Fish for Joint Health

I love to workout and train hard, and I want to be able to do so for a long, long time.

In order for this to be possible, I need to make sure my joints are holding up. I will never forget how creaky my knees were while training for my first Marathon. YUCK! Since then, I’ve learned the secret to avoiding knee pain and morning joint stiffness: EATING MORE FISH! 

3 ways FISH support your joints :

1.    Decreased inflammation

Inflammation is our bodies first response to an injury or stress. When we intensify our workouts our joints can be the first to react. Fish oil contains EPA and DHA, which is effective in decreasing inflammatory markers and increasing anti-inflammatory markers.

2.    Decreased risk of bone marrow lesions

In a study from Arthritis Research & Therapy, 293 adults without osteoarthritis were used as test subjects, some with and without knee pain. This study found that higher intakes of monounsaturated fatty acids or omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids were associated with an increased risk of bone marrow lesions. Both of which are found in almost all species of fish.

This study lends further support to the recommendation to balance fat intake and shift toward foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids while decreasing intake of omega 6 fatty acids.

3.    Decreased morning stiffness and pain

Omega 3 fatty acids decreases morning stiffness, tender or swollen joints, and joint pain. They also increase blood flow during exercise.

Strong joints are crucial to balanced fitness. What athlete isn’t looking for ways to support their joints? As a nutritionist, I like to get my joint-supportive nutrients from my food rather than supplements. Thanks to Sizzlefish! 

—Abby