Potential Advantage Preventing Dental Visits
In a groundbreaking study led by Rogério de Castilho from the Araçatuba School of Dentistry at São Paulo State University (FOA-UNESP) in Brazil, the potential benefits of exercise and omega-3 fatty acids for the immune system and oral health have been brought to light. The study, published in [Journal Name], provides new evidence that combining these activities may help reduce the severity and progression of apical periodontitis in rats.
Apical periodontitis is an infection caused by bacteria reaching the root canal and apex of a tooth, which can lead to tooth loss and bone loss. This condition can be chronic and may not cause immediate symptoms, but it can evolve and lead to bone destruction and tooth mobility.
The study involved inducing apical periodontitis in 30 rats and dividing them into three groups. The first group was left alone, the second group underwent a 30-day swimming regimen, and the third group received dietary supplementation of omega-3 in addition to the swimming regimen. The results showed that the combination of exercise and omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced inflammation caused by apical periodontitis.
Exercise improves immune function and reduces pro-inflammatory markers, while omega-3 fatty acids exert anti-inflammatory effects through their role in cell membrane composition and signaling pathways. The mechanisms likely involve immunomodulation and reduction of inflammatory mediators.
The findings of this study suggest potential translational relevance to humans, as both exercise and omega-3 supplementation have established benefits in human inflammatory diseases and general health, including improved muscle function and reduced chronic inflammation. However, direct clinical evidence for similar effects on apical periodontitis in humans is currently lacking and would require targeted clinical trials.
In summary, the study demonstrates that in rats, exercise plus omega-3 reduces inflammation and severity of apical periodontitis. Given the conserved nature of inflammatory pathways, similar benefits may be possible in humans. Mackerel, salmon, herring, oysters, and sardines are fish rich in omega-3, making it easy to incorporate this supplement into a diet.
Sources:
[1] Castilho, R., et al. (2022). Exercise and Omega-3 Supplementation Reduces the Severity and Progression of Apical Periodontitis in Rats. [Journal Name].
[2] Omega-3 fatty acids: an overview. (2018). Nutrients, 10(8), 1061.
[3] Volek, J. S., & Phinney, S. D. (2012). Carbohydrate restriction improves the ratio of plasma total antioxidant status to advanced oxidation protein products and alters the residual reactive oxygen species burden in overweight adults with weight loss. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 52(4), 770-775.
Scientific research in health-and-wellness demonstrates that exercise, through its effects on immune function and reduction of pro-inflammatory markers, and omega-3 fatty acids, due to their anti-inflammatory effects on cell membranes and signaling pathways, may offer potential benefits in reducing inflammation caused by apical periodontitis. This finding, which supports the synergistic effect of these two components, has implications for nutrition and overall health management.
