Anti-inflammatory supplements are one of the best natural inflammation remedies you can take. However, you also want to choose a supplement that will be most effective for any specific conditions you may have. For instance, in all cases an omega-3 anti-inflammation supplement is going to be very beneficial for eliminating chronic inflammation risks. But if you have joint problems or arthritis, then you want to be sure that you take the supplement that specifically addresses those needs.
Your anti-inflammatory supplement is going to include compounds from the omega-3 fatty acid group, and especially a high concentration of omega-3 DHA, because this compound has the greatest inflammation reducing properties. And for eliminating excess inflammation, and protection against heart disease and the risk of heart attacks by also lowering blood pressure and triglycerides, a fish oil omega-3 DHA supplement would be a terrific choice.
But the question remains, if you need treatment for your joint health, are the fish oil supplements going to be the most effective?
Before answering that question, I want to refer to a couple of things you need to be aware of about omega-3 supplements. I mentioned that omega-3 DHA was the strongest for reducing inflammation, but that may not be the fatty acid that is the greatest amount in your supplement. Additionally, there are other omega-3 compounds that don’t have anti-inflammatory properties.
So, to maximize inflammation reduction effectiveness, look for supplements that have omega-3 DHA and omega-3 EPA, with around 600 mg of the omega-3 DHA out each 1000 mg of omega-3. Also, be aware that if your supplement has omega-3 ALA, which is a compound that comes from plants, it has very minimal ability to reduce inflammation.
Now, the anti-inflammatory supplement for joint problems question – a problem that I know quite well, from having problem with my elbows from working out. I had been taking a fish oil omega-3 supplement for overall elimination reduction, and then I learned about the green lipped mussel anti-inflammatory supplements.
These are supplements that are an excellent source of high quality omega-3, but they also have 2 things that are specific to joints and arthritis: (1) the green lipped mussels fatty acid profile also includes omega-3 ETA (2) the green lipped mussels include a group of compounds the specifically treat the joints, and the issues that have caused them to become so inflamed and even deteriorate.
What makes omega-3 ETA beneficial for joint treatment is that it is a COX-2 inhibitor, making the supplements able to effectively inhibit the COX enzyme, which is related to the process that ‘creates’ inflammation in the joints. If this sounds familiar from anti-inflammatory drugs, it is the same thing – except the green lipped mussel anti-inflammatory supplements, as a natural inflammation treatment, don’t have the bad side effect risks found in the drugs.
The joint treatment nutrients in the mussels are known as glycosaminoglycans. These are compounds that are strongly attracted to water molecules that are in the joints. What happens when the 2 of these react is an increase in the lubrication of the joints, as well as being able to provide a cushioning effect. Besides these important benefits, the glycosaminoglycans also are able to work on repairing the joints by replacing damaged cartilage and connective tissues.
In light of the additional treatment benefits that the green lipped mussel anti-inflammatory supplements provide, with their combination of omega-3 anti-inflammatories, omega-3 ETA, and glycosaminoglycans, these appear to be the best alternative if you are taking the supplements because of a joint condition.
But, if you are already taking fish oil omega-3 supplements, don’t stop and replace them with the mussel supplements. Just take the two together and receive the strongest natural anti-inflammatory supplement combination available.