Inflammation

In the late 1950s and 60s, it was not uncommon for a daily dose of foul-tasting, fishy smelling liquid to be forced upon sickly children by their grandparents and cited as the cure for everything from arthritis and baldness, to boils and piles.

Cod liver oil consumption was at its peak, simultaneously torturing yet improving the health of children and their families all over the world. In the decades that followed various other natural remedies came in and out of the limelight. Apricot seed kernels, goji berries and coconut oil all enjoyed their glory days – with some developing a near cult following.

However, as time passed and science accumulated (or failed to accumulate), it became clear that these natural remedies weren’t really the ‘cure all’ they were sometimes promoted to be. In recent years, another natural medicine has forged ahead as the latest trendy cure-all taking the population by storm; yet this one has the scientific backing to boot.

Think back to the last time you injured yourself. Perhaps you fell over and hurt your knee, or sprained your ankle playing sport. Along with the pain, you can probably recall how swollen, red and hot the area became. These changes were a sign of your body’s protective inflammatory response springing into action.

Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential nutrients shown to reduce inflammation,[¹] support cardiovascular health,[²] promote brain function [³], and support foetal development during pregnancy.[⁴] Our bodies are unable to produce omega-3 fatty acids, so we must consume them in our diet or through supplementation. Unfortunately, 80% of adults do not meet the recommended daily intake (RDI) of omega-3 fatty acids,[⁵] but amongst people who do meet the RDI, 90% have been found to take a supplement.[⁶] Therefore, the easiest way to ensure you are getting enough omega-3 for your health needs is to take a fish oil supplement. That being said, recently, media reports have introduced confusion about the benefits of fish oil, with some claiming fish oil has no health benefits. So, what is the truth about fish oil?

Inflammation is the body’s initial response to cell damage and is designed to protect it from infection or further injury. Like day and night, the inflammatory process is a cycle defined by two halves – initiation and resolution.

Whilst the burden of pain can feel isolating, it is a road travelled by many. In fact, 3.24 million Australians suffered from persistent pain in 2018,[¹] making it a commonly shared experience. For some, it’s a headache that feels like a thousand ice picks; for others, it’s shooting, surging and pulsing lower back pain.

HELP, I’m Inflamed!

Everyone has experienced the phenomenon of acute inflammation – a sprained ankle, a splinter, or a cut – resulting in the affected area becoming red, swollen, hot, and painful. This is your immune system rushing to protect your body from any bacteria or viruses that may try to infect the area, and is also the first step in repairing tissue damage. This is part of a normal, healthy inflammatory response and should die down, or resolve, once the injury heals.[¹] In some cases, however, inflammation sticks around and becomes chronic.

More than half of the Australian population suffers from chronic inflammation and pain.[²] Ongoing inflammation may be a response to repetitive damage that does not heal (e.g. arthritis), but it can also occur in response to other triggers such as toxins, allergens, or oxidative stress, also causing tissue damage. Chronic inflammation has been associated with the development of many types of disease such as type 2 diabetes, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), inflammatory bowel disease and obesity.[³]

Which nutrient helps alleviate the pain of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis,[¹] supports brain and skin health and also reduces the risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease?[²] Not sure? Here’s a hint: it’s found in seafood and is particularly abundant in fish. If you answered omega-3, you are correct! This essential nutrient provides a

If you know anyone that has tried to lose weight, or have set out on this journey yourself, you know it comes with its fair share of challenges. On the surface, adhering to a balanced diet and engaging in physical activity appears relatively simple; however, as most people are intimately aware, losing weight is not always as easy as it’s said and done.