If you’re looking for a natural anti-inflammatory, Gamma Linolenic Acid may be right for you.
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid. Our bodies need this fatty acid but are unable to produce it so it must be consumed as part of our diet. GLA is primarily found in plant seed oils and GLA supplements are typically made from evening primrose oil, black currant seed and borage seed oil. GLA can also be found in breast milk which is the primary source of this fatty acid for infants. GLA can help improve the symptoms of a variety of conditions.
- Diabetic Neuropathy: Some research shows that taking GLA for 6 months or longer may help improve nerve pain in diabetics. Those who have well-controlled diabetes tend to see the best results.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: GLA in evening primrose oil may help reduce pain, swelling and morning stiffness. It can often take 1-3 months to see the benefits from GLA for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. It is thought that GLA helps to decrease production of inflammatory substances without negatively impacting the immune system.
- Allergies: GLA has been used for allergy symptom relief for many years. Studies have also shown that women and children who suffer from allergies have lower levels of GLA in their blood.
- ADHD: Research shows that children with ADHD have lower levels of fatty acids. This includes omega-6s and omega-3s. Essential fatty acids promote healthy brain and behavior function.
- Cancer: Some women with breast cancer may have a better response to certain drugs used during their cancer treatment when taking GLA. GLA has also been studied in prostate cancer patients. In one study, GLA helped reduce the production of inflammatory materials and cancer growth was slowed. Talk to your healthcare provider to see what is best for you.
- Menopause: Evening primrose oil may help some symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Eczema: Eczema is a skin condition caused by inflammation and typically results in skin dryness and flaking. Redness, itching and pain beneath the skin are not uncommon in those who suffer from it. GLA supplementation can help reduce inflammation and eczema symptoms. Click here for our recent blog post on more ways to treat eczema naturally.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Reductions in inflammation from GLA may help delay atherosclerotic plaque buildup in blood vessels.
A Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Many chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease are in part, caused by inflammation in the body. This inflammation is caused by cell damage. Cell damage can be a result of physical trauma or many other factors High blood pressure, cigarette smoking, uncontrolled diabetes and high cholesterol are just a few of the causes of inflammation in the body.
Research on GLA suggests that it may help reduce and slow down the inflammatory process. This reduction in inflammation may have a positive impact on cardiovascular disease, lung disease, metabolic conditions and autoimmune conditions. GLA also plays a role in inhibiting destructive enzymes that promote inflammation.
If you’re looking for natural ways to combat inflammation in your body, consider a GLA supplement!
