Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Cancer

You’ve probably heard of omega-3 fatty acids, the healthy fats found in fish oil. They do more than just keep you healthy. These fats help your body fight inflammation and may even slow the growth of cancer cells. Let’s understand how they work simply.

The good fats your body needs

Omega-3s are good fats your body can’t make on its own. You get them from foods like fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds. They keep your heart strong, your brain sharp, and your body calm when inflammation flares up. Inflammation isn’t always bad; it’s your body’s way of fighting back when something’s wrong. But when it lasts too long, it can hurt healthy cells too, and that’s where omega-3s step in.

How Omega-3s keep inflammation under control

These fats help the body shut down unnecessary inflammation. They lower certain inflammatory chemicals, such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6, which cause swelling. They block the signals that keep inflammation going and help the body make compounds that calm things down again. They also slow down white blood cells that can damage tissues when too many gather in one spot. In short, omega-3s help your body heal in a balanced way.

How Omega-3s help in cancer

Cancer starts when certain cells grow out of control. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation attack those cells but can also leave the body inflamed and weak. Omega-3s help your body bounce back. They slow down the growth of cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery. These fats also tell damaged cells to die naturally so they don’t spread. Some research shows omega-3s can lower enzymes and genes that help tumors grow.

In one clinical trial published in Frontiers in Nutrition, lung cancer patients who took omega-3 supplements for twelve weeks gained weight, had better nutrition levels, and showed lower inflammation. Another study review in 2019 found that omega-3s can ease pain, fatigue, and appetite loss in people with cancer, making daily life a bit easier during treatment.

The mental health bonus

Omega-3s don’t just work on your body; they help your mind too. Many people going through cancer feel anxious or low. These healthy fats support brain health, improve mood, and help you stay calmer during recovery.

How much omega-3 do you really need?

Health experts like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA) say that taking around two grams of omega-3s (EPA and DHA) each day can help reduce inflammation. But if you’re on medicines like blood thinners or steroids, talk to your doctor before using omega-3 supplements.

Omega-3s deserve a spot on your plate

Omega-3s aren’t magic, but they’re powerful helpers. They fight inflammation, slow tumor growth, and even lift your mood. You can get them from foods like salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, or walnuts, or from supplements if your doctor says it’s safe. They don’t replace treatment, but they make your body stronger and your recovery smoother, one healthy step at a time.