NSAIDS Alternatives: Swap Your Meds for Cod Liver Oil

A recent study indicates that if you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may want to consider adding cod liver oil, a possible NSAIDs alternative, to your daily supplements regimen. The omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil may help inhibit the production of the inflammatory agents that are the hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are widely used to treat pain, fever and inflammation, however their long-term use is associated with adverse gastrointestinal, renal and cardiovascular effects.

If you take NSAIDs for rheumatoid arthritis, it seems possible that you may be able to reduce your dosage over time just by adding cod liver oil to your daily routine.

For 12 weeks, study participants were given 10 g of cod liver oil daily and were instructed to gradually reduce their usage of NSAIDs, and to discontinue using the drugs if possible. 39% of those who received cod liver oil were able to reduce their NSAIDs dosage by over 30% without experiencing worsened symptoms. After nine months of cod liver oil therapy, 59% were able to lower their medication dose successfully. (B. Galarraga et al., Rheumatology, doi:10.1093/rheumatology/ken024.)

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: The impressive results of this study suggest that the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be improved considerably with cod liver oil supplementation, and that rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may be able to minimize their use of NSAIDs as a treatment for their condition. The use of NSAIDs is associated with adverse side effects, so alternative treatments for pain and inflammation are worth seeking out.