Human Proof--Cod Liver Oil Can Slow, or Even Reverse, the Onset of Arthritis

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Human Proof--Cod Liver Oil Can Slow, or Even Reverse, the Onset of Arthritis For the first time, scientists have found human proof showing that cod liver oil aids in slowing down, and may even reverse, the destruction of joint cartilage in patients who suffer from osteoarthritis, a painful and often disabling condition.The study consisted of 31 patients scheduled to receive total knee joint replacement surgery. Half were given two daily capsules of 1,000 mg extra strength cod liver oil and the other half given placebo oil capsules for a 10- to 12-week period. During the time of the surgery, researchers collected samples of the participants’ cartilage and joint tissue from their knees to study and analyze. Results from the study show 86 percent of pre-operative patients with arthritis who took the cod liver oil capsules had absent or significantly reduced levels of enzymes that caused cartilage damage, as opposed to 26 percent of those given a placebo capsule. Results also showed a reduction in certain enzymes that cause the patients to suffer from joint pain among those who took the cod liver oil.The findings suggest that cod liver oil could delay the onset of osteoarthritis, and it could play a major role in reducing the number of knee and hip replacements carried out. Further, taking cod liver oil would likely reduce the harmful symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. EurekAlert! February 12, 2004Dr. Mercola's Comment: I recommend, above almost any other addition to everyone's diet--from infant to senior and every age in between--fish oil and cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is known to decrease depression and prevent disease, and now more evidence points out the importance of taking cod liver oil. The benefits of fish oil and cod liver oil include:Helps fight and prevent heart disease, cancer, depression, Alzheimer's, arthritis, diabetes, ulcers, hyperactivity and many other diseases Increases your energy level and ability to concentrate Provides greater resistance to common illnesses such as flu and cold Helps pregnant women avoid premature births, low birth weight and other complications However, with fish oil and cod liver oil I have found through clinical experience that the brand definitely matters. While I am sure there are a few other high quality brands available in the world, the only one I can currently recommend with total confidence is Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil. Carlson's quality is exceptional, and their purity is documented by independent organizations. I carry Carlson's fish oil and cod liver oil in my "Recommended Products" section, or you may be able to find it in your local health food store.Another reason I specifically recommend Carlson fish oil/cod liver oil is that I have seen clear and often substantial improvements in my patients who use it. For instance, the Carlson brand has helped them get high cholesterol back to appropriate levels, and it has also shown particularly positive benefits in those with rheumatoid arthritis. Many people are confused about the difference between fish oil and cod liver oil. It helps to consider cod liver oil as fish oil-plus. It is the same as fish oil, but it has natural vitamin D and A. For most of us during the winter this becomes an important consideration: we don't have enough exposure to the sun to generate enough vitamin D to provide us with all its health benefits, so cod liver oil is excellent for its vitamin D (and vitamin A!) as well as its omega-3. In the warm weather months, or warm weather climates, however, you want to be careful not to overdose on vitamin D so I encourage you to have your levels tested.Related Articles:How To Virtually Eliminate Your Risk Of Rheumatoid Arthritis or MSHelpful Tools for Rheumatoid ArthritisPhysicians' Protocol For Using Antibiotics in Rheumatic DiseaseMore Evidence That Fish Oil Helps Heart DiseaseFish Oil Can Lower Your Bad CholesterolFish Oil Blocks Artery-Clogging GeneReturn to Table of Contents #511