Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, commonly referred to as PUFA’s include the Omega-3’s, Omega-6’s, Omega-9’s and Conjugated Fatty Acids known to decrease inflammation and increase overall health. Scientifically termed as essential fatty acids, PUFA’s are directly correlated to a reduction in inflammation. This reduction occurs as a result of interference PUFA’s cause in relation to and on the cytokine process. The cytokine process is an internal autoimmune response that attacks our body and produces inflammation. This is a cyclical inflammatory process that if not interrupted continually results in increased and prolonged inflammation. PUFA’s act to inhibit and to slow this cycle of internal inflammatory assault.
PUFA’s are found in many natural sources. The best sources include cold-water fish such as salmon, herring, and mackerel. Other vegetarian sources include hemp, flax, walnuts, almonds, leafy greens, olive oil, whole unprocessed grains, and eggs. If you are able to maintain a diet rich in these foods, your body’s natural response to inflammation will be supported and you might experience less inflammatory tenderness and pain.
If you are unable to tolerate a diet rich in the required essential fatty acids, a high-quality supplement should be used. High-quality fatty acid supplements should contain all of the Omega-3 fatty acids and should have an above average bioavailability. Bioavailability is used to describe how much of a particular substance our body is able to metabolize and use. A superior Omega-3 supplement will offer maximum bioavailability.
