The term “autoimmune disease” encompasses a wide array of conditions affecting everything from the thyroid to muscular function. New research is signaling that the use of vitamin D and fish oil may be of use when looking to reduce the risk of certain autoimmune conditions. So if you are worried about the risk of developing an autoimmune disease, you would be wise to look into how fish oil and vitamin D may mitigate this threat. Here is what you need to know about the latest research and how you can use these findings to enjoy better health overall.
What to Know About Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune disorders are a significant health issue throughout the world, ranking as the third most common type of disease in industrialized nations. These chronic conditions occur when the body mounts an inflammatory immune response despite the absence of a legitimate infection. Estimates put the number of Americans living with an autoimmune condition at over 24 million.
Autoimmune disorders are particularly dangerous to women, ranking as the leading cause of mortality for females. In addition, studies have found that Native Americans and Black Americans are at a higher risk of developing these conditions when compared to white people.
Some of the most common autoimmune disorders include multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Because there are no available cures for these types of diseases, individuals must learn how to manage the symptoms.
Fish Oil and Vitamin D Can Mitigate the Risk of Autoimmune Conditions
As more is learned about autoimmune diseases, scientists are discovering new ways to both treat and prevent these conditions. Like all types of medical issues, the best way to control autoimmune disorders is to practice solid preventative medicine. New research is demonstrating that the use of fish oil through omega-3 supplements combined with vitamin D may be a powerful tool in your arsenal when it comes to reducing the risk of developing these serious conditions.
In a recent study out of Boston, scientists found that there was a link between the consumption of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid supplements and the onset of autoimmune conditions. The study found that using a vitamin D supplement lowered the risk of developing an autoimmune disease by 22 percent. Likewise, the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements led to a 15 percent reduction in the risk of developing these types of illnesses.
The scientists also pointed out that the longer an individual takes these supplements, the greater the reduction in onset of autoimmune conditions. Those who stuck with the vitamin D supplement program for three years saw 39 percent less prevalence of autoimmune diseases when compared to the placebo group.
The decline in disease for those taking fish oil supplements was around 10 percent less dramatic. However, when both supplements are taken as directed, the researchers found a combined reduction of 30 percent when compared to the control group.
Other Benefits of Fish Oil and Vitamin D
In addition to helping to stave off the development of autoimmune diseases, there are numerous other benefits to being purposeful about taking in enough fish oil and vitamin D. Adequate amounts of fish oil can help to support a healthy heart, maintain optimal brain function, treat some types of mental health disorders, boost bone density and strength and reduce inflammation in the body. Vitamin D has been shown to be instrumental in supporting immune health, regulating mood, decreasing the chances of developing heart disease and more.
The bottom line is that there are no shortages of benefits that your body will see if you are purposeful about taking in enough of these two nutrients. In addition, because there are no serious reported adverse effects of this type of supplementation, it makes sense to talk to your doctor about how it may benefit your health.
How You Can Increase Your Intake of Fish Oil and Vitamin D
Unlike many other vitamins that are found in plentiful amounts in many common foods, it can be more difficult to take in enough of these two nutrients. This is why many health-conscious individuals turn to the use of supplements to bridge this gap.
While you can never completely eliminate your risk of developing an autoimmune condition, taking proactive steps to reduce your risk can go a long way in your quest to lead a long and healthy life.