Why You Should Consider Fish Oil To Help Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of immune system disorder that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints. This condition can cause fingers and toes to swell, and it can also cause pain in the heels and lower back. People who suffer from psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis causes red, often scaly, splotches on the skin. Interestingly, the joint problems begin before any skin problems arise, according to the Mayo Clinic.

When a person has psoriatic arthritis, the body's immune system attacks healthy cells. This causes inflammation as well as an overproduction of skin cells, resulting in painful joints and red patches on the skin. It can also cause fingernails to become weak and crumble. According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriatic arthritis is a genetic condition, but bacterial infections can also cause it. Since there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, treatments work to control pain and reduce damage to joints.

Consuming fish oil, commonly referred to as omega-3 fatty acids, is one way to help you manage your symptoms. Medical News today reports that fish oil can improve symptoms of psoriasis. In addition, it may help reduce pain and inflammation. According to the Arthritis Foundation, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the two types of fatty acids in fish oil that make fish oil an option for people who suffer from all forms of arthritis. The secret to fish oil is that the body converts it to compounds that work to stop the body's inflammatory response.

It's best to get fish oil from food sources, and the Arthritis Foundation recognizes salmon as one of the best sources of it. You can also find it in sardines, mackerel, herring, spinach, chia seeds, kale, walnuts, and Brussels sprouts. That said, if you choose to take fish oil supplements, Healthline suggests 200 to 500 milligrams of EPA and DHA daily for adults.