The link between cod liver oil and arthritis has for very long been treated as a very vital one. Intake of cod liver oil on a regular basis is said to bring down inflammation in affected joints considerably. This has been proved by studies and experiments time and again. The oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids which bring down tenderness in joints, reduce stiffness experienced in the mornings and allow for a decrease in anti-inflammatory drugs taken by the sufferer.

In the past Omega-3 fatty acids were seen to help reduce inflammation whereas Omega-6 fatty acids were seen to have the opposite effect – that is promote inflammation. Therefore, a proper balance between the two is necessary for good health because an imbalance will lead to disease. For instance, an ideal proportion of Omega-6 fatty acids in the diet should be 2 to 4 times more than Omega-3. However, a typical American diet is seen to have a major imbalance with Omega-6 being 14 to 25 times more than Omega-3 fatty acids! Not surprising therefore, that the rate of inflammatory disorder in the nation is pretty high.

Main sources of Omega-3 fatty acid are fish, plant and nut oils. Fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, halibut and herring are rich in this oil. You can also get it from flaxseeds, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and algae. Omega-3 fatty acids have to be either included in the diet or taken in the form of supplements since they are not manufactured by the body. These are available in the form of capsules, too, at pharmacies.