The Problem with Traditional Chronic Inflammation Treatments - and What to Do Instead

May 26, 2025

We've Been Treating Chronic Inflammation the Same Way for Decades

From over-the-counter painkillers to prescription steroids, traditional inflammation treatments are everywhere. They're familiar. They're easy. But they often come with a cost - and not just at the pharmacy.

Whether it's chronic joint pain, autoimmune flare-ups, or post injury recovery, the goal is usually the same: suppress symptoms fast. But that approach rarely addresses the root cause. And it might be doing more harm than good.

The Problem With NSAIDs and Steroids

NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) and corticosteroids (like prednisone) are widely used to reduce chronic inflammation. But they come with risks - especially for long-term use:

NSAIDs can irritate the gut, increase blood pressure, and may accelerate cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis.
Steroids may weaken bones, elevate blood sugar and suppress immune function over time.

These medications mask chronic inflammation. But they don't resolve it. They're chemical "silencers", not systemic solutions.

The Fish Oil Dilemma

Fish oil has long been marketed as the natural chronic inflammation remedy. But here's the truth:

Most capsules provide too little DHA to make a clinical impact
Fish oil can be oxidised or contaminated with heavy metals
Some ingredients in the capsules can be counterproductive
Don't forget the environmental and ethical questions that come alongside fish oil production

The reality? Fish oil isn't the gold standard - it's just what most people know and is widely available. And it's time to move on and make a change.

The Role of omega-3s - and Why DHA is Different

Omega-3s are essential for regulating chronic inflammation, immune response, brain function and cell repair. But not all omega-3s are equal - and not all are equally effective.

ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), found in flax and chia, must be converted to DHA or EPA in the body - but conversion rates are extremely low. It's not a reliable source of active omega-3s.
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) can help with short-term inflammatory response, but its bioavailability and long-term efficacy are limited. It's less effective on its own for managing chronic inflammation, and less readily integrated into cell membranes compared to DHA.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is the most bioavailable and functionally essential omega-3. It plays a key role in resolving inflammation, supporting immune regulation, protecting the nervous system, and maintaining cell membrane integrity across the body and brain.

Clinical research shows that a daily intake of 1-2 grams of DHA is needed for meaningful anti-inflammatory benefits - especially for people managing chronic or autoimmune conditions.

The omega-6:3 Imbalance You Didn't Know You Had

Most people consume far too many pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids (from seed oil, processed foods, etc) and not enough anti-inflammatory omega-3s, leading to a pro-inflammatory internal environment.

Correcting that balance - especially by increasing DHA - helps support:

Joint and muscle comfort
Mood and cognitive function
Skin, gut and immune health

It's not about hacks or quick fixes. It's about restoring balance. Read our blog post on the importance of the omega-6:3 ratio for more.

SoSwell: A Smarter, Cleaner Approach to Inflammation

SoSwell is a daily plant-based formula designed to do what fish oil and pharmaceuticals can't:

Deliver a clinically backed daily dose of DHA each day from algae (no fish, no fillers) in an easy to take powder
Include zeaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that supports cell resilience
Skip the side effects - no gut irritation, no immune suppression

It's the anti-inflammatory support your body actually needs - without the baggage.

Final Thought: Relief Shouldn't Come With a Trade-Off

If you've been relying on NSAIDs, fish oil or hit-and-miss supplements, you deserve better. There's a new way forward - one that's backed by science, rooted in nature, and designed to protect your body over the long term.

Try SoSwell today and experience what real inflammation relief feels like - from the inside out.