Fish Oil Helps Heal Bedsores

Carl Lowe | Jan 15, 2013 | Comments 0

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, fish oil has been shown to help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation in the skin and joints, and promote healthy fetal development. In addition to these benefits, researchnow shows it can help heal bedsores.

Bedsores are a common problem in people who are bed ridden. The painful sores form from constant pressure on the skin and underlying tissue due to prolonged sitting or lying down. When they become infected in critically ill people, they can be life-threatening.

A study at Tel Aviv University shows that taking fish oil supplements reduces inflammation in the body, boosts the performance of the immune system and helps heal bedsores.

“We saw a modification in the expression of a group of molecules associated with directing leukocytes, or white blood cells, in the direction of the wound, which could explain the improved healing,” explains researcher Pierre Singer. Singer’s group also found a significant decrease in the amount of C-reactive protein in the blood, a substance associated with inflammation and linked to viral and bacterial infections, rheumatic diseases, tissue injury and necrosis.