, what is their function? Do they heal or mask beneficial symptoms? Are they the best alternatives? The answers to these questions may surprise you.
Inflammation can be a normal process designed to heal the body. Inflammation begins with the release of a fatty acid called arachidonic acid. Triggers for arachidonic acid isolation include exposure to a chemical or environmental toxin, bacterial or viral infection, trauma and injury. Once released, arachidonic acid is converted into compounds called prostaglandins, in particular, one called PGE2, which causes signs and symptoms of inflammation: redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Each of these symptoms, although inconvenient, is a sign that the body repairs itself and protects itself from further injury.
NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory drugs stop the conversion of arachadonic acid to prostaglandins in different places along the way. They may also have side effects on the body, which include ulcers, bleeding in the intestines, liver damage, kidney failure, headache, and more. Remember that the symptoms of inflammation indicate an attempt to heal the body, increasing its metabolic processes. By suppressing the symptoms of inflammation, healing never happens, the body can become flammable, and the cycle will start again.
So, how can we support the infection process, but reduce the symptoms that are so uncomfortable? One answer lies with essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids or EFA are fats that come directly from our diet or from supplements. They are called essential because our body cannot make them on its own, and we must provide them through a diet. The most useful EFAs are Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely effective. In a constant search for body balance, he directly synthesizes an anti-inflammatory prostaglandin called PGE3 from omega-3 fatty acids. Adequate amounts of PGE3 inhibit the inflammatory process and ensure that the infection does not suppress the person. In other words, omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and bring balance to the body. This balance brings healing to the body and reduces uncomfortable inflammatory symptoms.
The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are cold-water fish such as salmon, trout, halibut, sardines and cod. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Marine phytoplankton is another very useful source of EFA. Marine phytoplankton are microscopic single-stranded plants that provide high levels of vitamins, minerals and EFA. They are the beginning of the food chain, food for the whales and an excellent source of fundamental nutrition. Marine phytoplankton is finally available for human reception and is very promising with the support of optimal health. As with any dietary supplement, finding a good product is very important. Knowing your source ensures that you have correctly prepared and formulated a product that will work efficiently. Sources that we found worthy and helpful can be found here.
Balancing the inflammatory response with omega-3 fatty acids is usually not done as a quick fix for the acute inflammatory response. For example, fish oil will not provide immediate relief for sports injuries, headaches, etc. Ice, hydrotherapy, homeopathy and herbs are more effective in these situations. Instead, omega-3 fatty acids are most useful for supporting chronic inflammatory conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, eczema, colitis, and autoimmune conditions.
Essential fatty acids play a key role in balancing the inflammatory response in the body. They do not suppress healing, but instead support the body’s own anti-inflammatory response. This ensures that healing is effective and efficient. So the next time you reach this bottle of aspirin for your chronic pain, remember the marine phytoplankton and the friendly fish and their oils. They may be what you need to live without pain and inflammation.
